Sprucing up your outdoor living area with propane appliances is a great way to fight cabin fever in your Connecticut home at a fraction of the cost of a home addition – and now is the perfect time to do it.

An investment in your outdoor space will help you improve your summer quality of life while also giving your home greater curb appeal if you choose to sell it – to say nothing of what it will do for your energy bills if your family spends more time outside your home than in it.

Imagine what you could do with an outdoor space packed with the many of the home comforts you know and love. Consider these propane possibilities for your outdoor space:

• Propane pool heaters – Why limit your swimming to hot summer afternoons? Get a high-efficiency propane pool heater and you can swim in the morning, at night – even in September.
• Propane patio heaters – Stay comfortable on cool evenings with a propane outdoor space heater. Perfect for patio, porch, or pergola.
• Propane mosquito magnets – Imagine mosquito protection without the noxious smells or obnoxious sounds of sprays and zappers. That’s what you’ll get with a propane mosquito magnet (here’s how it works).
• A propane grill – Make a propane barbecue grill the centerpiece of your outdoor kitchen, or upgrade your charcoal grill to a propane portable model.
• Propane lighting  – From tiki torches to modern fixtures, propane gas lamps add an inviting ambiance to any outdoor space.
• Propane fire pits and fire tables – Imagine sitting fireside under the stars without leaving your backyard, and without the setup and cleanup hassles of a wood fire. That’s what you get when you install a propane fire pit or fire table.

Power your outdoor fun with propane – delivered when and where you need it from the pros at Hocon. Contact us today to learn more about reliable propane deliveries in Connecticut, or to get a no-obligation estimate on propane outdoor living appliance installation in CT.

Propane achieved another significant win in the clean energy debate with the opening of a multi-fuel travel center in Hartford, Connecticut on June 18, 2021. 3 years in the making, this is the only multi-alternative fuels travel center in the United States.

Propane autogas refueling infrastructure and a dozen propane-powered vehicles featured alongside electricity and hydrogen underscores the vital position our energy has in achieving America’s net-zero emissions goals.

Dave Gable, president of HOCON Gas, was instrumental in making propane autogas a part of Pride Travel Center with his company designing and installing the refueling infrastructure and now supplying the fuel. The 18,000-gallon tank and dispenser include SES software that tracks data like driver and vehicle identification, mileage and gallons pumped, providing a convenient experience for fleets.

Having propane autogas at Pride Travel Center will provide the opportunity for more fleets and schools in Hartford, Conn., to experience the benefits of propane and to help improve air quality and reduce emissions in the surrounding area. In addition to being a low-carbon energy source, today’s propane autogas ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) engines are 90 percent cleaner than Environmental Protection Agency standards and reduce NOx emissions by 96 percent compared to the clean diesel engine.

More than 70 people attended the grand opening event, including numerous media stations, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman John Larson, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes, Dave Gable, NPGA’s Michael Baker, PERC’s Tucker Perkins and Stephen Whaley, and additional propane industry members.

If you like swimming in a comfortable pool all summer long, a pool heater can be a great addition to your Connecticut home. But what kind of pool heater should you get? The answer to that question depends a lot on how warm you like your pool, and when you intend to use it.

Let’s take a look at some of the options.  

If you like water in the 80-85° range: If you like a pool that stays almost as warm as the summer air gets here in Connecticut, about the only way to manage that trick is with a gas pool heater. There is simply no quicker or more effective way to heat your pool.

Even though propane is an extremely efficient way to heat water, running a propane heater full-time can get costly – a big reason why it’s super-important to have your pool heater maintained every year, and to do what you can to help the water retain as much heat as possible.

Propane pool heaters are also about the only way to keep your pool water reliably warm when temperatures dip – on a cool night or morning, for example, or during the shoulder swimming times of late spring and early September.

If you like water in the low- to mid-70° range: Propane pool heaters work best here, too. Electric heat pumps can do a good job of heating your pool for daily use – but keep in mind that they use heat from the air near your pool to heat the water. That makes them a great option if you live in Florida, or if air temperatures are at least as high as the water temperatures you want for your swimming. But as soon as temperatures dip, you’re going to lose that heat pretty quickly, and have to wait for the next heat wave to get it back.

If you like water cooler than 70°: If you don’t mind a bracing dip, your pool heating options widen. For example, a solar pool heater might keep your pool warm enough for your taste. Just keep in mind that a solar pool heater, much like a heat pump, can’t reliably raise temperatures more than a few degrees above the air temperature. They also need something we don’t always get here in Connecticut: a steady supply of sun to keep the heater running reliably.

