More and more customers are curious about heat pumps these days. That’s because they’re a great option for more efficient heating and cooling. The all-in-one system means streamlined equipment and reduced maintenance needs, but the real benefits of heat pumps are their energy efficiency and versatility. And, they can help you reduce your home’s carbon footprint, too.
Heat pumps work by moving existing heat in the air from one place to another using an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler. In the summer, hot air from inside your home is removed — creating a cooler indoor environment. While it sounds counterintuitive, in the winter, the pump extracts heat from the outdoor air (or the ground, depending on the type of heat pump system you have) and distributes it to your home.
The biggest difference is how heat pumps work with your thermostat. To maximize efficiency when you’re running a heat pump, it’s best to maintain a consistent temperature. Turning down the heat pump when you are not at home or asleep will result in increased energy use to return to your desired temperature.
Because this technology uses electricity to move heat rather than generate it, it’s much more energy efficient than other electric heating and cooling systems—and, installed and used correctly, it can help lower your energy bills across the board.
With Vermont’s frigidly cold winters, you might wonder how heat pumps can work—and heat pumps can be less effective as the sole source of heat in some of our older, draftier housing stock. But the technology has improved vastly and can perform well in new, well-insulated homes.
In summer, a heat pump works the opposite way, pulling warm air out of your home. While the recommended efficient setting for cooling with a heat pump is around 75°F to 78°F when you’re home, you should know that heat pumps do an excellent job of dehumidifying. Humidity—especially in our coastal climate—plays a huge role in how hot and sticky you feel. Reducing humidity means that higher thermostat setting will feel just as comfortable as a lower one with a traditional AC. Adding ceiling fans can also boost comfort at higher thermostat settings, letting you save energy without noticing the difference.
While we install heat pumps that can handle all the cold Mother Nature throws at Vermont, a heat pump’s efficiency can really shine during spring and fall, when temperatures generally run between 40°F and 60°F. A heat pump can keep indoor temperatures comfortable without consuming a lot of energy, compared to a furnace, which needs to cycle on and off more frequently when the temps are milder and fluctuate a lot. That uses more energy and drives higher energy bills.
Just by nature of its efficiency, a heat pump is more environmentally friendly. But because they are electric, they produce fewer carbon emissions. And, as more and more of the electricity generated in our area comes from renewable sources—or at least cleaner-burning fuels like natural gas, rather than coal—they are better for the air we breathe and for the climate.
Because heat pumps and mini-split systems don’t require ductwork they are adaptable for a variety of uses. Apartments and condominium units, outbuildings like guesthouses, poolhouses, and barns, as well as additions and spaces not well-served by a primary heating system are all great candidates for a heat pump or mini-split system. Maintenance and repair is also less intensive for these systems as there is no combustion involved.
The expert team at Roberts Energy can answer all your questions and help you find the solution for best your home—that could be a hybrid system that combines a heat pump and a furnace to make your home more comfortable while maximizing efficiency and helping moderate heating costs.
We have extensive training and experience in installing, servicing and repairing state-of-the-art heat pumps from Bosch. If you’re interested in exploring adding a heat pump to your home, contact us today!
A typical tank-style water heater should last about 10 years before you begin to notice a reduction in performance. With good maintenance, they can last even longer. So it may have been a while since you last shopped for a water heater or given much thought to efficiency ratings.
Until recently, the rating information was inconsistent, so it was hard to compare brands. The Department of Energy has introduced a more streamlined system of rating standards that makes it much easier for you to understand water heater efficiency ratings.
Now, there’s one standard for testing and for sharing the information with customers like you. It’s known as Uniform Energy Factor, or UEF. Here’s what you need to know.
UEF: This number represents the overall efficiency of a water heater, that is, how much of the energy it uses goes to actually heating water and how much is wasted energy. The higher the UEF, the more efficient the water heater.
FHR/FHD: This stands for First Hour Rating or First Hour Delivery. It represents the amount of hot water a water heater model can produce in the first hour of operation. This lets you see the difference between very high-efficiency and more moderately efficient equipment. For example, a highly efficient water heater with a 40-gallon tank might be able to produce 80 gallons of hot water in an hour. In contrast, a water heater with an 80-gallon tank but a less powerful heating system might not produce more than 80 gallons of hot water, and it would deliver less than that in the next hour because it would need to heat the water refilling the tank.
