Reasons to Make the Switch

Gas prices are breaking records all across the country. If you have a fleet of vehicles to keep on the road, the cost of fuel is a big part of your bottom line. You can save money and make the greener choice with Propane Autogas.

Propane Autogas, also called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, is so versatile. It can do more than keep you warm, cook your food, and dry your clothes. It can also fuel your fleet of vehicles.

Why Propane Autogas Is Good for Your Fleet

Here six reasons for choosing Propane Autogas for your company’s vehicles:

1. Propane Autogas costs less than gasoline. Propane Autogas tends to cost between 30% and 50% less per gallon than retail gasoline. That will make a big difference on your bottom line. Although conversion does involve some upfront costs, it will only take a few years to make your money back and come out ahead. You may also qualify for government incentives that will make it an even better financial decision to switch.
2. Your vehicles will go the distance. Your vehicles will get greater range. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, so using Propane Autogas will reduce your maintenance costs and extend the longevity of each vehicle. That means every vehicle in your fleet can spend more time out on the road making money for you.
3. Propane Autogas is reliable. For years, Propane Autogas has been a well-kept secret by those in the know. It’s been fueling vehicles for decades. And it’s the third most common vehicle fuel in the world. In addition, propane engines perform better and start more consistently in cold weather. That’s peace of mind you’ll appreciate during the freezing winter months.
4. Propane Autogas is safe. Thanks to strict regulations and safety standards, propane has a great safety track record. Propane tanks are 20 times less likely than gasoline tanks to be punctured. And Propane Autogas vehicles are tested extensively to ensure they’ll perform safely in both normal driving and crash situations.
5. Propane Autogas is greener than gasoline. Propane vehicles produce less air pollution and have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles. Propane Autogas generates less carbon monoxide and less nitrogen oxides. It also leads to less greenhouse gas and fewer particulate emissions.
6. Propane Autogas is made in America. Propane is largely domestically produced, and so it is a secure resource. In fact, more than 90% of the US supply of Propane Autogas is produced domestically.

Making the Switch to Propane

If you’re considering Propane Autogas for your fleet, Hocon Gas can help walk you through the next steps. We’re here to help you convert your fleet, set up a fueling station on your company’s property, or make arrangements for Propane Autogas delivery. We can also help you determine if you qualify for cash incentives.

With six strategic locations, Hocon Gas serves both commercial and residential customers in Norwalk, Torrington, Waterbury, Danbury, Guilford, Suffield, Shelton, and surrounding towns in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. Click here to find the branch in your area.

Contact Hocon Gas today to take advantage of our exceptional Propane Autogas service and competitive prices.

Lower Your Energy Costs This Summer

Everywhere you look, prices are on the rise. It costs more to put gas in the tank and food on the table. At Hocon, we offer our customers a reliable source of propane and heating oil at competitive prices. We care about providing you with the best service in the area. And we’re here to help you add a bit of breathing room to your budget this summer.

Here are some tips for saving energy (and money on your energy bills) this summer when you’re away on vacation.

5 Tips for Saving Energy While on Vacation

Before you hit the road for your next trip, add a few items to your pre-vacation checklist. Doing a few simple things before you leave home for a few days or more will help you save money on energy costs while you’re away.

1. Adjust your AC. If no one will be in the home while you’re gone, then there’s no need to keep things as cool. You can safely turn up the temperature on your AC to as high at 85 degrees Fahrenheit. With a programmable thermostat, you can change the settings for the dates you’ll be away and then schedule your regular settings to resume a few hours before your return, so you come home to a comfortable house. With a smart thermostat, you can make any necessary adjustments from your smartphone.
2. Adjust your water heater. Just as you don’t need to keep your home as cool while you’re away, you don’t need to keep your water as hot if there will be no one in the home using it. Roughly 20% of your home’s energy costs goes to heating water. Many water heaters have a vacation setting. If yours doesn’t, set the temperature to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Unplug. There are lots of appliances that we call “energy vampires,” because even when they’re not in use, they use up energy. Unplug anything with a display or indicator light. Unplug your coffee maker, toaster, and other kitchen appliances. Unplug all electronic chargers. Unplug your TV, washer & dryer, computers, printers, and gaming consoles. If you won’t be recording shows on your DVR, you can unplug your modems, routers, and cable boxes as well.
4. Install timers etc. Although you want to unplug as many appliances as possible to save energy, you don’t want your home to invite burglars by remaining completely dark every night you’re away. Adding motion sensors to you outdoor lighting and putting a few indoor lights on timers are cost-effective security measures you can take.
5. Close your blinds and/or curtains. This is a practice that can save you money whether you’re home or away. Closing your blinds and curtains to the sun will help your home stay cooler with less energy. It’s also a safety measure while you’re away because outsiders won’t be able to see into your home.

