Winter brings a host of challenges for homes in the Northeast. From blizzards in the Adirondacks to nor’easters in Massachusetts, the weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving. If your home relies on propane for heating, hot water and powering crucial gas appliances, you want to make sure the propane in your tank can safely reach your home.
When temperatures plummet, your propane system works harder. In this article, we’ll discuss how extreme cold can affect the propane in your tank and the steps you can take to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable all season long.
Given that propane is stored in a liquid state within your tank, it is only natural to have questions about the possibility of it freezing during a severe cold snap.
The good news is that you do not need to worry about liquid propane solidifying. Propane has an incredibly low freezing point of -306°F. To put that in perspective, this temperature is over twice as cold as any natural temperature ever recorded on Earth. While the liquid itself won’t freeze, the cold weather does impact how the propane behaves inside the tank, specifically regarding pressure.
While propane won’t freeze, frigid temperatures can significantly impact the pressure inside your propane tank. Propane contracts when the temperature drops. This contraction leads to a decrease in volume, which lowers the pressure inside the tank. If the pressure drops too low, the propane may not vaporize quickly enough to reach your burner. This can prevent your furnace or water heater from working properly, even if there is fuel left in the tank.
To ensure optimal performance throughout the winter, it is vital to keep the pressure in your tank positive. The most effective way to do this is to keep your propane tank about a third full or higher. A fuller tank has more thermal mass, which helps maintain the pressure needed to power your home. Additionally, you can help by clearing snow off your tank to allow sunlight to warm the exterior.
Understanding how heat affects propane is just as important as understanding the cold, as it explains a crucial safety standard known as the “80% fill rule.”
Just as cold causes propane to contract, heat causes it to expand. Because liquid propane expands with temperature changes, propane tanks are never filled to 100% capacity. Instead, they are filled to about 80% of their total capacity, meaning a 500-gallon tank will hold about 400 gallons of propane. This leaves a safe “cushion” of space for the propane to expand on warmer days without creating dangerous excess pressure inside the tank.
Managing your tank levels manually during a harsh winter can be stressful. No one wants to trudge out into the snow to check a gauge.
Mirabito makes it easy to maintain the right fill level to avoid pressure issues with our free Automatic Delivery service. Our system uses your customer profile and current weather patterns to determine when you need a fill-up so that we can schedule the delivery automatically.
We are proud to provide reliable energy solutions to homeowners across:
Don’t wait for the next cold snap to worry about your fuel levels. Contact Mirabito today to enroll in automatic delivery. When your family’s winter comfort matters — Make it Mirabito.
From the Adirondacks to Eastern Massachusetts, Mid-Pennsylvania to Southern Vermont and countless other communities in between and all around, the Northeast U.S. can experience a lot of extreme winter weather. This includes blizzards, nor’easters, frigid cold snaps and soggy wintry mixes.
Your house should be a refuge from the most unforgivingly cold weather. But depending on your existing heating system, you may need back-up equipment to ensure the warmest home in all winter conditions.
Mirabito Energy Products is happy to work with you to ensure the most dependable and efficient heating setup.
Northeast households often have forced air heating equipment (furnaces) or hydronic heating systems (boilers), which are most often powered by traditional energy sources like heating oil, propane or natural gas. The good news about these systems is that they tend to provide robust, reliable heat, provided they are in good condition, receive regular preventive maintenance, and are properly sized for your home.
That said, many homes have spaces that lack the vents to receive heat from a furnace or radiators/baseboards to get heat from a boiler. In addition to possibly modifying or adding to your existing central heating system to cover those spaces, Mirabito Energy Products can install affordable, energy-efficient equipment to heat attics, basements, sunrooms, recent additions, guest houses, studios or other spaces that your central heating system won’t reach. Here are two of our most popular space heating options:
Heat pumps have become increasingly popular throughout the Northeast. These systems don’t generate heat like a boiler or furnace. Instead, they transfer heat from outside into your home to maintain comfortable temperatures. (They also offer fantastic air conditioning in the summer.)
However, heat pump systems sometimes struggle to perform well during extreme cold. That’s why many homeowners choose to keep their furnace or boiler as a back-up, ensuring they have reliable heat on the coldest days of winter. Mirabito installs ducted and ductless heat pumps, and we can help you pair them with a traditionally-fueled furnace, boiler or space heater. This setup will ensure you always have access to the most effective and efficient heating option.