GPM: Gallons per minute tells you how much hot water a tankless water heater will produce.
Since water heating can contribute to about 30% of your energy costs, finding an energy-efficient water heater can really help keep your costs more manageable. There are several factors to consider, such as the size of your home, how many people are in your household, and how many bathrooms, sinks, showers, and appliances that use hot water you have.
Of course, any new water heater will likely be more efficient than an older model. And if you have a tank-style system and want to stick with that, there are plenty of high-efficiency water heaters you can choose from.
Tankless water heaters offer several advantages over storage-type water heaters. Tankless water heaters save energy by instantly heating water when you need it, rather than keeping a large tank hot all the time. As a result, you can enjoy virtually unlimited hot water while seeing savings of up to 40%. They also last twice as long, or longer, than a tank-style water heater.
For super-efficient water heating, you should consider an electric heat pump water heating system. It can provide some of the lowest-cost, most eco-friendly hot water possible.
The experts at Roberts can help. We sell, install, and service all types of efficient propane water heaters. We’ll help you understand your options and show you the pros and cons of each to help you find the most efficient water heater for your home and your lifestyle.
Contact us for more information today.
If you’ve never lived in a propane-fueled home before, you might be surprised to know how versatile it is and how many ways it can be used in your home. Not only can propane provide steady, reliable heat energy at an affordable price, but it also offers exceptional performance and efficiency in a wide range of home appliances at a much lower cost than electricity.
You might also be surprised to learn that propane is a domestically sourced fuel that is one of the cleanest and most efficient fuels around.
If you’re looking to enhance your home’s value, increase comfort, and improve efficiency, adding propane to your home is a smart move.
Here are six ways propane can increase comfort, add efficiency, or boost value to your home:
When it comes to reliability, nothing beats having a propane-powered backup generator. Winter storms can knock out the electricity during the coldest weather. That can mean a lot more than an inconvenience when your heat goes out and your pipes could freeze. Even if you use heating oil, the equipment relies on electricity to run. Backup power will come on instantly, keeping your heat, refrigerator, and lights running until the utility company can repair downed lines. Having a backup generator may also lower your insurance premiums.
Many homes in Vermont still rely on heating oil, and it’s the workhorse fuel for keeping homes comfortable when the mercury plummets. But many homeowners are surprised to learn that propane generates almost 91,500 Btus of heat energy per gallon. So you can count on propane heating equipment to deliver dependable heat on the iciest winter nights. Propane heating equipment requires less maintenance and lasts longer than heating oil-fueled equipment. And you have a range of options for propane-fueled supplemental space heating as well as whole-home heating systems.
The same reasons propane is great at providing heat make it ideal for heating water and powering appliances and equipment that heat water. Water heating is a big percentage of home energy bills, especially when you consider how much hot water a household uses for bathing, laundry, and dishwashing. An energy-efficient propane water heater can help you reduce your energy costs and perform better, too. Tankless water heaters save energy by instantly heating water when you need it, rather than keeping a large tank hot all the time. As a result, you can enjoy virtually unlimited hot water while seeing savings of up to 40%!
Nothing beats the precision and control you get cooking with gas. That’s why it’s the first choice of professional chefs, in the kitchen and on the patio. An electric range will never provide the same control as cooking with gas. Think about why you opt for a propane grill instead of charcoal: You can adjust your flame with the turn of a knob. An electric burner doesn’t respond as quickly, taking more time to reduce or increase the heat. That means propane lets you sear food quickly without overcooking it, and you can keep a delicate sauce at a subtle simmer without scorching.
A propane fireplace brings all the ambiance and warmth of a wood-burning fireplace to any room, without the mess, smoke, and ash. It’s easy to fit a traditional hearth with a gas log set, retaining the charm and eliminating the hassles. But there’s no need for a chimney. You can install a propane-fueled fireplace just about anywhere: living room, dining room, bedroom, even the kitchen. Imagine the luxe, spa-like glamour of a fireplace in your master bath!
