TOP 5: Replace or Upgrade your AC System

Our Top 5 Reasons to Replace or Upgrade Your Central AC

We have many experts and specialists at Quinoco but when it comes to knowing when it’s time to replace your air conditioning system, no one knows better than our technicians and Comfort Specialists; they work on, diagnose and replace hundreds of systems every year. That’s why we decided to poll them on what they think are the top five reasons to replace or upgrade your air conditioning this season. Check out the results below!

1. Financial Savings: 100% of the group put financial savings as a top reason for replacement. The biggest savings being on electricity; a new, high-efficiency system can save you up to 38% on your electric bill. Other savings are seen in the reduction of maintenance costs. Older systems often require more frequent maintenance sometimes making it more cost effective to replace a system rather than continually repairing it.

2. Efficiency: 96% of the group put increasing efficiency as a top reason for replacement. New units have higher SEER ratings; the higher the SEER, the less electric energy the unit uses in comparison to its cooling output making it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Greater efficiency also bring other benefits such as being more cost effective.

3. Age & Reliability: 61% of the group put age and/or reliability as a top reason for replacement. If your system is more than 10 – 15 years old, it is reaching its life expectancy and has a higher chance of breakdown or failure. Being proactive, not reactive will ensure your unit will be running and reliable during the hottest weather.

4. Refrigerant Phase Out: 61% of the group put the phase out of the refrigerant R-22, also commonly known as Freon as a top reason for replacement. R-22 is part of an EPA phase out plan for ozone-depleting substances which will make it unavailable by 2020. Any unit using R-22 will ultimately need to be replaced.

5. Comfort: 43% of the group put factors that increase comfort as a top reason for replacement. New units are much quieter, cool faster and more consistently, remove humidity more effectively and create better air quality. This is especially relevant if conditions in your home have changed since your AC was originally installed; for example, a renovation would make your current unit not properly sized for your home.

Some others factors that didn’t make the list include: increasing the value of your home for resale, updating the look and appearance of the units outside your home, the ability to add air cleaners and other tech features like wifi thermostats and sensors.

Call us today at 860.583.4609 to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists.

TLC for your SmartBioFuel Tank

Just like we remind you to maintain your heating equipment, your SmartBiofuel Heating Oil tank needs just as much care and consideration. Replacing a tank is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day! So if you think it might be time to replace your tank or would like us to come inspect it, give us a call at 860.583.4609.

Tank Life Cycle

Some tanks last for 10 years, some for 70 years! At every heating tune up, our technicians visually inspect your tank for any indication that a new tank might be in your future. Here are some of the telltale signs:

Benefits of a New Tank

The material and design of tanks has come a long way in recent years and with the cleanliness of fuel today, a brand new tank will not only last a very long time, it will actually help your heating equipment run more efficiently.

Leaky Tank? We’re here to help!

A leaking tank left ignored can lead to large environmental cleanups and potential 6-digit remediation costs! If you suspect a leaky tank, it’s important that you…

Don’t Delay!

It might be tempting to bid out the project or get multiple opinions but basements, especially those with sump pumps, can become contaminated quickly. Similarly, if the fuel is left for too long, it can leach into the slab and foundation walls of your home, leading to stains and strong odors.

Call Quinoco!

We work with trusted licensed remediation contractors that have experience with mitigation and DEEP inspection regulations. When brought in immediately, they can help reduce your overall expense and environmental impact. After cleanup is complete, we work to get you back up and running with a new tank, schedule a delivery and ensure the system is properly back online.

Do you know who your propane provider is?

If you can’t answer this question without digging through a pile of mail to find your last delivery invoice, you’re not alone!

For the homeowner that only gets the occasional propane delivery for a cooktop, you may not see your propane company very often, which means they don’t see you or your home very often either. With this in mind, there is a more efficient and easier option.

If you are already a Quinoco heating oil and/or service customer, you can bundle all of your home energy solutions under one roof. Our drivers and technicians know your home and we can track both your oil and propane consumption.

So trust us to take care of all of your home energy needs and we’ll help make your life a little easier. Call 860.583.4609 to see for yourself how we can help.