The team at Mirabito Energy Products wants you to have 100% peace of mind that you can keep your home safe and warm, no matter what Old Man Winter has in store.
Reach out to our HVAC installation and service team today to discuss back-up home heating options. We’re proud to cover an expansive service area that includes New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Rhode Island.
Many homeowners may be unaware that high-efficiency heating systems generate water as a normal part of their operation. High-efficiency boilers and furnaces, often referred to as condensing systems, are designed to maximize energy utilization by capturing heat that would otherwise be lost through exhaust gases.
As these exhaust gases cool, the water vapor they contain condenses into liquid form. This condensation process allows the system to recover additional heat, improving overall efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. While this enhances system performance, it also results in the production of water that must be properly managed.
High-efficiency heating systems are equipped with a dedicated condensate drainage system to safely remove this water. If condensation is not draining correctly, it can accumulate and potentially cause system malfunctions, water damage, or property damage. In some cases, improper drainage may lead to unexpected system shutdowns, particularly during colder weather.
To ensure reliable and efficient operation, it is essential that the condensate drainage system remains clear and functioning properly. Routine maintenance and professional inspections can identify potential issues early, helping to prevent costly repairs and service interruptions.
Maintain the performance and longevity of your heating system by scheduling routine maintenance with Mirabito at 1-855-638-5580 or by signing up for a Mirabito Service Membership! A Mirabito Service Membership will allow you to save on service and repairs as well as ensure priority 24/7 emergency service.
Understanding how to read your fuel tank gauge is an essential way to stay ahead of your home’s fuel needs and avoid unexpected interruptions in comfort. Most residential fuel tanks have a gauge located on the top of the tank, usually appearing as a small round dial or, in some cases, a small glass tube. The needle or line on the gauge shows your current fuel level and is typically marked in clear increments such as Full, ¾, ½, ¼, and Empty.
To ensure you always have enough fuel on hand, it’s best to monitor your gauge regularly and schedule a delivery before the level drops below ¼. Planning ahead helps you avoid running low during cold weather or high-demand periods.
Why Checking Your Tank Matters
Keeping an eye on your fuel level does more than provide peace of mind, it helps protect your home and heating system. Running out of fuel means losing heat, which can quickly make your home cold and uncomfortable. In freezing temperatures, a lack of heat can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to expensive repairs.
Allowing your tank to run too low can also cause sediment at the bottom of the tank to enter your fuel lines, potentially clogging your system and damaging your equipment. Regular monitoring and early scheduling also help you avoid emergency deliveries, especially during the winter months when fuel demand is at its highest.
Take the Worry Out of Fuel Management with Automatic Delivery
If you’d rather not think about checking your fuel gauge, Mirabito’s automatic delivery service offers a simple, worry-free solution. With automatic delivery, your fuel usage is monitored and deliveries are scheduled for you, ensuring your home stays warm without the need for constant gauge checks or last-minute calls.
To get started, contact our Customer Care Team at 1-800-934-9480 to set up automatic delivery. Ready to order fuel now? Skip the phone line and place your order conveniently online anytime on your Mirabito MyAccount Portal.
Winters across Central New York — and throughout Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Connecticut — are no joke. Sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow and biting winds can put serious strain on your heating system and fuel supply. When the cold settles in, having equipment you can rely on isn’t just a comfort issue; it’s essential for safety and peace of mind.
With a bit of preparation, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns, make fuel deliveries more efficient, and even lower your energy costs. Here are several smart steps Mirabito Energy Products recommends to help your home stay warm and protected all winter long.
Whether you use propane or heating oil, the area around your tank should always be clear of debris. Grass, brush, leaves, snowbanks and tree limbs can create safety hazards and make deliveries difficult. For aboveground propane tanks, maintain a clear 10-foot radius to reduce fire risk and ensure safe access. Keeping this area tidy also helps our drivers deliver fuel quickly and safely during winter weather.
Your propane tank’s regulator vent plays a vital role in safe operation. Take time to inspect it periodically and make sure it’s free of dirt, ice or snow buildup. After winter storms, also check exhaust and intake vents around your home. Blocked vents can interfere with proper airflow and may cause your heating system to shut down when you need it most.
Snow-covered landscapes can make it surprisingly difficult to find your fuel tank, right when having a full tank is critical. Before winter arrives, mark the tank’s location with a brightly colored stake or flag. This simple step helps you clear a path after heavy snowfall and allows Mirabito delivery drivers to locate and access your tank without delay.