It’s a short season here in Vermont, but propane will help you enjoy your outdoor spaces earlier in the spring and later into the autumn. Propane patio heaters warm outdoor rooms, and fire pits and fire bowls are an attractive focal point and gathering space for entertaining friends and family. Propane bug traps will keep mosquitoes and even black flies away. And propane-fueled pool and spa heaters will warm up the water much faster than an electric heater and maintain the temperature better once the water is warm. As a result, propane pool heaters help you keep heating costs under control while letting you enjoy your pool or spa more.
The professionals at Roberts have the knowledge, experience, and resources to answer all your questions about the benefits of propane for your home. And we can get you started with the right size propane tank for your needs, reliable propane delivery, and more.
Contact us for more information today.
Energy costs continue to strain household budgets, and summer heat only adds to the challenge. When temperatures climb into the 90s in June—in Vermont, no less—and humidity settles in, it’s easy to worry about how high your next electric bill will be.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between staying comfortable and keeping your cooling costs under control. Here are X simple changes that can help your home stay cooler, reduce the strain on your air conditioning system, and keep more money in your pocket all summer long.
Most modern homes have at least one tool at their disposal that can help make their home more comfortable year-round while maximizing efficiency and lowering energy use. That tool is your thermostat. Even an old, dial-style thermostat will do the job, but a smart thermostat gives you more control and savings.
The secret is to set your thermostat at 78. The smaller the difference between your indoor and outdoor temperature, the lower your cooling bill will be. That temperature may seem high, but keep in mind that the humidity plays a big part in how uncomfortable you feel when it’s hot. Setting your thermostat higher and reducing the humidity in your home will make a big difference.
If you set your thermostat for 10 degrees warmer when you’re not home, you’ll lower your cooling bills even more. And, with a programable thermostat, you can set your thermostat to lower the temperature a half hour before you get home. If you have pets at home, you may want to set it only five degrees warmer.
With energy prices up, you’ll notice higher bills no matter what. But taking care of your cooling system with regular maintenance and tune-ups will ensure that it is performing at peak efficiency. That means it won’t have to work so hard to keep your home comfortable, which uses less energy.
There’s no bad time for a tune-up—even if it feels like summer is half over, you’ll still reap the benefits. And as our techs check and recalibrate your system, they’ll be fixing small problems so they don’t turn into expensive breakdowns during the next heat wave.
Even if you’re conscientious about getting a tune-up every year, there are easy things you can do to help extend the benefits. You should change or clean the filters in your air conditioner every 45 to 90 days when you’re running it regularly—more if you have fur-shedding pets. Use your vacuum cleaner to make sure vents are dust free, and be sure furniture, carpet or drapery is not blocking them.
Keeping the heat out is the best way to keep your home cooler—which means you may not need to run your cooling system as hard. Try these no or low-cost tips:
Ready for a new central air system? Considering a super-efficient mini split system for your home? Need a repair? The pros at Roberts Energy have decades of experience helping families in northern Vermont keep their homes comfortable. Whether you have cooling equipment questions, or need equipment installation or service, Roberts’ team is here for you.
Contact us for more information today.
When it comes to propane storage tanks, size matters. To know what size tank you need, you need to know how you will use your propane, whether it’s just for cooking, heating water, heating your home or business, or for other industrial uses. There are a lot of variables to consider, and we have the expertise to help you take the guesswork out of calculating the best size tank for your needs.
Whether you’re new to propane or just need to replace your tank, we’re here to answer all your questions and help you understand all your options when it comes to propane tank sizes. And once we’ve helped you determine the best size tank for your needs, our pros can help determine the best location for your tank and make sure it’s installed safely.
Before you start thinking about sizes, it’s helpful to understand how propane is measured for delivery. Unlike portable propane tanks, which give their capacity in pounds, residential and commercial propane tank sizes are usually given as their water capacity volume in gallons. Since propane is stored in a liquid state under pressure, it needs room to expand into a vapor. That’s also why propane tanks are “filled” to 80% of their water capacity. For example, a 120-gallon tank will hold approximately 100 gallons of propane when “completely” full.