Get Ahead of AC Season with a Ductless System!

If you don’t have ductwork in your home or central air conditioning would be too complicated or costly, there is another option: a ductless AC system.

Highly efficient ductless systems provide even air distribution throughout your home while delivering year-round comfort with its dual cooling and heating capabilities.

Features & Advantages:

• Sleek wall mounted indoor units mount discreetly, usually high on walls

• Slim compact outdoor units require minimal ground space or service clearance

• Indoor and outdoor units run quietly and provide years of efficient operation

• Installation consists of two basic components: an indoor air handler and an outdoor condensing unit, which require drilling a small hole in the wall or ceiling for refrigeration lines and power supply

Call 860.583.4609 to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Spring is Service Season

We’ve got a spring in our step and it’s not just from the change in season! This time of year, we really start thinking about service and maintenance. Just like an annual physical is important to your health, an annual tune up for your heating and cooling equipment can diagnose problems before they become big ones and set the stage for a healthy year of usage!

This winter, we saw many customers sign up for our Bronze Heating Oil Protection Plan. If you have a Heating Oil or Propane Gas Protection Plan, give us a call now to schedule your annual tune up. All annual inspection and safety checks must be scheduled between 3/01 to 11/30.

In fact, annual tune ups are a regular part of the maintenance all our service plan customers enjoy. If you have a central AC system, make sure you schedule your tune up not just to ensure your system runs smoothly but to check if it’s an R22 system that will need to be replaced in the next few years per the EPA.

Give us a call at 860.583.4609 and cheers to Spring!

Heating Oil or Propane Gas Protection Plan

AC Protection Plan

Energized for the new year!

We’re coming out of the holiday season full of gratitude and new energy for the year ahead! In November, we continued our tradition of passing out turkeys to employees; this year, that meant almost 1,000lbs of turkey! December brought our company wide Toy Drive to benefit children in the communities we serve. Our collection box was full in just a few days thanks to the generosity of our employees, as were many others by the end of the week!

Our team really blew me away in 2022: working tirelessly to serve our customers daily and improving our safety record across the board – a huge accomplishment considering we handle thousands of service calls, deliveries and transactions.

I’m energized to be kicking off 2023 with some exciting investments back into the company that will not only benefit our team but improve the way we service our customers: we’re improving our operations and parts management, continuing to grow our HVAC installation and service department, and reinvesting into our internal training and development programs to help our team members grow professionally as well as be able to serve you better.

Cheers to a happy and healthy new year!

No Heat? Let's Start Over!

No Heat? Let’s Start Over!

Losing heat in January is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. But many times, your heating system shuts itself off because it needs a quick reset. Follow our Heating Restart Checklist to quickly get up and running again.

1. Make sure your thermostats are in heat mode and set above room temperature.

2. Check the gauge on your oil or propane tank to ensure that you are not out of fuel.

3. Check your electrical breaker to make sure it is not turned off.

4. Check that the heating system burner switches are in the ON position. The switches are located at the top of the basement stairs or outside of the utility or mechanical room, and on the heating system itself.

Once you’ve verified that all of the switches are on, you can try to reset your furnace or boiler:

1. To reset your system, locate the red reset button on the heating system itself. The button is located towards the bottom of the unit.

2. Press and hold down the reset button for 5 seconds and then release.

3. The system should start automatically within 10 seconds.

If you’ve completed these steps and your heat still isn’t turning on…

Then it’s time to bring in the professionals! Please call us at 860.583.4609 to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians.

Taking The Lead With Bioheat

Taking The Lead With Bioheat

Perhaps tracking the happenings in the Connecticut State Legislature isn’t top on your list of hobbies but in our industry, we keep a close eye on how proposed and passed legislation will impact our customers.

As part of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, home heating oil (Bioheat) is to be blended with higher levels of low carbon fuels like biodiesel to benefit consumers and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Even with the positive environmental impact from biofuels, many in Hartford are still pushing for an electrification only model, but let’s see how it stacks up against our SmartBiofuel:

NOT CLEAN

Did you know power plants run on natural gas and coal? Both of these fuel sources emit greenhouse gases like methane and carbon. In fact, power plants are the biggest producer of methane gas and carbon emissions continue to skyrocket every year.