The Bottom Line

Pool heaters can be a great option for helping you swim comfortably, but only a gas pool heater will help overcome the cooler air temperatures we often see here in late spring and late summer – not to mention on the many cooler nights and evenings we see in between.

If you want a reliably warm pool, gas is the only way to go – and if you want that luxury without the inconvenience of connecting a natural gas line, a propane gas pool heater fits the bill perfectly.

Swim earlier and later in the year, and on cool nights and mornings, with a propane pool heater from Hocon. Contact us today to learn more about propane pool heater installations in Connecticut!

Propane fire pits are the easiest way to bring the comfort of a warm fire to your outdoor space: in just a few seconds, you’ll have a consistent flame up and running, with no need to prep wood or add kindling.

With adjustable flame heights and the ability to produce ample radiant heat, your propane fire also emits no smoke or odor. That means your fire pit will not only keep you warm, but it will also allow you to stay in one place rather than moving every time a breeze blows smoke in one direction or another!

Considering these benefits and more, it’s no wonder why more people than ever are choosing propane fire pits as a focal point for their outdoor living space. The only question is, what kind of propane fire pit should you choose? Let’s take a look at five popular options.

Five Propane Fire Pit Types

There is an excellent selection of propane fire pits to choose from these days, built from a range of materials and configured in a variety of ways. Some of the most popular types of propane fire pit available today include:

• Concrete/stone fire pits – A favorite for those who want a more “natural” setting, concrete or stone fire pits offer a hassle-free experience and a simple, classic look.
• Fire bowls – This style of fire pit has become wildly popular in recent years. Durable and built from an array of materials (copper is particularly popular), these circular fire pits are easy to sit around and budget-friendly.
• Fire columns – Propane fire columns are similar to fire bowls, except that they are built on a raised surface from a variety of materials. Fire columns are a great option for smaller outdoor spaces.
• Fire tables – Fire tables create an awesome, intimate ambiance in your backyard. As the name suggests, they are simply a tabletop with a centered flame. While they don’t put out a lot of heat, they definitely up the “wow” factor of your outdoor space.
• Portable fire pits – Some propane fire pits are built to be moved, using lightweight materials and incorporating features such as wheels and handles. Same great experience, greater flexibility.

Fire Pit Shopping Considerations

If a propane fire pit upgrade seems like a great way to go for you, it’s time to whittle down your choices. How? Ask yourself these questions to narrow the field:

• What are you using the fire pit for? Is it purely for aesthetics, for heat, or for a combination?
• What kind of space do you have? Some styles of fire pit are best for intimate spaces, others are better for group gathering. Which is right for you?
• Is portability a factor? Some propane fire pits are designed to be portable, others aren’t. Which do you need?

Once you get your propane fire pit choices narrowed down, give the pros at Hocon a call – we’ll help you find the perfect propane fire pit and install it quickly and safely, so you can start enjoying it right away!

Contact us today to learn more about propane fire pits, or to learn more about propane outdoor living equipment installations in CT!

There’s nothing better than spending time outdoors at home during the summer, and even into the New England fall. The problem is, evenings here in Connecticut can get pretty chilly, even in June (as we’ve seen recently).

That’s when a propane patio heater can really come in handy.

Propane patio heaters can take the edge off during open-air get-togethers in fickle weather. But what are the major factors to consider when shopping for one?

Tips For Picking A Patio Heater

Here are five key things to think about when choosing a propane patio heater.

• Power – The most important feature to consider when choosing a patio heater is its size or power (measured in Btus). Typically, the bigger the unit, the wider its heating diameter will be. Measure the space you want to heat and look for a patio heater with a wide enough throw to cover it.
• Configuration – Propane patio heaters come in wall- or ceiling-mounted, tabletop or freestanding configurations. Tabletop heaters stand about four feet high; freestanding heaters range between seven and nine feet high. One way to help decide between a tabletop and a freestanding heater is to consider whether you would prefer to manage a refillable / replaceable cylinder (freestanding) or a disposable (tabletop) propane canister.
• Safety features – The most popular safeguard built into a patio heater is anti-tip feature, which automatically shuts off the heater if it’s tipped past a certain angle. Choose a unit that contains this feature (most do). Other safety features to look for include an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and an overfill protection device (OPD).
• Fuel efficiency – Find your heater’s AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating (like MPG for your car, the higher the rating number, the more energy efficient the appliance is). A higher AFUE rating will mean you’ll spend less for fuel over the course of a season, all other things being equal.
• Style and other features – Many styles of patio heater are available – from modern models to classic brushed copper and enamel painted options. Other style considerations include portable vs. stationary (with or without wheels) and design or shape.