Cold weather increases fuel usage, and tanks can empty faster than expected. Running out of fuel can lead to system shutdowns, pressure issues, and no-heat emergencies. Mirabito’s automatic delivery service eliminates the guesswork.
We track your propane or heating oil usage, local weather patterns and seasonal temperatures to accurately predict when you’ll need fuel and then schedule deliveries automatically. There’s no fee for automatic delivery, and it’s one of the easiest ways to ensure a reliable fuel supply all winter long.
Heating equipment is designed with safety in mind, but carbon monoxide detectors are a critical layer of protection. Make sure you have CO detectors on every level of your home and near areas where people sleep. Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed so you’re alerted immediately if unsafe conditions develop.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for a winter cold snap is to schedule a professional heating system tune-up and safety check. During a maintenance visit, a trained technician inspects, cleans, and adjusts your equipment to ensure it’s operating efficiently and safely. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, improves fuel efficiency, and can extend the life of your system, saving you money over the long run.
For true peace of mind, consider enrolling in a Mirabito service membership. Membership benefits include annual professional maintenance, priority scheduling when service is needed and reduced repair costs. It’s the easiest way to stay ahead of winter problems and ensure your heating system is ready for whatever the season brings.
Contact Mirabito Energy Products today to learn more about service memberships and winter prep solutions, and stay warm all winter long.
When our team talks to homeowners about arranging maintenance for their furnaces, we often liken a heating tune-up to an annual check-up with your doctor. A trained and experienced professional can check the health of your equipment, they can head off some service problems early, make recommendations to keep things operating well and take necessary steps to extend the life of the system.
In short, a yearly furnace maintenance visit is a small investment that returns lasting, measurable benefits. At Mirabito Energy Products, we’re proud of our expert team of HVAC technicians. We encourage each of our valued customers to set up a preventive maintenance visit with our team to avoid these all-too-common problems
When your furnace — whether it runs on heating oil or gas — doesn’t receive annual maintenance, its efficiency begins to drop. Dust buildup, worn components and restricted airflow force the system to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. The results are higher fuel consumption and noticeably bigger energy bills. A well-tuned furnace burns cleaner and more efficiently, delivering maximum heat output from every gallon of oil or propane or therm of natural gas. Routine maintenance from Mirabito technicians ensures your system is calibrated properly, airflow is unobstructed and combustion is optimized, helping you keep winter heating costs under control.
Northeastern winters are unforgiving, and your furnace must run for long stretches to keep your home warm and safe. Without routine tune-ups, small issues like worn belts, dirty burners, weak sensors, or loose electrical connections often go unnoticed. Over time, these minor problems can escalate into system failures right when temperatures are at their coldest. Annual maintenance visits from Mirabito help prevent those nerve-wracking no-heat emergencies. Our technicians catch early warning signs and fix them before they become expensive breakdowns, giving you peace of mind throughout the harshest stretches of winter.
Every furnace has a limited lifespan, but skipping maintenance can shorten it dramatically. When parts are dirty, obstructed or out of alignment, the entire system experiences extra strain. Components wear out faster, efficiency declines, and the furnace must work harder year after year. Regular service restores proper operation, reduces unnecessary wear and helps your equipment last for its longest possible service life.
Most furnace manufacturers include a clear requirement in their warranty terms: the system must receive professional annual maintenance. If you skip a yearly tune-up, the warranty can become void. That means if a major component fails, you could be responsible for the entire repair or replacement cost. Keeping your system serviced by Mirabito not only ensures reliable performance but also preserves your warranty protection, saving you from unexpected — and potentially very costly — out-of-pocket expenses.
Just like your annual check-up is typically covered by health insurance coverage, you can easily ensure your furnace gets its yearly preventive care with a service membership from Mirabito Energy Products. These affordable plans protect your heating equipment with 24-hour emergency service and either full coverage or discounted coverage for needed repairs (depending on the level of coverage. And your annual tune-up is included in the membership — all you need to do is schedule it!
