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Several factors affect how much heating fuel you’ll need this winter.

heating oil Hanover, ma As winter gets closer on the South Shore, it’s hard to take anything for granted with your home’s heating budget. Afternoons that are mild and pleasant right now could turn frosty in a week. A few unexpectedly icy days will seriously impact your heating oil consumption — and how much you need to spend.

At Frank Lamparelli, we study the weather to accurately determine when our automatic heating oil delivery customers will need a refill.

Let’s discuss how quickly you can expect your home’s heating oil to run out.

Calculate your heating oil usage.

Using a general calculation that your boiler or furnace will use about 1.7 gallons of heating oil an hour in cold weather — and assuming the heating system runs for roughly 10 hours a day — then 100 gallons of heating oil would last about six days in the winter.
Of course, every house is unique, and various factors can affect how quickly your home uses fuel, including:

Finally, the frequency of your fuel deliveries will also depend on how large your oil tank is. The most common heating oil tank size is 275 gallons, which would accommodate an average-sized home in the winter for several weeks before needing to be refilled.

Track your heating oil usage.

Reading an oil tank gauge is fairly straightforward. On top of the tank is a clear glass or plastic vial with markings of F, ¾, ½, ¼. Like a vehicle’s gas gauge, these marks tell you how full the tank is. A red float rests in the vial and drops as your oil level goes down. If the float rests at the bottom of the vial (or you can’t see it at all), your tank is empty or close to it.

The best way to avoid the sinking feeling of realizing you’ve run out of heating oil is to enroll in our automatic delivery program. It’s completely free and removes the possibility of an unexpected runout. The Frank Lamparelli team will track your usage and deliver heating oil right when you need it!
H3> Get the most from your heating oil.

Here are easy ways to maximize your heating efficiency.

  1. Keep heat inside by plugging leaks with weatherstripping and insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says you need three to four inches of insulation in your attic, and the insulation should be between an R38 and an R49 value.
  2. Use a programmable thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re out of the house or asleep. The DOE advises that turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from its standard setting for 8 hours daily can lower annual heating and cooling costs by 10 percent.
  3. Arrange annual heating equipment maintenance. A yearly tune-up will vastly improve your system’s fuel efficiency, lower the chance of a breakdown and extend its life expectancy.

Contact Frank Lamparelli for more information about heating oil delivery in your area.

Your HVAC system includes a lot of home comfort equipment.

hvac system Franklin, ma Weather on the South Shore can have some serious extremes. You’ve probably endured some scorching summer afternoons, and we know that you’ve had some extended freezing spells in the winter.

When Massachusetts weather reaches extreme levels of hot or cold, it’s good to know that your home’s heating and cooling equipment can step up to keep you comfortable. You might have heard of this equipment referred to as an HVAC system. At Frank Lamparelli, we install, service and repair HVAC equipment to ensure you stay comfortable every month of the year.

What does HVAC mean?

HVAC is an acronym that means Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This category encompasses all the equipment that warms you up when it’s cold outside and cools you when the sun is beating down. It can also include ventilation systems that transfer hot and cool air, regulate the humidity and boost the air quality in your home.

What is the most common HVAC equipment?

There are many ways to heat and cool a home these days. Here are the standard HVAC systems that the Frank Lamparelli team works with.

There are also a range of indoor air quality systems that connect to your HVAC system to make your home more comfortable. These include air purifiers, air scrubbers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers.

Trust Frank Lamparelli for your HVAC needs.

The Frank Lamparelli team can handle just about every aspect of your HVAC system. We install top-quality heating and cooling systems from Bosch, Buderus, Williamson, Fujitsu, Carrier and Ruud. Whether you live in a historic home without ductwork or something more contemporary, we have an HVAC system to keep you reliably comfortable.

And our experienced HVAC service team is always available if you need an emergency repair. We also perform annual maintenance on heating and cooling equipment to ensure it runs efficiently for years to come.

How old is your home’s HVAC equipment? You could be missing out on efficient technologies that can slash your monthly heating and cooling costs. Reach out to our team for a free estimate on an HVAC upgrade.

Our propane keeps commercial vehicles on the road.

propane fleet Taunton, ma Many businesses and municipalities with vehicle fleets are discovering a fuel that offers an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to gasoline and diesel. That fuel is propane autogas. You might not be aware that, according to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, there are about 60,000 propane vehicles on U.S. roads right now. Some vehicles that use autogas are:

There are several terms for this fleet-fueling propane, including LPG and autogas. At Frank Lamparelli, we are proud to deliver propane autogas throughout the South Shore.