Need more help choosing a patio heater, or any other propane outdoor living appliance? Trust the pros at Hocon. Once your patio heater is up and running, let Hocon keep the outdoor party going with reliable propane deliveries in Connecticut. Contact us today to become a Hocon customer!

For years, Propane Autogas – also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane – has been one of the best-kept secrets in vehicle fuel in North America.

But smart fleet managers are beginning to discover the Propane Autogas advantage: from touring buses at Acadia National Park to Boston Public Schools, Yale University shuttles, the Town of Greenwich DPW fleet, and more. Recently, the Connecticut DOT has even gotten into the act, agreeing to upgrade some of their emergency vehicles for the upcoming winter season.

Why consider making the switch to Propane Autogas for your fleet? Consider these 8 benefits.

1. It costs less than gasoline – Propane Autogas has historically cost less – 20 to 50 percent less – than gasoline per gallon. Even when factor in the cost to convert your vehicles, you’ll still come out ahead in just a few years – especially when you factor in government incentives.
2. It’s a step up from electric – Not only to propane vehicles cost less up front than their electric counterparts ($100K vs. $300K for a propane school bus compared to an electric model, for example), but with renewable propane coming soon, they’ll even outperform electric vehicles in terms of their carbon footprint!
3. You’ll spend less on maintenance – Because propane burns cleaner than gasoline, your fleet will run longer and spend less time in the shop.
4. It’s available now – Propane is already produced in natural gas and oil refineries, so no new technology or capital investment is needed for the industry. All you need is a fueling station and you’re good to go.
5. It’s reliable – Propane Autogas may not be well known in the US, but it’s the third most common vehicle fuel in the world. Millions of cars worldwide have been using Propane Autogas for decades, including 23 million that are on the road right now.
6. It’s safe – Propane tanks are 20 times as puncture-resistant as gasoline tanks and require no ongoing testing as long as they hold product and have an identifiable data plate (unlike CNG tanks, which require ongoing testing). Propane Autogas vehicles are tested extensively to perform safely in both normal driving and crash situations, with specially designed pressure relief devices installed in every tank to allow the safe release of pressure should it rise above preset levels.
7. It’s greener than gasoline – Burning propane auto gas produces 60 percent less carbon monoxide, 20 percent less nitrogen oxides, up to 24 percent less greenhouse gas and 99% fewer particulate emissions. Compared to gasoline or diesel, choosing Propane Autogas reduces your carbon footprint.
8. It’s made in the USA – More than 90 percent of the US supply of Propane Autogas is produced domestically – so every gallon you buy reduces our country’s dependence on foreign oil.

Did you know that Hocon has an Propane Autogas dispensary and re-fueling station in Hartford? Besides servicing cars and trucks with gasoline and diesel fuel, the site includes EV stations, a hydrogen fueling station, two quick fueling EV stations for non-Tesla vehicles and a Propane Autogas fueling station.

It’s an exciting time for Hocon – and for fleet managers! To learn more about Propane Autogas, see our new brochure – or contact us to talk more about Propane Autogas fleet conversions in CT!

Recent legislation in states across the country would drastically change the way families heat their homes, with what seems like a worthwhile goal of eliminating fossil fuels to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

But things aren’t always what they seem!

While we here at Hocon recognize the need to address climate change, we also know that the rollout of these bills would force drastic, costly changes for you and your family, with little chance of achieving the plan’s emissions-savings goals.

What Happens When We Electrify Everything?

Consider these problems with all-out electrification:

• The bill, and others like it, aims to replace oil- and propane-fired boilers and furnaces with electric-powered heat pumps. However, more than half the electricity generated in Connecticut comes from burning natural gas, which is mostly methane – a gas that is more than 80 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. That will leave little change in Connecticut’s carbon footprint – in fact, it could actually expand it, especially when you consider that somewhere between eight and fifteen percent of the electricity produced by plants is lost en route to your home.
• The energy grid is already fragile and prone to brownouts during hot summer days. How can it be expected to handle the demands of a bitterly cold New England winter?
• Electric heat pumps are now fairly common as secondary sources of heat. However, their efficiency drops dramatically in cold weather – a problem propane and oil-fired systems don’t have. With electric heat pumps, be prepared for cold nights.
• According to regional data, the average cost to install a heat pump could be more than $20,000 – about double the replacement cost of today’s oil- and propane-fired boilers and furnaces.

The Bottom Line

Sometimes the best change is the change you don’t make. Don’t rush to electrification – get the facts. Improvements in oil and propane equipment efficiency and oil and propane emissions profiles make both fuels prime candidates for a seat at the clean energy table. Don’t count them out!