Get in touch with our team today to arrange your maintenance appointment or enroll in a service membership. Mirabito Energy Products offers top-tier HVAC service in Central New York, the Adirondacks, Utica, the New York Capital region, the Catskills and the Hudson Valley, along with Mid- to Northern Pennsylvania, Central and Western Connecticut, Southern Vermont, Western Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Binghamton, NY- December 10, 2025 – Mirabito Cares and The Salvation Army are partnering to host a 12-hour “Ring Around The Clock” bell-a-thon on Saturday, December 13 at select Mirabito Convenience Store locations. The event is part of The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, helping local families in need during the holiday season. Mirabito employees and Salvation Army volunteers will be ringing bells and collecting donations via the classic red kettle and virtual donation page at the following locations:
Mirabito will also be ringing at one of our newest locations located near Lake George – 1433 State Route 9, Queensbury, NY – from 12:00PM until 4:00PM.
Customers can donate with change or cash, or by scanning a unique QR code at each site to ensure contributions go directly to their local Salvation Army branch supporting neighbors and families. Donors will also receive a free Mirabito cookie coupon as a thank-you, and additional fuel discount promotions will be available for a limited time at our Binghamton and Oneonta locations.
“This event reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities we serve,” said Marissa Sweeney, Senior Marketing Director at Mirabito Holdings, Inc. “The Salvation Army has remained a constant haven for those in need during turbulent times, and every dollar makes a difference in supporting their mission. We encourage our loyal customers and neighbors to come visit us on December 13th, and celebrate the season while making a difference.”
Following the event, Mirabito will continue promoting online donations through December 31st through QR codes at the pump, or customers can use the link below at any time to donate. Mirabito will make a corporate contribution to amplify the total impact as part of our ongoing commitment to serving our community. https://give.salvationarmy.org/campaign/727402/donate
For more information or to learn how you can get involved, follow @MirabitoConvenienceStores and on social media.
Heating a multi-story home in the Northeast U.S. can be a constant challenge. One floor feels perfectly toasty while another has you grabbing extra blankets. Heat rises, cold air settles, and many homes rely on one thermostat to control it all — which rarely delivers balanced comfort.
On top of that, constantly running a centralized heating system can be a drain on your household budget!
A growing number of homeowners across the region are finding relief with zoned heating, available for both central HVAC systems and ductless mini-split heat pumps. Zoning allows different parts of your home to be heated individually, so each floor or room stays at the temperature you want.
If you’re looking to even out hot-and-cold spots and improve winter comfort, here’s what to know about creating zoned heating in your home.
Adding Zones to a Standard Central Heating System
Many homes with traditional central heating and cooling system use single-stage equipment. These systems operate at one speed only, fully on or fully off. When you add zones to this type of system, your HVAC technician places dampers inside the ductwork so each area can receive air independently.
However, since a single-stage blower always runs at 100% output, it produces more airflow than a single zone can handle. To prevent excessive pressure in your ductwork, homes with standard equipment often require a bypass duct, which redirects some of that extra air back into the return.
With this setup you will gain separate temperature control for the different zones in your home, which will help enhance your overall comfort and help increase the overall efficiency of your system if used properly. However with these types of systems, there may be some trade-offs:
Adding Zones with Variable-Speed HVAC Equipment
Variable-speed heating and cooling systems are designed with zoning in mind. Instead of running at one fixed output, they automatically adjust their airflow to match the needs of each zone.
This means you don’t need a bypass duct, and the system supplies only the air volume required for whichever zone needs heat. Zoning with variable-speed equipment delivers smoother, more consistent heating, quieter operation and improved efficiency.
Ductless Heat Pumps Provide Natural Zoning
Ductless heat pumps — also known as mini-splits — are one of the simplest ways to create zoned heating without altering existing ductwork. A ductless system includes an outdoor condenser paired with one or more indoor air-handling units. A narrow refrigerant line connects the units, allowing for fast, non-intrusive installation.
Each indoor unit heats a specific area or “zone.” Instead of warming your entire house, you choose the exact temperature you want in each room. This makes ductless systems incredibly efficient, often reducing heating and cooling energy use by 30–40%.
Tips for Effective Zoning in Your Home
Plan zones based on how your home is used. Group high-traffic areas together and keep bedrooms separate for personalized comfort.
Seal and insulate first. Make sure windows, doors and attic spaces aren’t leaking heat before you invest in zoning.
Use individual thermostats wisely. Tailor each zone’s settings to your family’s routines.
Dial back unused areas. Keep guest rooms or seldom-used spaces at lower temperatures to save energy. Also, ensure you keep doors to rarely used rooms closed.
Interested in learning whether zoned heating is right for your home? Mirabito Energy Products can help you design a system that boosts comfort, reduces energy waste and keeps every level of your home warm all winter long. Reach out to us for a free estimate.