With Bioheat: Carbon emissions are actually reduced by up to 74% compared to the home heating oil of the past. This means an immediate reduction in greenhouse gases.

OLD GRID

Our power grid is not in the best shape. From sparking fires from lines in disrepair to insufficient capacity for our current use, it’s hard to imagine adding more strain to this system. As it is, blackouts and lengthy power outages have become the norm.

With Bioheat: Some of the strain on the electric grid is reduced when heating your home with Bioheat, especially in New England where the ISO declared in 2021 that the region is at heightened risk for winter outages.

NO RETURN

The economics of converting a home to electric heat pumps is simply cost prohibitive for most Americans. Consider this: the number of heat pumps you’ll need is about the same as the number of window AC units you would need in the summer. The equipment installation alone costs $7,000 to $15,000 for just one heat pump, let alone multiple and don’t forget about the significant increase in your electric bill!

With Bioheat: Keeping and maintaining your Bioheat heating equipment is a minor expense in the long run, especially as higher blends of biodiesel help clean your system for greater efficiency and longer equipment lifespans.

MONOPOLY

There aren’t many options for utility companies in the area and with electricity, we’re putting all our eggs in one basket. Without competition, prices rise, quality declines, and service becomes unreliable.

With Bioheat: Freedom of choice! Home heating oil has a deep connection to entrepreneurship, small businesses, family-owned ventures and community building. These values not only let you choose your home energy provider but support your local economy with jobs as well.

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To learn more about Bioheat and the impact of electrification in Connecticut, visit quinoco.com/heating-oil.

Sources: American Energy Coalition; CEMA; Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Fast Facts: Bioheat & the Environment

Fast Facts: Bioheat & the Environment

You’re not the only one who thinks about climate change and the environment! In fact, reducing greenhouse gases is a major mission for our industry. As Connecticut continues to adopt higher blends of renewable Bioheat, here are some fast facts that should answer your questions about its impact on the environment.

• Every gallon of Bioheat reduces greenhouse gas emissions on average 79%.

• The carbon emissions from producing biodiesel are considered recycled carbon since it’s reabsorbed by the plants that are used to create biodiesel. Traditional carbon produced from petroleum does not get reabsorbed for decades.

• The industry adoption of Bioheat significantly reduces the amount of petroleum used in CT.

• Biodiesel is made from discarded renewable organic sources and uses the byproducts from the processing of soybeans and canola.

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Air Resource Board, biodiesel reduces Greenhouse Gas emissions by up to 69 to 88% compared to traditional heating oil or diesel fuel.

• Bioheat is the only fuel currently on the market that will continue to reduce its carbon footprint annually as it evolves to a B100 blend.

• The average Bioheat blend in CT is 7% - what does this mean: The state’s carbon emissions are reduced by over 365,000 metric tons which is like removing 80,000 cars from the road.

• The carbon footprint of a home that uses heating oil decreases as Bioheat blends increase, so much so that converting to electric heat will lead to an increase in that home’s carbon footprint.

Avoid the Cold with Quinoco

Avoid the Cold with Quinoco

It’s not only cold in the winter, but it can be costly! This season, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips to save money and energy while avoiding any unnecessary time spent cold.

Consider your heating equipment

No one likes to be surprised by aging, poorly maintained or failing heating equipment! If your heat was struggling to keep up last winter, there’s no time to wait… schedule an appointment with our Comfort Specialist.

And don’t forget, it takes a lot of energy to heat water – in fact, it’s the second highest source of energy usage. If you set your water heater to a couple of degrees cooler, it will save you some money on your energy bill and you’ll still enjoy all the hot water you like.

Stop air leaks and drafts in their tracks

There are lots of places where cold air can seep into your home: doors, windows, attics, basements, and fireplaces. To prevent drafts, consider installing weather strips where possible to stop the cold air from getting in. We know there’s something special about a fire on a cold night, but when it’s not in use, make sure you close the damper. Warm air circulating through your home can escape through the chimney and make your heating system work harder.

Temperature control is a must!