Residential propane tanks typically range from 120 gallons to 500 gallons. If you plan to use propane for a gas grill, patio heater, outdoor cookstove, or RV, a 40- to 100-pound refillable portable cylinder tank is what you want.
Propane is a versatile and efficient option for fueling a range of commercial and industrial uses, from hospitality to agriculture to manufacturing, and even autogas. Our expert team can help you assess your needs to get the best value from propane for your business, install any systems you need, and provide reliable propane deliveries to make sure your operation runs smoothly.
Need to refill forklift cylinders? We can come to your business or worksite and take care of that for you. We can also set up an on-site propane cylinder cage at your Northern Vermont business so that you can sell grill and camper tanks.
Once you have your tank, you’ll want to ensure you have reliable propane delivery service so you always have propane. You want a company that puts customers first. That inherently means offering fair, transparent pricing, but it also means offering real value and true reliability, with products and services designed to make your life easier. Automatic delivery service or a wireless tank monitor, we offer both, can help ensure you never run out and provide added peace of mind.
Find out why residential and commercial customers from Burlington to Brattleboro and across Vermont trust Roberts for all their propane and heating oil needs. Contact us to become a customer today.
A well-maintained central AC system should provide at least 15 years of good service. The cost of a tune-up is usually worthwhile—it can prevent a lot of expensive repair jobs and help keep your energy costs down, too. But even with regular tune-ups, eventually age takes its toll. Repairs will get more frequent—and more expensive—once the warranty is expired. If you’re considering replacing your air conditioning system, understanding your options—and the timeline involved—can help you make a confident decision. Here’s what you need to know.
Beyond age, the main factor to consider is performance. How well did your system do at keeping you comfortable last year? Did you experience frequent breakdowns? Did you see a big spike in your energy use—even though you had a tune-up? Those can be big red flags that your system isn’t operating as efficiently as it should be. Take a look at your energy bills: Are you paying more because the rates went up, or is it due to higher energy use? One thing you can control, the other you can’t.
The other factor to consider is any changes you may have made to your home since your cooling system was installed. Maybe you converted an attic or basement into a usable space or enclosed a screen porch to make it a year-round space. Those areas may not be cooled by your current system. You can update your system—or our cooling-system pros can show you how a high-efficiency ductless unit can make these spaces more comfortable year-round without replacing your whole system.
The good news is that a new system will run more efficiently and help you cut your cooling costs by as much as a third. Our team of experts can help access your needs and talk to you about trouble spots, like those spaces that never seem to cool off.
Something else to consider: Your AC system relies on the blower motor for your furnace. If it’s more than 15 years old, your new cooling equipment may not operate at the efficiency levels it’s designed to. You may want to consider updating to a super-efficient heat pump that can both heat and cool your home.
The best time to replace your air conditioner is before it stops working altogether. You don’t want to have to make decisions about replacing your cooling equipment when it breaks down during a heatwave.
Scheduling a replacement during the shoulder seasons offers several advantages, not least of it is more comfortable temperatures during the installation process. You’ll also have more choice of appointments, more time to consider all your options.
Once you’ve decided on a new cooling system, the process is fairly quick. It usually only takes a day to remove the old equipment, install new indoor and outdoor components, connect refrigerant lines and electrical systems, and run tests. Adjustments or modifications to ductwork might add another day.
Switching to a heat pump can take a little longer, from one to three days, and may require electrical upgrades and a new thermostat in addition to equipment replacement.
Choosing the right system often comes down to your home’s layout, existing infrastructure, and how you prefer to manage comfort. For a home with ductwork that’s in good shape, it might make sense to stick with central AC. But maybe your home could could benefit from the flexibility of mini-splits. If you’re thinking more holistically about energy use and year-round performance, a heat pump may be the right fit.
The pros at Roberts Energy have decades of experience helping families in northern Vermont keep their homes comfortable. Whether you have cooling equipment questions, or need equipment installation or service, Roberts’ team is here for you. Contact us for more information today.
Whether you use your heat pump year-round for cooling and heating, or only rely on it through three seasons, a little maintenance goes a long way to make sure it delivers comfort while helping you save energy. It’s important to call a pro for an annual tune-up—an expert will be able to identify and correct small problems before they become an expensive breakdown and repair job. But there are also easy steps you can take every few months that can help keep your heat pump performing at it’s best. Here’s what you need to know.