There’s one more thing you should do before you leave for vacation. Make sure you have enough propane and/or heating oil so that you won’t have to worry about ordering any when you get back from your trip. Or make your life even easier by signing up for automatic delivery so you never have to worry about ordering fuel again. At Hocon, we offer both our propane and heating oil customers the option of automatic delivery.

You Can Rely on Hocon

Hocon serves thousands of residents in Connecticut, central Massachusetts, and New York. Click here to see if one of our many locations services your area.

Contact us today to learn more or to request a fuel delivery. 

Make This Summer a Gas!

The season for tee shirts, shorts, and flip-flops is finally here! That means it’s also time to start flipping burgers, grilling steaks, and having a gas and a great meal from your outdoor grill.

Whatever type of chef you are, Hocon has the right grill for you. We offer a wide selection of BBQ grills. You can build an elaborate outdoor kitchen that would impress any professional chef or keep it simple for just cooking burgers and hot dogs—and maybe the occasional steak.

Whatever type of grill you’re in the market for, just stop by one of our showrooms. You’ll leave satisfied and ready to cook a feast for your friends and family.

Benefits of Propane

Here are some of the benefits of using propane:

• Safety: Propane is one of the safest fuel options out there. It’s part of a highly regulated industry and there are built-in safeguards on all propane appliances.
• Efficiency & Savings: The average efficiency of propane is more than 90%. Whenever you’re using propane, you’re saving money versus using electricity.
• Convenience & reliability: You’re never at the mercy of a utility service when you’re a propane user. Plus, propane is portable, so you can take it camping, etc.
• Eco-Friendly: Propane has a small carbon footprint. It burns cleanly and generates virtually no greenhouse gas emissions.

Get Grilling with Propane!

Here are some of the benefits of grilling with propane:

• Propane grills are easy to start, get hot quickly, and are easy to clean when you’re done cooking.
• Propane grills give cooks precise temperature control and consistency. You can get the perfect sear every time.
• It costs roughly 50% less to use a propane grill versus cooking with electricity.
• Propane grills allow you to keep cooking whenever there’s a blackout because they don’t require an electrical component to work.

Hocon Makes Grilling with Propane Easy

Grilling with propane couldn’t be easier when you come to Hocon. Here’s why:

• Hocon will deliver and assemble your new grill plus a full tank of propane.
• One of our service technicians will test fire your grill to make sure it’s working as it should.
• If you’d like us to, Hocon will remove your old grill at no extra cost.
• We can also connect your grill to your gas line and eliminate the need for tank refills.
• Or simply bring your empty propane cylinders to one of our locations, and we’ll refill it for you.
• Don’t want to go to the store to swap out a BBQ grill tank? For your convenience, we are now offering GAS ON THE GO delivery of grill tanks to your home or business.

Whether you fire up the grill every day or just once in a while, if you live central Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire, you can rely on Hocon. Stop by one of our new showrooms or contact us today to learn more. 

Tips for Protecting Your Household

There are lots of reasons so many customers choose to use propane. First of all, it’s extremely versatile. There’s so much it can do in and around your New England home—everything from heating your house to your deck or pool to powering your grill. And that’s just the beginning.

Another one of propane’s benefits is how safe it is to use. Propane has a great safety track record. In fact, propane is one of the safest fuels you can use.

Propane is a versatile and safe fuel for heating your home and running appliances. However, whenever a thunderstorm strikes, there are safety measures you should take as a propane customer.

