When winter in New England hits, whether you’re bracing for a coastal Nor’easter or a bitter cold snap in the mountains, your propane system becomes the heart of your home’s comfort. But here’s something many homeowners don’t always realize: propane efficiency isn’t just about the equipment you install. It’s about how you use it, how well it’s maintained, and whether your propane supplier is giving you the tools and transparency you need to actually save money.

If you’ve ever wondered how to reduce propane waste, lower winter heating costs, or make your system run more efficiently, this guide breaks it all down in simple, actionable steps—backed by Tankfarm’s commitment to fair pricing, best-in-class service, and never worrying about running out again.

Why Propane Efficiency Matters More in New England

New England winters are long, unpredictable, and temperature-heavy. That means propane usage spikes quickly—especially if your system isn’t operating at peak performance.

Efficient propane usage can:

• Reduce waste (and your carbon footprint)
• Lower monthly heating bills
• Extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment
• Prevent system strain during deep freezes
• Keep your home consistently warm without constant thermostat adjustments

And because winter heating is one of the highest annual expenses for New England homeowners, even small efficiency improvements can translate into hundreds of dollars saved per season.

1. Start With the Real Culprit: Heat Loss in Your Home

You can have the most efficient propane furnace on the market, but if your home is leaking heat, your energy dollars are slipping right out with it.

Where New England Homes Lose the Most Heat

• Older windows and doors
• Uninsulated attics
• Gaps around chimneys, piping, and crawl spaces
• Drafty basements & rim joists
• Poorly sealed ductwork

These issues are especially common in homes across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire—regions with older housing stock and extreme winter temperature swings.

Simple Fixes That Immediately Boost Efficiency

• Seal cracks with weatherstripping or caulk
• Upgrade attic insulation to at least R-38
• Use thermal curtains on draft-prone windows
• Install a programmable or smart thermostat
• Replace furnace filters every 30–60 days

Small upgrades = major efficiency gains.

2. Know Your Propane System’s Efficiency Rating

Every propane appliance—from furnaces to water heaters—has an AFUE rating (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). This number tells you how much fuel is actually converted into usable heat.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 80% AFUE: Common in older systems
• 90–95% AFUE: High-efficiency modern systems
• 95%+ AFUE: Top-tier condensing furnaces

If your system is over 15 years old, upgrading could reduce your propane usage by 20–30%—without sacrificing any warmth. And with New England’s long winters, that adds up fast.

3. Monitor Your Tank Levels—It’s Not Just About Convenience

This is where Tankfarm’s SMART tank monitoring becomes a total game-changer.

Most propane waste occurs when:

• Homeowners run their tanks too low
• Deliveries happen at inefficient times
• Emergency fills lead to higher costs
• System pressure drops in freezing temps
• Homeowners guess instead of track usage

Our Solution: Free Smart Tank Monitoring

With Tankfarm, every customer receives a free tank monitor, giving you:

• Real-time propane levels
• Daily usage data
• Predictive low-level alerts
• A full, automated delivery plan

This isn’t just convenient—it’s efficient. By automating refill timing and tracking consumption patterns, you reduce waste, eliminate emergency fills, and ensure your system always runs smoothly, no matter how cold it gets.

4. Choose a Supplier That Prioritizes Efficiency—Not Fees

Not all propane suppliers in New England operate the same way. Many still use outdated delivery models or pricing tricks that hurt propane efficiency and your wallet.

Tankfarm’s Approach: Fair, Transparent, Technology-Driven

Our entire business model is built around removing inefficiency—and unnecessary fees.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Fair and Transparent Pricing - We leverage smart technology and streamlined logistics to keep your costs fair and honest. And we never charge tank rental, delivery fees, hazmat fees, or any hidden fees. Ever.
• Best in Class Customer Service - In 2025, Tankfarm achieved an NPS of 82, more than double that of our nearest competitor. That’s because we actually show up for our customers—before, during, and after every delivery.
• Never Run Out - Automated deliveries + free tank monitoring = guaranteed peace of mind. You’ll never run out of propane in the middle of a New England cold snap again.

5. Upgrade Key Appliances for Maximum Efficiency

If your energy bills have been creeping up, the culprit may be older propane appliances.

The most important upgrades to consider:

• High-efficiency propane furnace
• Tankless propane water heater
• Propane fireplace inserts
• Energy Star–rated cooking appliances

Even upgrading just one appliance can reduce your propane usage by up to 15%.

6. Adjust Your Thermostat Strategically

Thermostat behavior is one of the biggest factors in winter propane usage.

For maximum efficiency:

• Lower the temp 3–5 degrees when sleeping or away
• Use scheduling to avoid big, sudden temperature swings
• Aim for 68–70°F as your daytime baseline
• Avoid cranking the heat to “catch up”—it doesn’t work

Smart thermostats pair beautifully with Tankfarm’s tank monitors, giving you full visibility into how your heating habits impact your propane use.

7. Regular Maintenance Prevents Propane Waste

A furnace or boiler that isn’t maintained properly can burn more propane than necessary.

Annual servicing should include:

• Burner cleaning
• Heat exchanger inspection
• Filter replacement
• Leak checks
• Combustion testing
• Fan motor lubrication

A well-maintained system uses less fuel, runs quieter, and extends equipment life.

Efficiency Starts With Understanding—Savings Start With Tankfarm

When you combine a well-maintained home, efficient propane appliances, and a supplier committed to technology and transparency, you unlock real, tangible savings every winter.

With Tankfarm, New England homeowners get:

• Fair pricing—no hidden fees
• The highest-rated customer service in the propane industry
• Smart tank monitoring and automated refills
• A Never Run Out Guarantee

And that’s what propane efficiency is really about: eliminating guesswork, reducing waste, and giving you total control over your home’s comfort.

Ready to learn more? Visit www.tankfarm.io to learn more or call us at 855-905-0282