Are LPG and propane autogas the same?

The acronym LPG stands for “liquified petroleum gas,” which can stand as a synonym for all propane. It’s also frequently used as a term for propane autogas. So, even though LPG can describe all propane, you can use it to describe the propane that fuels road vehicles.

How does autogas work?

Propane autogas is used to fuel light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles. In fact, it’s the third most popular fuel in the U.S., after gasoline and diesel.

Autogas vehicles have an internal combustion engines just like gas and diesel-fueled vehicles. Propane is stored as a liquid in a tank at the rear of the vehicle. A fuel line transfers propane to the engine’s combustion chamber for ignition.

Some vehicles use propane as their sole fuel source, while others are bi-fuel vehicles, which can run on both propane and gasoline.

What are the benefits of propane autogas?

For a start, propane autogas offers significant advantages in terms of affordability. Over 90 percent of propane used in the U.S. is American-made, meaning that it’s better insulated for global energy markets than gasoline is. Even though propane’s fuel economy is lower than gasoline, it has a higher octane rating and is generally less expensive per gallon than gasoline. In the end, this typically makes autogas more affordable.

There are also significant environmental benefits to propane, including the following:

Propane autogas is also non-toxic and will typically dissipate into the air. Conversely, spilled gasoline will pool on the ground, creating a safety hazard.

Frank Lamparelli can provide the clean, affordable, environmentally friendly propane autogas you need for your fleet of vehicles. Get in touch with our friendly commercial fuel team right away to begin receiving premium propane autogas.

Efficient oil or gas-powered hot water systems.

water heater installation Needham, ma When customers ask us when the best time is to install a water heater, we like to say that it’s while your current water heater is still working. The average lifespan of a traditional storage tank water heater is roughly 10 years. If your unit is around that age, it’s a good time to start thinking about a water heater replacement.

If you wait until your current unit fails, you’ll be scrambling to secure the first available replacement to get your hot water working again. A little planning can help you save money in the long and short term.

Factors to consider when choosing a new water heater

South Shore households have more options than ever for keeping their showers steamy and their hot water taps flowing. To narrow down your choices, think about these factors:

Whether your home uses heating oil, propane or another fuel, we can find the perfect water heater for you. Here are some product types to consider.

Traditional storage tank water heaters

These are the appliances you probably think of when you imagine a water heater. They typically have storage tanks between 30 and 80 gallons. Generally, storage tank models are more affordable, but they’re less efficient and have shorter lifespans than on-demand alternatives.

It’s worth noting that propane water heaters have roughly double the hot water recovery rate (the metric for how many gallons of hot water a unit can produce in one hour) of an electric model. This efficiency can save hundreds of dollars in energy spending each year.

Propane tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters do not store water for distribution. They produce hot water on demand using a super-hot flame. Our technicians can help you identify a product that matches your home’s peak flow rate.

While tankless water heaters can be pricier than traditional water heaters, they offer fantastic efficiency savings. On-demand systems don’t have standby losses caused by heating and reheating a tank of unused water. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) found that homes with tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than homes with storage-tank units.

Even better, tankless water heaters have a much longer life expectancy. Because they don’t have as much contact with corrosive particles in water, they can last over 20 years with proper maintenance.

Indirect-fired water heaters

These heating oil-fired systems use the heat your boiler generates to heat water for your home. Your boiler’s water never comes into contact with the water that goes to your fixtures and appliances. The DOE found that indirect-fired water heaters with high-efficiency boilers and insulated tanks generate some of the least expensive hot water. Also, most indirect-fired units have extended warranties for the original purchaser.

The Frank Lamparelli team can help you choose the best water heater for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Biofuel products to power furnaces, jetliners and everything in between!

planet-friendly energy Hanover, ma You may not be aware that the heating oil Frank Lamparelli delivers to your home contains renewable products that are making a significant impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The product we provide for your furnace or boiler is called Bioheat® fuel. It is an eco-friendly blend of ultra-low-sulfur heating oil and organic biodiesel. This fuel is great for the environment and your home. It produces significantly lower carbon dioxide, mercury and particulate matter emissions than traditional heating oil. It also burns cleaner in your equipment. As a result, you’ll need fewer service appointments, and your heating system will last longer!

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a gallon-for-gallon replacement for petroleum-based heating oil and diesel. It’s made from organic and recycled feedstocks, including:

What does including biodiesel in your heating oil mean? The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has found that even a 2 percent biodiesel blend reduces heating oil’s greenhouse gas emissions to the same level as natural gas. Our heating oil delivery blend is 20 percent biodiesel, which results in even lower greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas.