There are lots of ways to impact the temperature in your home and save money. A smart thermostat will let you to preset your preferred temperatures, so it turns down or up automatically based on your schedule. Knocking down your thermostat a degree or two can save you over the course of the heating season, sometimes up to 10% on your fuel usage. And you might be surprised to hear it, but turning your ceiling fan clockwise will create an updraft, moving warm air downward into the rest of the room.

Are you interested in more tips?

Follow us on Facebook @QuinocoEnergyServicesInc and Instagram @QuinocoEnergy where we share more great energy saving ideas for holiday lights, home décor, and more!

Determining your Delivery Schedule

Determining your Delivery Schedule

There’s a lot of thought that goes into setting up our daily delivery schedules. Behind the scenes, our computer system does a series of calculations – and some of them are even custom to your home!

We look at Degree Days.

Degree days are a weather measurement of how hot or cold a day is by comparing the average outdoor temperature recorded for a location to a standard indoor temperature (usually 65°F in the United States). The more extreme the outside temperature, the higher the number of degree days.

What does that mean for you?

The colder the weather = higher number of degree days = more energy used to heat your home = more frequent SmartBiofuel or Propane deliveries.

We calculate a K-Factor.

The number of degree days is then part of a bigger equation to determine how long one gallon of fuel will keep a specific home at 65°F. This number rarely changes and is based on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, furnace efficiency, thermostat settings, hot water setting etc.

What does that mean for you?

When we track your K-Factor, we can more accurately predict how quickly you’ll use the gallons in your tank. If you’re an auto-delivery customer, we can then get you on our delivery schedule before you risk running low on SmartBiofuel or Propane.

Our industry has been around a long time and we’re fortunate that it continues to adopt technology to make serving customers even better!

Setting up our weekly delivery schedule relies on a lot of behind-the-scenes work – computer systems, weather calculations, and lots of geography to build out the most efficient routes that gets fuel to our customers when they need it.  It’s one of the big reasons why we encourage you to sign up for auto-delivery. You won’t need to worry about how fast you can get on our delivery schedule – you’ll already be on it!

If you’re interested in switching to automatic delivery, give us a call at 860.583.4609 and we’ll talk you through all the benefits of making the move, like our Make the Switch Credit.

Comfort Specialist & Equipment Expert

Have you met Mike?

You may have noticed we reference our Comfort Specialist quite a bit… if you haven’t already met him, let us introduce you to Mike Fields! With 23 years in the business, Mike is a trusted expert who keeps your needs and budget in mind during every appointment. Here are a few things to know before Mike comes out to visit your home.

• We get lots of calls about replacing your equipment but our most popular items: Energy Kinetics Boilers and Trane Air Conditioners.

• Every visit is unique – sometimes it might feel like we’re interviewing you but what we’re really doing is figuring out your needs and determining solutions in order to provide the best recommendations that are right-sized to your home’s requirements.

• Before we arrive, we appreciate a little prep: clear a path to the equipment and work area, secure pets in another area of the home, and determine your budget.

• And lastly, we take a consultative approach to appointments. Mike will provide you with equipment options and walk you through the installation process, including billing and permitting so you can make an educated decision on your replacement.

If you’re interested in replacing any HVAC equipment in your home, Mike is waiting for your call! Schedule an appointment today at 860.583.4609.

15 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

15 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

1. Schedule your annual tune up

Don’t be caught by surprise when you turn your heating equipment back on! Your tune up is a great preventative step to ensure that your equipment is running smoothly and is ready for the season.

2. Eliminate air leaks/drafts

One way that cold air can seep into your home is through doors, windows, attics, and basements. To prevent drafts, you can install weatherstrips to stop the cold air from getting in!

3. Switch to a smart thermostat

Jump on the technology bandwagon! A smart thermostat allows you to preset your temperatures, so it turns down or up automatically based on your schedule.

4. Turn your ceiling fans clockwise

Fans may keep you cool during the warm months, but they can help your home’s energy efficiency as the weather changes. By turning your fan clockwise, you can create an updraft moving the warm air downward into the rest of the room.

5. Don’t forget your fireplace

There’s something special about a fire on a cold night, but when it’s not in use, make sure you close the damper. Warm air circulating through your home can escape through the chimney.