For reliable delivery of today’s cleaner, greener propane and heating oil, trust the pros at Hocon. Contact us today to learn more about reliable heating oil and propane deliveries in CT!

Propane pool heaters can extend your swim season by a month or more, to say nothing of the fact that they can keep you swimming comfortably on cool summer evenings and mornings. But how do you choose one for your Connecticut staycation getaway?

Let’s take a look at some of the most important considerations when choosing a propane pool heater.

Size Of Pool Heater

Perhaps the most obvious and important factor in choosing a propane pool heater is its size (or power). Your pool heater should be powerful enough to meet the heating load of the pool without overworking. Heating load is influenced by the unique conditions of your pool, including the surface area of the water, the difference between the pool’s water temperature and average air temperature where you live, how exposed the pool is to wind, and local humidity levels.

Propane pool heaters are sized according to their Btu output, with sizes ranging from 75,000 – 450,000 Btu or more.

To get an idea of the size heater you’ll need for you pool,

• choose a target temperature for your pool water
• find the average temperature for the coldest month in which you’ll use your pool
• subtract the average temperature during the coldest month from the desired pool temperature to get the temperature rise needed
• calculate the pool surface area of your pool in square feet.
• use the following formula to determine the Btu per hour output needed from your heater (based on 1-1.25 degree temperature rise per hour and a 3.5 mph average wind at the surface of the pool):

While this formula will give you some idea of the size of propane pool heater you’ll need, you’ll probably want a pro to give you a more precise estimate. Contact Hocon today for help with choosing the right size pool heater for your home.

Other Factors

Of course, size isn’t the only factor that you should consider when shopping for a propane pool heater. Some other considerations include:

• How efficient it is – Pool heater efficiency measures the amount of usable energy delivered to the water of your pool compared to the amount of energy consumed by the heater. A heater with an 85 percent efficiency rating uses $85 of every $100 in fuel to heat water (the rest is lost as heat). Today’s propane pool heaters can have efficiencies well into the 90s.
• Who installs and maintains it – As with any home comfort equipment, proper installation and maintenance of your propane pool heater is essential to getting the best performance possible. If you want to get the best performance now and for the life of your pool heater, have it installed and maintained by a propane professional.
• Incentives – Sales and incentives can tip the scales in favor or one pool heater and another, especially if they are similarly featured. Keep an eye out for specials from reputable propane pool heater installation experts.

Thinking about installing a propane pool heater? There’s never been a better time! Act now and you’ll not only save $200 on propane pool heater installation, but you’ll also get up to 200 gallons of propane for FREE*. Hocon Gas installs and services more pool heaters than just about anyone in Connecticut, and we have great options for every budget.

Inventory is severely limited – contact us today for a free quote on propane pool heater installation in CT!

* Offer applies only to new Hocon customers with a new supply agreement. Contact us for details.

If you own a conventional water heater (one with a storage tank), it works mostly by heating water to have it ready when you need it for your appliances or taps.

The problem is that you might not need it for hours, and in the meantime, the water sits in a tank in your (usually cold) basement losing heat (we call this standing loss). Insulating the storage tank will help slow this process, but it won’t stop it altogether, so eventually, the water will have to be heated a second time…which, of course, you’ll pay for.

Now, imagine a different kind of water heater – one that doesn’t store water at all. Instead, it heats water instantly when you need it – and only when you need it.

That’s how a tankless water heater works.

By operating this way, a tankless system enjoys some important advantages over conventional water heaters, including:

• Perpetual hot water – With a properly-sized tankless water heater, hot water will flow continuously for as long as your main water line keeps feeding it.
• Super-efficient operation – By working only when needed, not using a pilot light, and avoiding water reheating, a tankless water heater can improve efficiency by 40 percent or more.
• Longer-lasting equipment – With minimal exposure to corrosive water, tankless water heaters last longer – nearly twice as long on average.
• More placement flexibility – Since it doesn’t have a storage tank, a tankless water heater is about the size of a suitcase. It can also be wall-mounted, which means it can be placed just about anywhere, including closets and crawl spaces.

Should You Ever Choose A Conventional Water Heater?

As you can see, the advantages of a tankless water heater are pretty clear. So does it ever pay to choose a conventional water heater?

Sometimes.

A tankless water heater will cost more than a conventional storage water heater, so that’s certainly a factor. Of course, in the long run, the energy savings and longer equipment life make a tankless water heater a better investment – especially when you factor in incentives.