By 2050, the heating oil industry intends to be using a 100 percent biodiesel blend, which will eliminate 1 billion gallons of heating oil and 8.59 million metric tons of carbon!

What are other renewable fuels in use today?

Beyond biodiesel and Bioheat fuel, there are other sustainable products that are transforming how we live our lives and slowing the harmful effects of climate change:

Frank Lamparelli wants to deliver Bioheat fuel to your home!

We are proud to deliver one of the cleanest heating fuels on the South Shore. Bioheat fuel burns cleanly without sacrificing any of the robust heat of traditional heating oil. And your system doesn’t need any modifications to use it.

If you’re interested in receiving this efficient, clean fuel, become a Frank Lamparelli customer.

Don’t Skip Your Routine Maintenance!

spring hvac tune-up franklin, ma It’s safe to say that even through a mild winter season, your furnace or boiler still get quite the workout—especially with sub-zero temperatures in early February. No doubt, your heating system had to work overtime to keep your home and family safe during that arctic weather!

Now that we’re at the end of the season, it might be tempting just to turn off your heating system and prepare for spring’s arrival. But this is actually the best possible time for you to arrange a heating tune-up! After all, it’s crucial to have your boiler or furnace serviced once a year.

Here’s why Frank Lamparelli recommends that you schedule maintenance right now:

Tune Up Your HVAC Equipment Before You Forget

Have you ever opened a kitchen drawer and been surprised to see a meat tenderizer or garlic press you don’t remember buying? It’s human nature to forget about something as soon as you stop needing it.

The same is true of your heating system. If you power it down for the warmer months, you’ll likely forget that it needs annual service until late in the fall. Then, you’ll find yourself scrambling secure a tune-up as the temperatures outside drop.

It’s better to get that tune-up on the books now while it’s still front of mind.

Enjoy a Wider Selection of Appointment Availability

If you wait until November or December to tune up your heating system, you might have to wait for an appointment or settle for one at a more inconvenient time. During the heart of the season is when our technicians will already be on the road answering repair calls, and most of our tune-up slots will be filled.

Right now, we have more open times, so you can better have a chance at a time that works best for you.

Enjoy Consistent Energy Savings

The most significant advantage of scheduling end-of-season maintenance is that you’ll effectively lock in energy savings for the year to come.

The U.S. Department of Energy has found that proper heating system maintenance and upgrades, combined with insulation and thermostat settings, can lower your energy bills by 30 percent!

Additionally, a heating tune-up allows our technician to identify and fix small problems that can balloon into pricy, disruptive repairs. This also extends your system’s life expectancy.

Don’t Worry — Your Heating System Tune-Up Won’t “Wear Off”

Some customers are wary of having a late winter or spring heating tune-up because they’re worried the cleaning, calibration and testing we do won’t last until it’s time to turn on the equipment again. You don’t need to fret. A tune-up doesn’t “wear off” while your boiler or furnace sits idle. It will be ready to go as soon as the cold weather returns.

You can count on Frank Lamparelli’s skilled technicians to keep your heating equipment operating efficiently for years. We even offer Premium Heat Protection Plans for oil- and gas-fired systems that provide total peace of mind!

Schedule your heating tune-up this month. Our team is here for you whenever you need us.

Frank Lamparelli Can Help You To Secure Rebates, Financing, and Tax Credits!

equipment rebates boston, ma Is your furnace, boiler, or water heater on its last legs? Has your home’s heating struggled to make it through another cold New England winter?

After a year of surging inflation and record-high energy prices, many households are putting off replacing their home comfort equipment. But this can be a mistake. Not only is it risky to rely on a failing heating or hot water system, but it’s also more expensive. Older equipment has high upkeep costs and burns fuel less efficiently, not to mention the increased risk of a complete system failure.

We can help you save a considerable amount of money on upgrading your propane heating equipment and water heaters with rebates and tax credits.

All the financial benefits listed below are subject to change and availability, so be sure to act quickly to secure your savings before these deals end!

Mass Save Rebates Can Save You Serious Cash!

Mass Save promotes the installation of high-efficiency, eco-friendly home comfort equipment right here in the Bay State. As part of this mission, it offers Massachusetts residents rebates on propane equipment, including:

These rebates require installation by a licensed contractor and often need pre-verification. Check out the Mass Save propane equipment rebates and then contact us to move forward with upgrading your heating and hot water systems.

Increase Your Savings with an EnergyStar Tax Credit!

