The debate between gas and charcoal grills will heat up every summer, but even if you’re a devoted gas grill fan, you have to admit they have one problem charcoal doesn’t: It’s all too easy to run out of propane without realizing you’re even running low. Luckily, there’s an easy way to tell how much gas is left in your grill’s propane tank.

Running out of fuel for your gas grill can literally bring your barbecue to a halt. One option for avoiding such a scenario is to invest in a fuel gauge, but if you don’t have one, not to worry. There’s a simple trick using warm water to tell how much propane is left in the tank:

How to Tell How Much Gas Is Left in Your Propane Tank

1. Make sure the gas is turned off, then disconnect the tank. Rest it on level ground.
2. Fill a large glass or small bucket with warm water and pour it down the side of the tank. Go a little slow to give the water time to affect the metal of the tank.
3. Feel the outside of the tank where you poured the water. The liquid propane inside the tank will absorb the heat from the water, so the tank will feel cool to the touch where there is still propane inside, and warm to the touch where it’s empty.

It’s not a 100 percent accurate estimate of the exact amount of fuel remaining, but you can roughly estimate how much gas is left, and know whether you’ll be able to grill your burgers or not.

Another way to tell how much propane you have left is to weigh your tank.

Source: greatist.com

Gas fireplace inserts are a cost-effective and straightforward way to transform a wood-burning fireplace into a gas-burning one. A gas fireplace insert can be used as a heat source to increase the effectiveness of your HVAC system. Many homeowners enjoy the look of real flames without the hassle of moving and stacking firewood or cleaning out a fireplace full of ash.

Uses Existing Wood-Burning Fireplace

Gas fireplace inserts can be used in an existing wood-burning fireplace to make it more efficient or bring it into compliance with current building codes. The insert is smaller than the fireplace opening, and it can be vented using the chimney that’s already in place.

Cost-Efficient

A gas fireplace insert is less expensive to install than a gas fireplace. A gas insert costs between $500 and $3,500, while a gas fireplace can run from $2,650 to $5,800. Natural gas–powered fireplaces are more cost-effective to run than a propane-powered one, depending on geographic location and fuel costs in your area. The cost of running a gas insert per hour is at least 50 percent lower than a wood-burning or propane-burning fireplace. Homeowners in rural areas do not have access to a natural gas line and rely on propane to power a gas fireplace insert.

A traditional wood-burning fireplace is typically drafty and allows a lot of heated air to escape up the chimney. A gas fireplace insert seals off the drafty fireplace and releases all the heat into the room, saving on utility costs.

Convenient

With the flip of a switch, you can enjoy the warmth and the flickering glow of a fire. There is no building a fire and waiting for the fire to build to heat a room. You can enjoy the heat, glow, and look of a fire without the smoke and odor of a wood-burning fire. Gas inserts typically come with a thermostat so you can enjoy the heat with precision control.

Aesthetics

A gas fireplace insert is an attractive way to heat a room. The ambiance of your home will be enhanced by the warm glow of a fire that ignites with a flip of a switch.

Environmentally Friendly

A wood-burning fireplace releases up to 4,000 percent more emissions than a gas-fueled insert. A gas-powered insert has a high energy rating and does not create waste in the form of ash, soot, and creosote—and that’s good for the environment.

Minimal Maintenance

Maintenance is at a minimum for a gas fireplace insert since there are no ashes clean out of the fireplace. Having a gas insert involves an annual checkup to inspect the venting, fan, burner, thermostat, pilot light, and glass.

No Ash or Creosote

Gas fireplace inserts are a good option for those who are sensitive to air pollution or have allergies or other lung diseases. A wood-burning fireplace releases fine particulates into the air that can create health issues and respiratory problems. A gas fireplace insert will eliminate those issues since there is no ash or creosote formed by gas burning. An insert is also a cleaner option since there is no ash or soot to clean out of the fireplace.

Safe Choice

A gas fireplace insert is a safe choice since it can be directly vented outside. If you decide on an unvented insert option, these models come with an oxygen depletion sensor and a safety valve that will turn off the gas before carbon monoxide levels become dangerous in the room.

For more information, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

bobvila.com

There’s no better feeling than inviting 10 of your closest friends over in summer for an afternoon of barbecued meats, drinks and laughs – and the good news is that with a few tweaks to your outdoor area, you can entertain on your porch or patio year-round.

Here are some ways to update your entertaining areas so you can have fun-filled gatherings at your place, spring, summer, fall and even early winter!

1. Invest in quality outdoor furniture

Even if you have a shaded outdoor area, your furniture needs to be hardy – it has to withstand everything from sunlight to wind, rain and even hail.

If you spend a significant amount of time entertaining outdoors, invest in a combination of quality furniture in a cohesive colour palette. Coordinating your décor with the kitchen, bathroom and main living spaces close by will create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

2. Install an outdoor kitchen

If you’re serious about entertaining and have the means, it could be time to install an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are all the rage, and can include a built-in sink, cooktop, barbecue and bar fridge.

For many, not having a gas cooktop is a deal breaker – and this extends to outdoor kitchens too. By enlisting a plumber to install natural gas to your outdoor area, you can enjoy the benefits of a gas-fuelled barbecue or pizza oven. A natural gas barbecue has many benefits, including not having to race out to refill a tank.

3. Consider natural gas fuelled outdoor heating

Speaking of natural gas… an outdoor fireplace is a game-changer on chilly evenings. You can entertain outside all year with a natural gas outdoor fire pit or wall-mounted heating. Not only are they nice to look at, they’re also clean-burning and smokeless – so no more shifting seats every time the wind changes. Simply put, is there anything fancier than sitting around a warm and glowing fire outdoors.

For more information, contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

Source: bhg.com