Heat pumps are not brand-new technology, but they are newer to homes in North America, and the technology is different from other heating and cooling equipment. The team at Roberts has experts trained for the job and we can make sure your equipment is functioning properly. While the technology is different, the scope of the work is similar to any heating or cooling maintenance. Our techs will:
A professional tune-up not only ensures your heat pump is operative at peak efficiency, it protects your warranty. Consider a heat pump service plan from Roberts Energy. It includes annual maintenance as well as priority service and discounts on repairs if you need them.
By performing a little bit of maintenance yourself every few months, you can extend the benefits of your tune-up.
Clean or change filters every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have pets that shed, you may need to change or clean them more often.
Clean outdoor coils on your heat pump whenever they appear dirty. With the power to the fan turned off, remove vegetation, dust, pollen, and clutter from around the outdoor unit.
You should also clean the supply and return registers inside your home and straighten the fins if bent.
Some people think a mini-split is similar to a window AC, but don’t be fooled by the “mini.” They require annual maintenance by a professional to ensure they’re running efficiently. And, you should do the same simple maintenance tasks like changing or cleaning filters and vents and keeping the outdoor condenser free of debris.
A heat pump is great option for improving year-round comfort in your home while boosting energy efficiency—but skipping a tune-up will reduce efficiency drastically. The pros at Roberts Energy have decades of experience helping families in northern Vermont keep their homes comfortable in all seasons, with expert equipment installations, maintenance and repair. There’s no wrong time for a tune-up.
Contact us to schedule yours today.
Heating oil storage tanks are built to last, but they don’t last forever. The older your tank is, the more likely you’ll need to replace it soon. If your tank is less than 15 years old, you’re probably OK for a few more years. If you don’t know when your oil tank was installed, and your home was built before 2000, it’s probably time to replace your tank.
If you’re starting to think you’ll need to replace your heating oil tank soon, but maybe you can eke out one more winter, consider this: If your tank develops a leak, you could be dealing with a heating oil spill, which is a much bigger problem than just replacing your tank.
Fortunately, spring is a smart time to purchase and install a new heating oil tank. Your tank is most likely nearer to empty, which makes the removal process much easier than if you have a full tank.
If you aren’t sure how old your oil storage tank is, make sure you know the warning signals that it’s hitting the end of its lifespan. Regularly do a visual inspection for dents, leaks, or corrosion on the exterior of the tank, especially the underside, where most problems begin. Consider scheduling a professional maintenance check once a year, if that’s not already part of your routine.
Here are the key indicators that your heating oil tank is leaking or could start soon.
You should also consider how well your tank has been maintained over the years.
Tanks left empty over the summer can have condensation build up inside, which leads to corrosion and rust. Likewise, sediments at the bottom of the tank can result in corrosion. All that damage happens from the inside out: if you are seeing rust or seepage on the outside of your tank, you need to act fast to avoid a costly leak and spill.
The good news is that modern heating oil storage tanks have come a long way, and your new tank will provide decades of virtually leak-proof performance compared to older types. Newer tanks are made from plastic and fiberglass and are designed to last 50 years or more.
If you’re ready to replace your aging heating oil tank, contact the oilheat techs at any Roberts company. We have decades of experience providing safe, hassle-free tank removal and replacement. We take care of all the paperwork and ensure that the job meets all federal, state, and local requirements.
We know your home is your biggest investment, and you work hard to take care of it. That’s why so many homeowners and businesses in Vermont trust us for reliable heating oil deliveries and heating equipment service.
For more information and to become a customer, contact us today.
Outside of areas and climates like ours, where deep and prolonged cold can cause regular heating oil to gel in outside tanks, kerosene is mainly used in industrial applications and as jet fuel. But for homes and businesses across Vermont, kerosene is a smart choice to heat spaces that rely on outdoor storage tanks. It can also be a smart fuel to have on hand for backup heating.
There are two types of kerosene commonly available, but only K-1 is safe for indoor or residential use. Roberts will only deliver K-1 to homes, but it’s important to know the difference and why you shouldn’t use K-2 kerosene indoors.