Did you know there are also federal tax benefits for upgrading to energy-efficient propane systems? As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, you can receive a federal tax credit of up to $600 for installing qualifying high-efficiency propane furnaces, boilers, and water heaters in 2023.

Read about these EnergyStar tax credits and check with our installation team about which heating and hot water equipment qualify.

That’s Just the Start of Your Energy Savings!

These rebates and tax credits will significantly reduce your upfront costs, but that’s only where your savings begin.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, home heating makes up about 29 percent of your utility bill, and hot water generation is another 20 percent. That means roughly half of your home’s energy goes to these two systems. And if your furnace, boiler, or water heater is over a decade old, you’re missing out on technological efficiencies that can save you 20 percent or more on your energy bills!

Once you have new propane equipment installed, you’ll see tangible savings almost immediately, including on each energy bill.

Thinking of Upgrading Your Heating Equipment? Contact Frank Lamparelli Oil Co.!

South Shore homeowners trust Frank Lamparelli for their propane equipment installation. Our certified technicians will help you choose the best heating or hot water system, then install it quickly and with minimal disruption to your daily routine. We always get the job done right the first time. Plus, we’re available to perform annual service in the coming years to keep your systems running efficiently.

Frank Lamparelli also offers zero percent financing for qualified customers.

Don’t put off that propane equipment upgrade one second longer. Get in touch with us for a free estimate today!

Lower Your Heating Oil or Propane Bills WITHOUT Sacrificing Comfort

energy saving tips massachusetts We’re coming off a year where energy prices soared to historic highs, and 40-year-high inflation affected the grocery aisles and nearly everywhere else, too.

While prices are just now starting to fall back to earth, we can appreciate that the South Shore households we serve don’t want to waste any bit of energy—especially in the most frigid months of the calendar year!

Here are six simple ways you can reduce your energy use for the rest of the winter season—and those to come in years ahead:

1. Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation

Do you have an uninsulated attic, crawl space, basement or attached garage? They’re likely letting in cold air and letting heat escape from your living spaces. Even recently built homes can benefit from extra insulation.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers recommendations for the correct R-value—the heat flow reduction measurement—for your region. For example, they recommend Massachusetts homeowners use between R48 and R60 material for uninsulated attics.

The DOE advises that adding insulation to these areas can lower your heating and cooling expenses by up to 20 percent and your overall energy expenses by up to 10 percent!

2. Invest In a Smart Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by just 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day can reduce your annual heating costs by up to 10%, according to the DOE. The best way to accomplish this is by programming your thermostat to drop its temperature while you sleep or are at work.
A smart thermostat can detect when you’re out of the house and adjust it’s settings accordingly; you can also control it remotely whether you’re away for the day, weekend, or on vacation.

3. Passive Heating Strategies

Open your curtains or blinds while the sun is shining, and you can take advantage of the free heat it offers. It’s also a good idea to trim back any branches that might block the sunshine. Even a few added degrees can go a long way in making helping your heating system work a little less hard.

4. Don’t Let the Warm Air Escape

Keep your fireplace damper shut unless you have an active fire burning. Leaving it open at other times is like opening a window in your home in the middle of winter.

Also, avoid using venting fans—like those in your kitchen or bathroom—unless necessary. These fans can draw a significant amount of warm air out of your home.

5. Check Your Water Heater Settings

Did you know that hot water generation comprises 20 percent of the average home’s energy use? You can save serious money without giving up a relaxing shower by lowering your water heater’s temperature to the warm setting (120°F).

When you leave town, set your water heater’s thermostat to vacation mode if able so that you don’t reheat a tank of water you aren’t using.

6. Tune Up Your Heating Equipment

At Frank Lamparelli, we recommend that customers get heating equipment maintenance once a year. This allows our skilled technicians to calibrate, clean, and test your system to keep it running as efficiently as possible.

Efficient heating systems burn less gas or oil and break down less often. This saves you money, and stress, in the winter when you rely on it the most!

Ready to schedule a tune-up of your South Shore home’s boiler or furnace? Looking for a local, reliable delivery provider for your heating oil or propane? Just drop us a line to request service or to find out how easy it is to switch to us today!

Be Familiar with a Critical Piece of Your Home Heating System

propane tanks massachusetts Propane is one of the most versatile and efficient fuels around. A small propane cylinder can power a top-of-the-line grill. A larger stationary propane tank can power multiple appliances…plus your home’s heating and hot water equipment, too.