6. Adjust your water heater

It takes a lot of energy to heat water – in fact, it’s the second highest source of energy usage. If you set your water heater to a couple of degrees cooler, it will save you money and you’ll still enjoy all the hot water you like.

7. Let the sunshine in

The sun is a great source of free heat on bright sunny days!! But as we know, windows and doors are a way for that warm air to slip through the cracks. Consider getting insulated curtains to keep some of that free heat in overnight.

8. Close doors and vents in unused rooms

Maybe you’re an empty nester or maybe you only use a few rooms during the work week – either way, if you close doors and vents in rooms that aren’t in use, you’ll redirect the warm air to the spaces you’re in and use less heat overall.

9. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs

LED lights are known as the most energy efficient lighting. They may cost you more up front but over time they will save you money; they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

10. Leave your oven door slightly open after using it

On a busy day in the kitchen, you probably notice how warm it gets as your oven gives off heat. Don’t let that heat go to waste! Leave your oven door open just a bit to have some extra heat flow when you’re done cooking.

11. Insulate your pipes

Pipes are out of sight, out of mind but they are so important bringing hot water to faucets, showers, and other appliances. Depending on how far the water has to travel, your pipes can be the cause of heat loss. Insulated pipes raise the water temperature, improves your hot water heater’s efficiency and will lead to energy savings over time.

12. Unplug unused electronics

Just because your TV, lamp, and air fryer are “off” when plugged in doesn’t mean they aren’t using energy. These are examples of “energy vampires” because they are taking energy when you don’t know it. Save energy by unplugging items when not in use.

13. Turn down the thermostat & bundle up

Knocking down your thermostat a degree or two can save you over the course of the heating season, sometimes up to 10% on your fuel usage.

Hint: When finding a temperature that you find comfortable, consider putting on a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and use an extra blanket at night.

14. Place rugs on hardwood floors

Rugs aren’t just to make your home look cool and fun. They also add a layer of insulation that keeps your feet off a chilly hardwood floor.

15. Set your holiday lights to a timer

Don’t be silly and keep your holiday lights on all night long - that is another giant energy waster! A smart plug or basic timer for your outlets is an easy solution to save energy and money. To be honest, we also forget to shut them off before bed!

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OUR TOP PRIORITY IS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE and warm this winter

Please call 860.583.4609 or email info@quinoco.com to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians or Comfort Specialists.

3 Ways To Save This Winter

Three Ways To Save This Winter

In today’s world, everyone has savings on their mind. As we head into the winter months, we have a few simple suggestions for how you can save on your heating costs and still stay warm and cozy!

Conservation

Programmable and smart thermostats can make a big difference in your home energy usage. You can track and manage your home’s temperature, schedule changes in the settings based on time of day and even set up geofencing to automatically adjust the thermostat when you’re a certain distance from home. According to the EPA, you can save about $180 a year just by programming your thermostat properly.

Insurance

Purchase one of our Heating Protection Plans now and save on costly repairs later. Regular maintenance can keep your heating equipment running efficiently, more cost effectively and extend its life. We have a variety of plans for both oil and gas heating systems.

Efficiency

Save up to 40% on the fuel you use this winter with a new heating system. Replacing your repair-ridden furnace or boiler or even upgrading from an older inefficient model can make a big impact on your home’s energy bills. Over the life of this new high efficiency equipment, you’ll see big savings!

There are also other ways to stay warm this winter…

…like closing doors to unused rooms or ensuring that doors and windows are closed tightly but switching your focus this fall to Conservation, Insurance, and Efficiency will ensure you reduce your energy use and lower your bills.

Budget For Winter

Budget For Winter

One way we can help you curb those winter bills is through our EasyPay Budget Plan for SmartBiofuel customers.

If you’re interested in the EasyPay Budget program, call us before the heating season starts so your plan is in place before your first delivery this fall.

How does the EasyPay Budget Work?

1. We take your average usage from the last two years or determine an estimate based on the square footage of your home if you’re a new customer.