Thunderstorm Safety Measures for Propane Customers

If you’re a propane customer, here’s what to do before, during, and after a thunderstorm:

Propane safety before a thunderstorm:

• Check for leaks. Make sure you don’t have any propane leaks. Even a small leak could lead to big problems during a storm.
• Safety review: Remind everyone in your household how to identify a propane leak and what to do in the event of one.
• Locate your gas main. Make sure you know where your gas main is and how to turn it off. In the event of an evacuation, turn off your gas main before you leave. This could help prevent a fire from starting if your tank is damaged in the storm and begins to leak.

Propane safety during a thunderstorm:

• Be careful. You’re safest indoors. If you must go outside, make sure to avoid power lines and anything that is a conductor. That includes your propane tank.
• Stay informed. Listen out for instructions from your local emergency personnel and community leaders. They’ll give important safety updates such as areas to avoid and when to evacuate.

Propane safety after a thunderstorm:

• Be observant. Once the storm is over and it’s safe to go outside, check your property for fallen trees and downed power lines.
• Conduct an inspection. Carefully inspect your propane tank and appliances for damage. Look for visible issues and run each appliance to make sure it’s not malfunctioning.
• Avoid candles. Don’t burn candles near anything powered by propane—especially as you’re inspecting them.

Safety matters at Hocon. We adhere to high industry safety standards and observe all safety regulations. We also want to make sure you and your family know what safety measures you need to take. Click here for propane safety tips and to learn more about propane.

Hocon is a propane provider you can rely on.

Hocon is a reliable propane provider that serves the residents of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

You can count on Hocon to deliver your propane on time, every time. Contact us today to learn more or to request a delivery.

We Deliver!

Now that things are starting to heat up in Connecticut, it’s finally time to fire up the BBQ grill and get cooking! You already know the advantages of grilling with propane. You get the precision temperature control most professional chefs choose for their own kitchens. You get lots of opportunities for customization because BBQ grills range from simple to advanced with add-ons like multiple-level cooking surfaces, rotisseries, side burners, smoker boxes, and more. You also get versatility and portability. Propane tanks can power more than a BBQ grill. They can also be used for outdoor space and deck heaters as well as fire pits. And you can take your propane cylinders on camping trips and the like.

Propane can do a lot. And cooking outdoors with propane couldn’t be easier. Or could it?

Propane Cylinder Delivery

Hocon has made your grilling season even easier and more convenient, because now you don’t need to leave your home to exchange your propane cylinders. As part of our Gas on the Go service, we deliver propane cylinders to our commercial and residential customers in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.

Gas on the Go

Here’s how our Gas on the Go delivery service works:

• Click here to fill out our propane cylinder delivery request form. You’ll be able to select your preferred delivery date. (The more notice you can give us the better.)
• Then all you have to do is leave your empty tank(s) by your garage or in front of your home.
• We’ll swap each empty BBQ tank for a full tank.
• You’ll pay $24.88 for each tank swapped.
• You can also purchase a new full tank for just $56.95.

You Can Rely on Hocon

Hocon is here to make your life easier. In addition to our propane cylinder delivery service, we provide reliable propane delivery at a reasonable price to the residents of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. We also sell a wide variety of propane products including barbeque grills. So whatever your needs are this BBQ season, you can rely on Hocon.

Contact us today to learn more or to exchange your tank without ever having to leaving your house. 

Extend Your Swimming Season

Are you ready to make a splash? Why not add a propane pool heater and extend your swimming season? Enjoy your pool from early spring to late autumn. Don’t let a cool Connecticut morning or evening keep you out of the water. So whether you’re installing a new pool or simply want to upgrade the one you already have, make Hocon your propane pool heater provider. We also provide expert installation. In fact, we install more pool heaters than just about anyone in Connecticut.

Do you already have a propane pool heater? Let our professional technicians inspect and service it so that it runs at peak efficiency.

Quality

In addition to expertise, Hocon provides quality. We sell and service a complete line of reliable and highly efficient propane pool and spa heaters from leading manufacturers like Raypak, Jandy, Sta-Rite and Hayward. 