When you count on a propane tank to supply fuel to your home’s vital systems, it’s important to know the details of that tank. Frank Lamparelli has helped local South Shore households find the best fuel storage solutions for years.

Here are answers to some frequent propane tank questions we hear:

Is It Better to Lease or Own Your Propane Tank?

When you own your propane tank, you have freedom over who installs it, services it, and makes the propane deliveries to fill it. However, with that freedom comes a lot of responsibility. You’re on the hook financially for maintenance, repairs, fees, and safety checks. You’ll also need to pay to replace the tank, if necessary.

Leasing a tank from your propane supplier means they handle installation and maintenance, plus they can switch the tank out if your needs change. Even with a leasing fee, this is typically a much more affordable and less stressful option.

What Propane Tank Size Is Right for My Home?

Different tank sizes service different household needs. Here’s a breakdown of some of the stationary tank sizes Frank Lamparelli installs:

60-gallon tankServices a cooktop or single propane appliance.
120-gallon tankServices multiple appliances (e.g., stoves, clothes dryers, water heaters, space heaters or fireplaces) but not an entire home heating system.
320- to 500-gallon tankServices home heating and multiple appliances.
1,000-gallon tankServices large homes and commercial and/or industrial needs.

How Long Does a Propane Tank Last?

The high-quality tanks we install last a long time, generally multiple decades. Of course, these tanks must be appropriately maintained to ensure the best life expectancy. That’s why your household can enjoy significant benefits from working with a trusted company like Frank Lamparelli. Our skilled team can maintain and service your tank to guarantee it works well for years to come!

What are the Main Components of a Propane Tank?

Knowing the different parts of your stationary propane tank will help you communicate more effectively with service technicians if you must call them for repairs. Here are some tank’s standard gauges and valves:

To get started installing a propane tank for your home, contact Frank Lamparelli today. We’ll be happy to help you get started!

Which Generates More Hot Water for the Lowest Energy Cost?

water heater options massachusetts Over the last decade, we’ve noticed just how many homeowners on the South Shore of Massachusetts are utilizing propane energy in their homes. After all, it’s a great fuel option for your home that offers distinct advantages versus other energy alternatives.

Firstly, propane is a dependable, affordable, and highly efficient fuel that can serve many crucial functions across your home’s footprint. This includes cooking, outdoor living appliances, fireplaces, space heating solutions, and more!

Often, we find that customers who’ve always used other fuels are simply unaware of propane’s versatility—and end up using ineffective, expensive electric alternative options.

Water heaters are perhaps the most glaring oversight. Heating water comprises about 20 percent of the average American home’s energy use. And your family relies on hot water for basic comfort daily.

It should be well known that when it comes to efficiency, affordability to eco-friendliness, propane water heaters leave electric products in the dust! So, if you’re looking to replace or upgrade your existing unit, Frank Lamparelli’s expert technicians are ready to handle any water heater installation.

Let’s get you familiar with all the reasons propane power is better than electricity for ensuring continuous, robust hot water:

Recovery Rate Is a Key Factor

Propane water heaters produce twice as much hot water as electric units in the same period. How is that possible? Well, it’s all about the recovery rate. This is the speed at which your water heater can heat a set amount of water to a specified temperature.

Scientifically speaking, propane produces a lot more heat energy than electricity. So, when you have a propane-fired hot water system, your showers can be hotter, for longer, and your taps will heat up quicker.

Understanding Energy Efficiency

Propane water heaters typically use 30 percent less energy than electric water heaters, resulting in immediate monthly savings. A study conducted by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) found that a 2,400-square-foot home will spend about $355 less per year when using a propane water heater as opposed to an electric one.

So, while it’s true that propane water heaters are marginally more expensive than electric options at the time of installation, their fuel efficiency offsets that additional cost in as little as one year.

Cleaner, Greener Water Heating

Don’t be fooled that electric water heaters are more eco-friendly. The electricity they use comes from a grid that relies heavily on fossil fuels. Last year, 32 percent of American carbon emissions came from electricity generation. In Massachusetts last year, two-thirds of our electricity came from natural gas.

Propane offers a greener alternative. It’s methane-free, has an extremely low carbon intensity, and emits virtually no particulate matter. In fact, the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy identify propane as a clean alternative fuel.

For Your Local Propane or Water Heating Needs..Call Frank Lamparelli!

Our company has kept South Shore households comfortable for many years. This includes helping families choose efficient, high-performance water heaters and ensuring dependable, professional propane delivery all year long.

Let the Frank Lamparelli team keep your home comfortable. Contact us for a FREE estimate on a new water heating system installation today!