Fall 2016

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Jeff Ruffner

we want to make it easy for youDear Friends,

We are always looking for ways to improve our service to you!

Often, that means making positive changes you can see and benefit from right away.

For instance, in September, we began mailing you fuel statements with a new design that makes our billing easier to read and understand. We also gave our online payment portal a makeover with an eye toward simplifying the process.

Additionally, we can now provide you with a service summary and invoice electronically after a service call to reduce paper clutter. A lot of customers asked for this because it’s easier to file your bills and receipts. We also continuously update the equipment and parts inventory for our service vehicles so we’re always prepared to handle a repair for you.

A lot of these improvements came

about because of upgrades to our back-office system software that has also made our delivery schedule more efficient. That saves money down the road and

helps lower our operating costs while improving

our service. The whole point is, we always want to keep raising the bar when it comes to

service and customer convenience. Don’t forget that our website has been designed to be an easy way for you to communicate with us and get information anytime, from anywhere.

Please visit EnergyUnited.com/propane to pay bills, get information about our products and services, check your account and much more.

Warmly,

Jeff Ruffner, General Manager

get smart this winter

Winters in the Carolinas have been very unpredictable these past few years, Like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get! A long cold snap could result in higher-than-average fuel costs this year.

To make things more predictable, most of our customers choose to enroll in our Smart Buy program, which allows us to spread your fuel costs out throughout the year, so you always know what your monthly fuel bill will be. There is no fee to join!

With Smart Buy, you effectively cut your winter payments in half. Even if you need two deliveries in January or February, you still only pay your scheduled monthly payment.

Now is the time to enroll — before winter arrives. Please call or visit EnergyUnited.com/propane for more information. We will be happy to calculate your monthly payment schedule and get you all set up.

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You’ve already found a great fuel Propane delivered automatically

Buyer beware Avoid these mistakes

More power to you Get “smart”

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You’re going in the right direction by using propane to keep warm. But sometimes, you can lose your way trying to remain comfortable while controlling costs. Here are some tips to help you stay on the right path.

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1Some propane companies are notorious for bringing in customers at a discounted rate, all the while making it seem like their price is always lower than other companies’. In fact, their strategy is to continually step up your price until you are paying much more than you would with us. We’ve seen some of the biggest companies charge as much as $1 more per gallon for similar usage, taking advantage of customers’ misplaced trust.

If you get an offer that seems amazing, please call us to see what’s really involved. We’ve built a business that has lasted for decades by providing a great combination of value, safety and service. If you’re not careful, you can run right into a comfort dead end.

Many of our propane customers get scheduled deliveries. They never have to call us for fuel because we carefully track their fuel usage and then make a

delivery before their tank gets low. Automatic deliveries do not cost anything extra!

This system works for most customers if usage is consistent, but there are exceptions, especially for customers who use propane appliances at their discretion, such as fireplaces, space heaters, pool heaters and stoves.

In cases like these, we ask that you call us for a delivery when your propane tank gauge reaches 30%. That gives us plenty of time to get more fuel to you.

And if you start using a lot more or less fuel than you did last year, please call and let us know.

Why do so many people choose propane appliances for their home?

v To enjoy a virtually endless supply of hot water at a low cost with an innovative propane tankless version.

v To enhance the beauty of a room with the glow of a fireplace insert or fireplace gas logs.

v To enjoy an extensive selection of ovens and ranges, outdoor lighting, space heaters, patio heaters, pool and spa-tub heaters, outdoor grills and fire pits.

v To ensure peace of mind: when the electric power goes out, a propane generator kicks in.

v To help the environment. Propane is nontoxic and produces low levels of carbon emissions.

Propane remains a great fuel choice because it’s efficient, clean, and safe fuel that is exceptionally versatile.

Many people have added insulation in their home and followed other energy-conserving strategies. That’s good! But in some cases, these changes seal up a home so tightly that the heating system can’t get enough air to operate efficiently. Poor air flow can also be caused by these conditions:➤ A fireplace or exhaust fan may be

operating at the same time as the burner. This can result in a smoky odor because a backdraft is pulling flue gases through the exhaust system and into the home.

