Ready for Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget Your Propane Equipment!

Now that we have flipped the calendar to April, it’s time to start thinking about some down-deep spring cleaning! As you prepare to-do lists for your Connecticut home in the coming weeks, don’t forget to include a little TLC for your propane appliances.

Here’s a short list of tasks for your propane-powered equipment this spring.

1. Propane grill – Did you know that nearly one-quarter of all grill fires in the U.S. are caused by improper grill cleaning? That’s as good a reason as any to do a deep cleaning of your grill before you start it for the first time this spring. Another? Better tasting food. Be sure to clean your entire grill, not just the grating. It’s also a good idea to check your grill for leaks and refill or order new propane cylinders if you need to.
2. Propane range – If your propane range has a self-cleaning feature, run it. If it doesn’t, or if you prefer a healthier and more eco-friendly approach, try using baking soda and vinegar.
3. Propane tank – Clear away any lingering debris from around your outdoor propane tank – especially anything that can burn (dry grass, leaves, and wood, etc.). Try to keep a 10-foot perimeter around your propane tank clear.
4. Propane water heater – Flush your propane water heater to remove excess sediment from the storage tank (or better yet, let us do it for you as part of a professional water heater inspection). Sediment will reduce efficiency and could eventually cause a water heater breakdown. If you notice water heater warning signs (higher than usual energy bills, unusual sounds, rusty water, and leaks, to name a few), it could be time for a water heater replacement – especially if your water heater is into its second decade.
5. Propane furnace – Spring is the perfect time to get heating system maintenance – qualified technicians are more readily available than they are in peak seasons, and you will also get to enjoy the benefits of routine maintenance (better, more reliable equipment performance and lower bills, for example) for the whole heating season. Don’t worry, the benefits of a heating system tune-up won’t “wear off” as your heating equipment rests during the off-season!

Have any more questions about getting your propane appliances ready for the spring and summer months? Ask a Hocon pro – we’re here to help. And if you need maintenance for your propane equipment, schedule a service appointment today.