2. We determine your estimated annual cost and divide it into equal monthly payments. Each month, you’ll receive a statement showing your monthly payment amount as well as your actual account balance.

3. Periodically during the heating season, we will review your budget plan and adjust the payment amount to best reflect your usage and deliveries.

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Interested in our EasyPay Budget Plan?

Call 860.583.4609 to speak with a member of our Customer Care team.

A Fall Market Update

A Market Update

As we head into the winter months, energy prices are on the minds of homeowners both locally and throughout the country. For the last six months, we have all been impacted by high gasoline prices, escalating food prices, and general inflation of consumer goods, as a result of COVID, supply chain issues, war, and global energy market changes.

In the wake of Russia invading Ukraine, we experienced an immediate impact on the heating oil and diesel fuel markets resulting in dramatic price increases for these energy products. We have worked tirelessly since that day to communicate with our suppliers and industry leaders to navigate the market and monitor our delivery schedules to the benefit of our valued customers.

The good news is, we have seen a steady decline in prices since its peak due primarily to removing the “fear factor” of the lack of supply from the market due to the war. Historically, when we see price spikes due to geopolitical events, we also see price declines when the dust settles a bit and the market absorbs the news. Because of these factors, we are now offering enrollment of our Fixed and Cap oil pricing programs to our customers. What else is good news… the propane market has been extremely steady so if you are a propane user, the impact has been minimal.

A couple of comments that I can provide about heating oil pricing programs based on my experience in this industry: do what makes you comfortable and stick to what got you here! Trying to guess where this market will lead tends not to work. Continue with the program you’re comfortable with and is within your risk tolerance and rest assured that we will support you and compliment that with the best 24- hour service to meet your heating and cooling needs.

Thank you for your loyalty!

Jim Hickey
General Manager

Get To Know Your Home

Get To Know Your Home

If you’re one of the many that moved into a new home over the last few years, whether a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, it is always important to get acquainted with the systems in your home. Here are some of the basics:

Is My Heating System A Furnace Or A Boiler?

Well, boilers use hot water (think boiling water) to heat your home through radiant flooring or radiators. Furnaces, on the other hand, use warm air or ‘forced air’ that is blown through ductwork and vents to heat the home. Then, there is hydro-air which is a boiler that converts hot water to warm air.

Do I Need To Know How To Turn My Heating System Off?

Yes! in case of emergency… locate your emergency switch, main water shut off valve, and electrical panel. The emergency switch is usually located as you enter the basement and should have a red switch plate. This switch shuts off the burner in your heating system, the component that houses the unit’s combustion.

What Are The Important Components Of My Propane Tank?

Make sure you locate your propane gauge and shutoff valve under the top cover of your tank. The gauge is read as a percentage of volume you have in your tank. Remember, since propane is stored as a liquid under pressure, a tank reading of 80% is considered full to ensure the propane has room to expand as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.

It Is My First Time In An Oil Heated Home, Help!

We know an oil heated home can sometimes seem intimidating, but it’s really pretty easy. We deliver fuel from the exterior of your home through a fill pipe connected directly into your oil tank. To make it even easier, our computer system calculates when you need a delivery based on a weather metric (degree days) and the efficiency of your heating system.

How Does My Central AC Work?

There are two main components of your central AC system. The outside condenser unit(s) takes heat from inside the home, transfers it through a refrigerant and deposits it outside, leaving the inside cool. The air handler(s), located inside the home, is what circulates the cool air through your home. The air handler also houses your air filter.

For safety tips and additional guidance, our FAQ page is a great resource for insight on your home’s systems and fuel use.

13 Summer HVAC Tips

13 Summer HVAC Tips!

The hottest time of the year is finally here which means enjoying the warm weather, having fun outdoors, and wanting to return to a cool home. Here are 13 ways to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently and cost effectively:

1. Change your filters

Your AC system collects dirt, dust, and other matter which can reduce efficiency, decrease your indoor air quality, and deteriorate your system. It is important to check, clean, and change your air filters for your system to work to the best of its ability.

2.  Inspect your ducts and vents

Dirty vents and ducts can lower the quality of the air circulating through your home and reduce your equipment efficiency. We recommend keeping your vents wide open for optimal airflow and having your ductwork professionally cleaned. 