Another cost consideration is maintenance: a tankless system should be professionally serviced every year, while a storage-type system could be a bit more forgiving if you skip your tune-up.

With all of this in mind, here are some rules of thumb for choosing between a storage or tankless water heater:

• For singles or couples – If you don’t use large amounts of water and are replacing a storage water heater, investing in a storage water heater could be a better choice.
• For new construction, or for larger families and efficiency-conscious / space-challenged homeowners, tankless heaters are absolutely worth the investment. Just make sure to get a professional to help you size and install your tankless heater for years of trouble-free service.

A tankless water heater can be a great option for your Connecticut home – especially when you factor in great specials like the one we have on at Hocon RIGHT NOW! SAVE UP TO $500 on a State-of-the-Art Propane Water Heater, installed by the pros at Hocon. But hurry – this is a limited-time offer! Contact us today to learn more about propane tankless water heater installation in CT!

Each April, we celebrate Earth Day – a global event conceived by former Senator Gaylord more than 50 years ago Nelson to celebrate our planet – and to challenge us to tread more lightly upon it.

Want to know one of the best ways to make every day Earth Day? Switch your electric appliances to clean, green propane gas – a power-packed energy source recognized as a “low-polluting fuel” by the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act.

Propane: High Efficiency, Low Emissions Performance

If you’re looking for a greener way to power your home comfort equipment without sacrificing comfort or performance, look no further than propane. This versatile fuel will help shrink your carbon footprint by:

• Cutting emissions – Propane combustion produces less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of electricity to produce the same amount of energy. It also contains less carbon than other fossil fuels, including natural gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene and ethanol.
• Improving efficiency – Propane-powered appliances are usually more efficient –sometimes far more efficient – than electric models of similar size and output; a tankless propane water heater, for example, can save up to 50 percent on energy costs compared to a similar unit powered by electricity, according to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
• Reducing harmful impact – Propane is not toxic and does not spill, pool, or leave a residue, which makes it harmless to soil or water in the event of a tank leak. With propane, there are no risks for long-term damage to your home or property if a leak occurs.

The bottom line: If you’re looking for an easy way to be a little kinder to the planet, choose propane – and if you need a reliable propane supplier anywhere in our Connecticut service area, choose Hocon.

Celebrate the spirit of Earth Day every day with an order of clean, green, economical propane from Hocon. Contact us today to schedule your propane fill-up, or to learn more about our expert residential propane services!

One of the easiest ways to realize home energy savings is using a technique called a temperature setback – a simple strategy that entails letting your home drift to a lower temperature (in heating mode) or higher temperature (in cooling mode).  

The best way to incorporate temperature setbacks into your home routine is to program the drifts to occur when no one is around – during work or school hours, for example. Another popular setback strategy is to allow the drifts to occur overnight, when the shift in temperature will be less noticeable.

How Much Can You Expect To Save With Setbacks?

The amount of energy saved during a setback period depends on how far you let temperatures drift and for how long they remain in that setting.  The more you let your home temperature drift – and the longer you let this drift occur – the more money you’ll save.

According to the US Department of Energy, you can typically save about one percent for each one-degree setback for an eight-hour period (the same results can be approximated for “setting forward” – that is, letting the home get warm in the summer).  For example, if you allow the home to drift down five degrees overnight during the heating months, you’ll save about five percent on your utility bills.

Of course, this is only an approximation: many factors will influence how much money you’ll save by reducing temperatures, including your heating load, how efficient your equipment is, and more.

Other Home Temperature Considerations

Efficiency isn’t the only factor that should influence how low you set temperatures in your Connecticut home. Your comfort, of course, is also paramount, as is your health: not only can temperatures leave you more prone to illness, but it can also impact home humidity levels, which can encourage the growth of microorganisms like mold and bacteria.

Best thermostat temperature settings for balancing comfort and economy

Heating months:

• When home and awake, set the thermostat for 68°F.
• Lower temperatures by 7-10° for the hours you’re asleep or out of the house.*

Cooling months:

• When you’re home and awake, program air conditioning to 78°F.
• Program the AC to shut off during the hours you’re out of the house.

In general:

• Program heat or A/C to shut off 20-30 minutes before you leave home each day; return them to normal comfort levels 20 to 30 minutes before you come home.
• Program reductions in heating or cooling to begin 60 minutes before you go to sleep; return them to normal comfort levels 30 minutes before you awaken.

*On exceptionally cold days, avoid dropping your thermostat below 60 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.

Be smart and save on your monthly energy bills with temperature setbacks! Want to save even more? Become a Hocon customer and pay less for your heating oil and propane deliveries in Connecticut. Contact us today to learn more.