K-1 kerosene is highly refined and contains far less sulfur than K-2 kerosene. As a result, it burns much cleaner, producing very little odor and soot. That means air quality in indoor spaces is not impacted, and equipment burns the fuel more efficiently.
When the power goes out, kerosene can be used in lanterns, and a portable kerosene heater makes an excellent backup heating source. It will quickly warm specific rooms or even an entire small home. And, since carbon monoxide emissions produced by kerosene heaters are considered very low, it’s safer than some other options. It’s also ideal for garage and workshop heaters.
If you’re unsure what type of kerosene you have, K-1 tends to be “water clear” while other types are yellow or sometimes dyed red.
K-1 kerosene is also used in a 50/50 blend with regular heating oil to help prevent gelling during extreme cold.
Kerosene is often used as a heating fuel in industrial spaces. Warehouses, workshops, construction sites, and farms rely on kerosene heating systems for powerful, consistent heat output. It heats large spaces quickly, is an alternative fuel in areas without natural gas access, and provides precise temperature control.
Because K-2 kerosene is less refined, it costs less to produce. However, K-2 can have as much as 10 times more sulfur. It creates more smoke, soot, and odor when it burns and the fumes can be dangerous to breathe, particularly in enclosed spaces.
K-2 kerosene is most commonly used in winter in outdoor construction, industrial equipment and some agricultural settings, because diesel starts to wax up at just 32 degrees. Kerosene effectively powers a wide range of machinery including:
Specialized equipment such as tar kettles, asphalt heaters, and industrial cleaning systems can also use kerosene, which has consistent burn characteristics and clean combustion that makes it ideal for applications requiring precise temperature control and minimal residue formation.
With offices in Brattleboro, Bridport, Fairfax, Grand Isle and other Vermont communities, Roberts is standing by for 24/7 deliveries and service. Whether you need kerosene or a fifty-fifty blend of kerosene and heating oil, we’re ready to help, with reliable delivery, transparent pricing, equipment service and more to keep your family comfortable year-round.
Contact us today.
When was the last time you gave any thought to the size of your propane tank? If you’ve added appliances over time—like a water heater, fireplace, or built-in grill—your propane demand has probably slowly grown. Not sure? One of the easiest ways to spot a mismatch is how often you’re scheduling deliveries. If you’re calling for a refill every month or so, your tank may be undersized. For most households, needing a delivery just two to four times a year is a good balance of convenience and efficiency.
So how do you choose the right tank size for your home? It starts with understanding how you use propane—and making sure your system is set up to keep everything running smoothly without constant refills. With decades of experience, the team at Roberts Energy can help you match the right size tank for your needs.
Your propane usage depends heavily on what you’re powering. If you heat your home with propane, that will account for the largest share—typically around 750 gallons over the course of an average winter, depending on home size and weather.
For other appliances—like water heaters, cooking ranges, clothes dryers, or even a pool heater—usage varies based on household size and daily habits. A busy household running multiple appliances will naturally go through more propane than a smaller one with lighter demand.
Propane tank size is usually given as their water capacity volume in gallons. (Portable tanks are often referred to in pounds.) Since propane is stored in a liquid state under pressure, it needs room to expand into a vapor. That’s why propane tanks are “filled” to 80% of its water capacity. For example, a 120-gallon tank will hold approximately 100 gallons of propane when properly filled.
Here’s a general guide for the best size tank for your needs:
If your tank is too small, you’ll find yourself scheduling deliveries more often—or worse, dealing with a runout at the worst possible time. On the flip side, going for a huge storage tank can reduce the number of deliveries you need and give you more flexibility when prices fluctuate. The tradeoff? It requires more space, whether installed above ground or underground.
The right tank size comes down to your usage, your property, and your preferences. That’s where expert guidance makes all the difference. Our pros can help you find that Goldilocks size tank that’s just right, and we can set you up with automatic delivery or a tank monitor so you never have to think about your fuel level again.
If you’re not sure your current setup is keeping up, it might be time for a quick review—and possibly an upgrade that makes your life a whole lot easier.
Contact us for more information today.
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