Why Propane Pool Heaters?

Why choose a propane pool heater versus one that’s electric or solar powered? Propane pool heaters offer certain advantages. For example:

• Electric heat pump heaters need to use the surrounding air to warm the water in your pool. That means they can only warm the water slightly above the temperature of the air. A propane pool heater isn’t limited by the air temperature, so you can enjoy your pool on even a chilly day.
• Solar pool heaters cost more upfront and take longer to heat your pool as compared to propane pool heaters. Also, a solar system doesn’t work at night or on cloudy days. A propane pool heater isn’t limited by the amount of sunshine, so you can enjoy your pool on a cool and cloudy day.

Propane heaters offer a lot of additional benefits. They’re an ideal choice for in-ground and aboveground pools. Here are some more reasons to choose a propane pool heater.

• They’re easy to install and maintain.
• They’re ultra-efficient.
• They’re extremely durable and reliable.
• They’re eco-friendly.
• They’re available in a number of sizes and colors.

You Can Rely on Hocon

In addition to a wide variety of propane appliances like pool heaters, Hocon provides reliable propane delivery at a reasonable price to the residents of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. So whatever your propane needs are, you can rely on Hocon.

If you’re ready to add a propane pool heater, don’t wait! Because of supply chain issues and equipment shortages, supplies of pool heaters are severely limited. If you’re interested, contact us today to get on the list.

Your water heater is responsible for roughly 20% of your energy bills. Combine that piece of information with how critical your water heater is to the comfort of your family, and it makes sense to have the best. Hocon offers state-of-the-art tankless water heaters that will provide you and your family with a virtually endless supply of hot water on demand—all while saving you money on energy costs.

There are a number of reasons to choose a tankless water heater for your Connecticut home. Tankless water heaters are energy-saving, space-efficient, and provide a virtually endless supply of hot water.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits propane tankless water heaters offer and how they compare to traditional water heaters.

Tankless vs Traditional Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters give you hot water on demand. They’re more energy-efficient and space-efficient than traditional water heaters. Here are some other reasons they’re better:

1. Tankless water heaters provide a virtually unlimited supply of hot water. With a traditional water heater, if a few people (or appliances) use up all the hot water on hand, you have to wait for more water to be heated. If you choose the proper size for your home, even with multiple appliances (or showers) going at the same time, you’ll never run out of hot water with a tankless water heater.
2. With a traditional water heater, hot water that isn’t being used needs tends to cool and then needs to be heated again. That can happen over and over again with the same volume of water! Especially during the winter months when the water starts colder and loses heat more quickly in your cold basement, that can add up to a lot of wasted energy and money. Tankless water heaters only work when there’s a demand for hot water, and they don’t require a pilot light. Because of this, you could save up to 40% on your energy bills with a tankless water heater versus a traditional one.
3. Tankless water heaters are small enough to go almost anywhere. They’re about the size of a suitcase, so you can put one on just about any wall inside or outside your house. You can even put it completely out of sight in a closet or crawl space.
4. You get great longevity with a tankless water heater. Conventional water heaters have a lifespan of about 10 years. Tankless water heaters last an average of 18 years.

Money Matters: Operating Costs

Although you’ll spend a bit more to install a tankless water heater, you’ll make that money back over time because they cost significantly less to operate.

If you live in Danbury, Guilford, Norwalk, Shelton, Suffield, Torrington, Waterbury, or one of the surrounding towns in Connecticut, New York, or Massachusetts, make Hocon your go-to source when it’s time to upgrade your water heater.

Contact Hocon today to learn more about the water heaters we sell. And be sure to ask us about money-saving rebates from Rinnai.

Happy Earth Day from Hocon!

Chances are you already know what a versatile and cost-effective fuel propane is. Perhaps Hocon has already installed a propane appliance in your Connecticut home. But do you also know what environmental benefits propane offers as compared to electricity? In celebration of Earth Day, let’s take a look at some of propane’s environmental benefits.