[November 19, 2025] Mirabito Convenience Stores and its customers have once again come together to make a difference. For the month of October, Mirabito Convenience Stores throughout New York and Pennsylvania sponsored a Round Up campaign in conjunction with its Mirabito Cares program which raised $75,000 in support of the American Cancer Society.
The funds were made possible by the generosity of Mirabito customers who rounded up their purchases at checkout in Mirabito Convenience Stores, combined with a corporate contribution from Mirabito Cares. Proceeds will directly support local patients and families through vital American Cancer Society programs, including nights at Hope Lodge during treatment and recovery, rides to medical appointments, and access to trained Cancer Information Specialists who provide 24/7 guidance and support.
“We’ve all been impacted by cancer in one way or another, and the work that the American Cancer Society does is truly irreplaceable,” said Marissa Sweeney, Senior Director of Marketing at Mirabito Holdings, Inc. “This Round Up campaign is especially aligned with our mission of supporting medical research and community outreach as the dollars raised stay right here in our local communities to help our neighbors and friends who are battling cancer. We’re incredibly proud to continue this partnership and grateful to our customers and employees who made this possible.”
Heather Morris, Senior Corporate Relations Manager for the American Cancer Society, commented on the success of the campaign, saying, “We at the American Cancer Society extend heartfelt thanks to Mirabito and their customers, whose generosity means so much to our community and mission. For a second consecutive year, Mirabito has joined with its customers in rounding up at the register to support lifesaving cancer research and local patient programs—critical work as 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Our commitment continues year-round, helping ensure families in our region have access to the resources and hope they need in the fight against cancer.”
The campaign’s success builds on Mirabito’s long-standing partnership with the American Cancer Society. In addition to the Round Up campaign, Mirabito proudly serves as the title sponsor of the Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Tournament, returning this December for the second consecutive year to raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.
Through initiatives like these, Mirabito Cares continues to uphold the company’s core values of integrity, reliability, safety, and community service, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the people and communities we serve.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345.
About Mirabito Cares
Since 1927, Mirabito has been dedicated to being a steadfast community advocate and supporter. As we continue to grow as an energy provider, our mission remains deeply rooted in our commitment to upholding community and family values. At Mirabito, we believe in the importance of giving back to the communities that have stood by us over the years.
Mirabito Cares proudly acknowledges and celebrates our contributions to communities through sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism. Through fostering strong relationships with our community members and staff, Mirabito supports initiatives such as local charities, community events, and volunteer opportunities to address the unique needs of each community.
Living in the Northeast U.S. can mean weathering some frigid winters. And while snuggling up under a cozy blanket with some warm cocoa can be pleasant on a snowy day, it’s no substitute for an efficiently operating furnace or boiler.
At Mirabito Energy Products, we help customers get the most from their home heating systems, and a big part of that mission is to help them reduce their energy expenses and save some money in the process. Here are five common ways that homeowners end up wasting energy and driving up their energy costs. The good news is that it’s incredibly easy to avoid these pitfalls.
We would never encourage a customer to have an uncomfortably cold home. However, far too many homeowners run their heating systems when they don’t need to — specifically when they’re asleep or out of the house.
With a programmable thermostat, you can schedule temperature reductions for the middle of the night and during work hours. A Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat also allows you to adjust your temperature settings from your phone or tablet when you’re away from home.
No matter how efficient your heating system is, you’ll run it too often and waste energy if your home has air leaks. To keep warm air from escaping your home, start by sealing gaps and drafts. Install weatherstripping and door sweeps to block chilly air from sneaking in around windows and doors. For smaller cracks or openings in stationary parts of windows, doors and walls, apply caulk to create a tight, long-lasting seal. These simple upgrades help your heating system work more efficiently and keep your home comfortably warm all winter long.
Here are two simple ways to make your home feel comfortable in the winter without using your home’s heat more often:
Your furnace or boiler will need to work harder to heat your home if the heat’s pathway to your rooms is obstructed. Please take these simple steps to keep the heat flowing efficiently:
Yearly maintenance for your equipment will keep it running efficiently, reduce the chance of a breakdown and extend its lifespan. An annual professional tune-up is also required to maintain most manufacturers’ warranties in place. In short, a tune-up is an investment in efficiency and reliability that pays dividends all winter!
(Also, with our service membership plans, your heating system can receive annual maintenance, priority service and reduced costs on needed repairs.)
Have you scheduled your annual heating tune-up? Reach out to us today to arrange service.