3.  Clean the outdoor areas

Your exterior AC condenser needs a good once over; clear at least a 2-foot perimeter from leaves, branches, and other debris that may impede on the unit’s ability to perform.

4.  Improve your cooling power

Programmable thermostats allow you to have more control over the temperature inside your home and a smart thermostat can be managed from your smartphone.

5. Shop energy efficient

Invest in energy-efficient accessories like window coverings and appliances so your cooling equipment doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

6. Check the electrical

Every AC system has a wiring system that needs to be checked occasionally. Ensure that the wiring has no scorching and if it does, you should set up an appointment with one of our technicians ASAP!

7.  Clean Condenser Coils

Cleaning your condenser coils is another way to make sure that your AC system is running smoothly. All you have to do is turn off the power and spray the coils with water to remove any dirt and debris!

8. Listen for noise

As your AC unit is running, do you hear any grinding, hissing, rapid vibration, or other strange noises? If you hear any unusual noises, give us a call to schedule a technician to come find out the cause!

9. Check for leaks

Visually check the drain lines from your AC system and ductwork for any leaks, holes, or tears. If you see any cause for concern, call us right away to send a technician out.

10. Consider an upgrade

If you have an older unit (greater than 15 years old or an R22 unit), you are at risk for a break down that won’t be fun in the middle of summer. Upgraded systems are more energy efficient and will help you save money in the long run!

11. Maximize air flow with fans

Positioning fans like ceiling fans, tabletop fans, and floor fans throughout your home can make a huge difference in your overall comfort while helping your AC system not work so hard on hot days.

12. Reduce Heat from other appliances

Avoid using heat from large appliances; for example, instead of using your oven consider using your grill or move your clothes outside to dry on a line rather than the dryer.

13. Schedule a professional tune up

Give your AC system some TLC to make sure your home stays cool all summer long.

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OUR TOP PRIORITY IS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE and cool this summer

Please call 860.583.4609 or email info@quinoco.com to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians or Comfort Specialists.

Proudly Propane

Proudly Propane

There are a lot of reasons to love propane. It’s one of the world’s most convenient and versatile fuels and it’s proudly made in America. Propane has been used for over 100 years and can be found in more than 50 million homes across the country

Clean

Propane was approved under the Clean Air Act of 1990 and is a low-carbon fuel that produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most other energy sources.

Efficient

Propane equipment, including furnaces and hot water heaters, are rated with some of the highest efficiency ratings for equipment on the market today.

Reliable

Propane is a proven energy source that you can count on, even when the electrical grid is down. Having propane stored at your home guarantees you’ll always have adequate gas pressure as well as ample supply.

Available

The United States is the world’s leading producer of propane which means that it is abundantly available. And, Quinoco’s own propane storage facility ensures that our customers will never run out, regardless of weather.

Versatile

Propane is the only fuel able to power almost every appliance in your home, making it convenient and easy. Propane can be used for home heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, fireplaces, generators, pool heaters, grills & outdoor kitchens, decorative lampposts and MORE!

So, if you are in need of updating or replacing equipment or appliances in your home, be sure to keep propane in mind and let us walk you through all of your options. And, if you already use propane at your home and haven’t switched to us for delivery, it’s easy—just give us a call 860.583.4609 and we will handle the rest.

Health Beats Wellness Program

Health Beats Wellness Program Works for Quinoco

We’re pretty proud of our Health Beats wellness program here at Quinoco. Its purpose is simple: to enrich the lives of all our team members and educate, encourage and enable them to live healthy lifestyles. The program is run by an employee committee that creates and executes everything from fitness challenges, educational seminars and even cooking classes put on by one of our loyal customers!

So far this year we’ve hit the ground running… or at least walking through the various activities developed by our committee: April saw the MS Walk (photo below); the Make-A-Wish Connecticut Walk for Wishes and a Fun Run came in May along with a team walking challenge to coincide with National Employee Health & Fitness Day!

And, we’re always looking for new volunteer opportunities in our communities through our Quinoco Cares program. If you have an idea, please share it with me at askjim@quinoco.com.