Propane’s Green Benefits

The advantages of propane are clear when you compare homes that use propane to homes that don’t. In the case of an all-electric home versus one that uses propane for heating, the propane home will generate up to 30% fewer carbon emissions. A home that uses propane not just for heating but also for water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and space heating will produce up to 50% fewer carbon emissions than an all-electric house. Why? Propane appliances are extremely efficient. That efficiency means a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, as the lightest and simplest hydrocarbon on earth, propane is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. It produces almost no greenhouse gases.

Consider propane’s superior efficiency with regards to the following appliances:

• Given the same amount of time, a propane water heater will produce double the hot water an electric water heater can generate.
• Propane clothes dryers can do the job 25% faster than electric dryers.
• Propane space heaters are significantly more efficient than electric space heaters.

All that efficiency adds up to make propane appliances better for the environment than their electric counterparts and better for your budget.

Additionally, in the rare event of a leak, propane doesn’t damage the environment. It doesn’t harm the air, soil, water, plants, or water-based organisms. It just dissipates.

Count on Hocon

In addition to offering a comprehensive line of propane appliances, Hocon also provides reliable propane delivery at a reasonable price for the residents of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. You can also call on us for appliance repairs. Whatever you need, we’re here for you.

You can count on Hocon. Contact us today to learn more about the propane appliances and services we offer.

Propane is everywhere. It’s versatile, efficient, and one of the cleanest fuel options out there. There’s a lot propane can do for your Connecticut home. It can run a variety of appliances inside and outside your home—from the clothes dryer to the grill.

Since propane appliances run more efficiently and therefore more cost-effectively than their electric counterparts, using propane is good for your budget and the environment. Propane is also a plentiful resource created here in the US, so you don’t need to worry that geopolitical events will interrupt or affect its availability. And because it’s a natural by-product of energy production, it doesn’t require any expensive infrastructure for its production or delivery.

An introduction to renewable propane

At the chemical level, renewable propane is practically identical to traditional propane. The two can be mixed and used interchangeably. All of your propane appliances are able to use renewable propane right now without any modifications. The primary difference between traditional propane and renewable propane is their source.

Making renewable propane

Renewable propane is made from a mix of waste residues and sustainably sourced materials like agricultural waste products, cooking oil, and meat fats. It is often a coproduct of biodiesel production. Because renewable propane has so many natural sources, like traditional propane, it has the potential to be widely available. And because renewable propane isn’t made from fossil fuels, it presents several advantages to the environment.

Renewable propane’s environmental benefits

Renewable propane is beneficial to the environment in two main ways:

1. Landfill diversion: When cooking oils and animal fats are recycled to create biodiesel and renewable propane, less waste ends up in landfills.
2. Carbon reduction: Renewable propane has a better carbon intensity than most other energy sources. In fact, the carbon intensity of renewable propane is up to 5 times better than that of diesel fuel or gasoline and up to 1 ½ times better than that of electricity from the US power grid.

Where renewable propane is produced

America has a few renewable propane refineries, and more are in the works. For example, California’s AltAir Fuels produces renewable propane as a coproduct of sustainable jet fuel. In Europe, even more commercial production plants are being developed. Renewable propane represents the next step towards a zero-carbon-emissions future. Visit RenewablePropaneGas.com to learn more.

Hocon is a propane provider you can rely on.

Propane is clean-burning, cost-effective, versatile, abundant, and efficient. Hocon is a reliable propane provider serving the residents of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.

You can count on Hocon to deliver your propane on time, every time. Contact us today to learn more or to request a delivery.

Upgrade your home with a new propane appliance!

It’s tax season. The deadline to file is just around the corner. Perhaps you’re one of the lucky Americans expecting a refund this year. Maybe you’ve already filed and received your refund and want a practical way to spend it. Consider upgrading your home’s outdoor space with the addition of a propane appliance. With spring here and summer just around the corner, this is a particularly good time to consider a propane appliance that will help you get more out of your backyard.

