EXPAND YOUR LIVABLE SPACE TO INCLUDE THE OUTDOORS WITH COST-EFFECTIVE GAS APPLIANCES.

Kitchens, master bathrooms, and basement man caves have long dominated the hearts and minds of high-end homebuilders and buyers. And for good reason.

Recent trends, however, have shifted the thoughts of more and more homebuyers (and even longtime homeowners) to a home’s outdoor living space. Providing benefits far and above simply expanding the amount of livable space, a well-designed outdoor living space can quickly become the place to be in and around any home. And while the right outdoor upgrades are sure to increase a home’s resale value, some discover quickly that this particular home improvement project can transform a home into an investment worth holding onto.

Homeowners love the benefits that come with gas appliances, and thanks to the portability of propane, those outside the natural gas mains can still enjoy them. For example, propane furnaces heat homes faster and last longer than electric heat pumps, and according to the U.S. Department of Energy, propane furnaces and water heaters both cost less to operate than their electric counterparts.

While propane available through nationwide tank exchange companies such as Blue Rhino (www.BlueRhino.com) is a great option for many outdoor appliances, the most convenient and cost-effective solution is to have your local propane company extend gas lines to your outdoor propane-fueled applications.

There are plenty of great options to choose from.

Kick the ambience up an extra notch or two with flame lighting. Whether providing light for a specific space or walkway, or simply creating an unforgettable look throughout your outdoor living space, propane flame lighting can provide the rich look homeowners are looking for. What’s more, flame lighting even offers additional safety and security for homeowners because they continue to function even during a power outage.

Grills have long been a staple of backyards across the country, and there may be nothing better than grilling in the great outdoors with the same temperature control and easy on-off capabilities found indoors on your gas range. While summertime is our nation’s favorite time to grill, there’s a growing interest in grilling year-round, or Wintercue-ing as some are calling it. Let’s face it, some of the most celebrated sporting events take place during the winter months, and die-hard fans can be adamant about the authentic flavor that only comes when burgers and chicken wings are cooked on the grill.

Whether they’re fueled by the small, portable Blue Rhino propane tanks or connected to a propane gas line extending from the home, patio heaters provide a radius of heat that’s sure to warm up guests even on some of the coldest nights of the year. Inexpensive and surprisingly portable, propane patio heaters have also caught the attention of the owners and managers of restaurants and country clubs, who have discovered how they can expand their dining area and improve their customer experience.

Thinking of adding a swimming pool to your backyard oasis? Propane can help maximize your return on that investment by keeping the party going during the colder months as well. Save the Polar Bear Plunges for worthwhile charitable causes by treating your family and guests to a comfortable year-round swimming experience.

It’s a lot to take in, and can even be a bit overwhelming for those who have never owned a propane-powered home. According to Heath Smith, Account Manager for nationwide propane company Ferrellgas in Augusta, Georgia, making the switch to propane is easier than one might think.

Far and away the biggest thing for new propane users to keep in mind is that deliveries must be made periodically as the gas in the aboveground or underground tank is used. Many propane companies, including Ferrellgas, provide options that include automatic deliveries or requiring customers to call in advance when they’re in need of a fill.

According to Smith, Ferrellgas’ SmartFill device is also a great option for vacation homeowners or those who simply want additional piece of mind.

“SmartFill is Ferrellgas’ automatic propane tank monitoring system,” Snith said. “It’s the most convenient delivery option we offer. The SmartFill tank monitoring device communicates with us on a daily basis to let us know the exact amount of propane that remains in a customer’s tank.”

Smith also said many homeowners who live in areas susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, or even those who experience periodic power outages, turn to propane-powered backup generators. There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from smaller portable generators that can power a couple of appliances until the electricity comes back on, to standby generators capable of powering all of the appliances in a home or commercial building.

Article & photos submitted by Ferrell Gas