➤� A clothes dryer, workshop or pet living quarters may be near the burner. Lint, sawdust or animal hair can all be drawn into the air openings of the burner and clog it, leading to a breakdown.

Some people think they can’t afford a backup generator, but studies show that NOT having any backup power can be more expensive in the long term. Just one power outage can cost you $1,250 — in spoiled food, eating out, damage to electronics, lost wages and temporary relocation costs.*

If you’re thinking about adding a generator, consider propane. A propane generator offers advantages that other fuel sources can’t match.

Unlike gasoline or diesel, propane can be delivered easily and stored safely on your property. During extended power outages, gasoline and diesel may be hard to get. Propane can also be stored for an unlimited amount of time; gasoline and diesel degrade after being in storage awhile.

Permanently installed outside your home and supplied by your tank, a propane generator will start automati-cally within seconds of the power going out.*Source: Power Outage Impact Research, B2B International, 2015.

Beyond replacing your old system or maintaining it properly, there are many other ways to make your home more energy efficient, reduce energy usage and save money on your heating bills.

A programmable thermostat is a great example. When used properly, it can save you

about 10% on your annual energy bills. As you may know, you now

have the ability to access a “smart” programmable thermostat remotely through the internet.

If you’re away from home, you can use your phone to adjust the temperature setting. The thermostat can also send you an email or a text alert about a drastic temperature change — and possible equipment failure. Some models

even let you know when it’s time to schedule maintenance for your heating system. Now, that’s smart!

Navigating theHome Comfort

Maze

ask the expert

Fall Special! SAVE 50% on selected outdoor living products. Call for details.

Johnny Mabe market manager

PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL

US POSTAGE

PAIDDG31900 Odell Owen Road

Lexington, NC 27295

Call Us!

855-266-5404

Visit Us! EnergyUnited.com/propane

Propane • Tankless Water Heaters • Grills • Fireplace

Inserts • Water Heaters • Service

no worries, no run-outsThe last thing you want is to have your tank go empty. When you run out of propane, the loss of pressure in the empty tank can lead to leaks in the piping around the system. Safety codes require us to come out and perform a pressure test before refilling your tank. This costs you money!

You can avoid this hassle by enrolling in our free automatic delivery service. We keep track of your fuel use and know exactly when you will need a delivery. Plus, you don’t pay any more for your propane than if you had called for a delivery.

For complete peace of mind, combine automatic deliveries with our Smart Buy plan. You’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel — or getting a big winter fuel bill — again!

savor the season— and save!

We would love to help you enjoy the glorious fall weather in the Carolinas with great savings on grills, fire pits and other outdoor living propane products. Continuing our tradition, we are once again offering a half-price sale on selected products for your outdoor living space.

These include:

• Grills. Is your grill wearing out? We offer the complete Broilmaster line, renowned for durability and deluxe features that include multilevel grills, smokers, griddle attachments and side burners.

• Lighting. Don’t let shorter days send you indoors early: Propane lights and torches are an efficient way to light all your outdoor areas, from paths to entryways. Bonus: They will continue to light the way even during power outages.

• Fire pits. Bring friends or family together with the warmth of a propane-fueled fire pit and never worry about feeding the fire or cleaning up ashes afterward.

Visit one of our 13 showrooms, call us or contact us through our website for further details.

Q I would love to switch over to a propane tankless water heater but don’t think I can afford one; what do you suggest?

A We make tankless water heaters an affordable option for our customers

by offering a lease-to-own program with payments as low as $29.99 per month. Right now, we are also offering this special deal: Be among the first 20 customers to purchase a tankless water heater this season and we’ll credit your account $50.

Q How do I know which water heater is right for my home?

A Please visit our website and click

“Appliances/Equipment” and “Water Heaters.” You can read more about tankless water heaters and also take a quick quiz that helps you determine how much hot water your family needs.