Outdoor Propane Appliances

Hocon offers a number of propane appliances that will add to your family’s enjoyment of your backyard. Here are a few:

• Barbecue Grills: We have a grill for every level of outdoor chef—from the cook looking to build the ultimate outdoor kitchen to the person who just wants to be able to grill some burgers and hotdogs on a nice afternoon or evening. We have an extensive inventory of grills to choose from and we it easy for you in the following ways:
  1. Hocon will deliver and assemble your new grill, complete with a full tank of propane.
  2. We can connect your grill to an existing gas line. Then you’ll no longer need to refill the small tank.
  3. Our service technicians will test your grill for you to make sure it’s working properly.
  4. If you want us to, we will remove your old grill at no extra cost.
• Pool Heaters: Why not extend your swimming season with the addition of a pool heater? Propane pool heaters are easy to install, efficient, durable, reliable, eco-friendly, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. As with all our products, we’ll see that your pool heater is expertly installed.
• Outdoor Patio Heaters: Spring still has some cool mornings and evenings in store for us. But with an outdoor patio heater, you don’t have to let a chill in the air send you indoors. Spend more time outside by adding a patio heater to your outdoor space. Hocon offers the more comprehensive inventory of patio heaters currently on the market.
• Outdoor Fire Pits: Gather the family or some friends and roast marshmallows or just enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your firepit. Unlike a traditional fire pit, you won’t have to collect or buy wood or clean up ash and soot. Some systems are even advanced enough to be controlled with an app on your phone!

Not sure what to choose? Our staff is knowledgeable and happy to help you choose the right appliance for your outdoor space. They’ll also coordinate the installation.

Regardless of what you purchase, you can count on Hocon to always send expert technicians who will maintain your appliances and keep them running safely. So why not use your tax refund to invest in something your whole family can enjoy and that will help you get even more use and enjoyment out of your backyard?

Hocon is a company you can rely on

If you live in Danbury, Guilford, Norwalk, Shelton, Suffield, Torrington, Waterbury, or one of the surrounding towns in Connecticut, New York, or Massachusetts, make Hocon your go-to source for propane appliances. We also provide reliable propane delivery at a reasonable price.

You can count on Hocon. Contact us today to learn more about the outdoor propane appliances we sell or visit one of our nearby showrooms.

Let us know if anything has changed in your home

The past few years have forced most of us to change. Covid and concerns for our welfare and the safety of our families and communities caused many of us to change how and where we work, study, enjoy our friends and family and celebrate milestones and holidays. We’ve changed our travel plans. We’ve changed how we spend money. Now the seasons are changing. We’re bidding farewell to the cold snap of winter and welcoming the milder weather of spring. Crocuses have started to bloom in many a Connecticut garden. And we’re getting a bit more sunlight each day.

Perhaps this season is also bringing about changes specifically affecting your Connecticut household. If that’s the case, and you’re one of Hocon’s propane or heating oil automatic delivery customers, please keep us in the loop. Doing so helps us keep our deliveries as accurate as possible.

What changes your home fuel use?

There are lots of things that can affect your fuel usage and needs. Here are just a few:

• The size of your household. Are you expecting an addition to your family? Are your kids home from school on spring break? Perhaps a friend or family member has come to live with you long-term. The number of people in your home will affect how much fuel you consume. Let us know whenever that number changes.
• Your family’s schedule. Are you working from home more (or less)? Have you switched to a hybrid schedule? Does your family cook more meals at home now? Or are you forgoing the homecooked meals and going out to eat more often? If the amount of time your family spends in the house or the frequency with which you use your propane stove changes, so will your fuel needs.
• Your travel plans. Are you heading out of town this spring? If you’re planning a trip and will be away from home for an extended period of time, please let us know so we can adjust your delivery schedule accordingly.
• Updates and renovations. Have you recently made or are you planning to make any major renovations or additions to your home? If you make significant changes to your living space or add a new propane appliance, that will also affect your fuel needs. Please let us know.

Help us remain accurate

The more accurate a picture we have of your household’s habits and needs, the better we can serve you with accurate fuel deliveries. So please remember to keep us up to date on any significant changes in your home or household.

You can count on Hocon

Hocon has six strategic locations that serve residents and companies throughout Connecticut and in parts of Massachusetts and New York. Click here to find the branch closest to you.

Contact Hocon today to let us know about any changes in your home and to help us serve you better.