Consumer Corner
Efficient Ways to Warm Your Home
Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Creating reliable and efficient heat for your home during the winter months may be easier than you think. Using propane appliances like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and kitchen appliances alongside other energy sources, like electricity, can help reduce the strain on the electrical grid.
With the capability to power all major systems in a home, propane offers homeowners an affordable, comfortable, reliable and efficient energy source. It’s a clean, low-carbon option that is made in the United States and available right now.
Consider these energy-efficient, propane-powered appliances and their benefits compared to other energy sources, according to the experts at the Propane Education & Research Council.
Furnaces
Not only are propane-powered furnaces more efficient than other energy sources, but they can also provide a lot of comfort. They heat air to 115-125 F, making the indoor air feel consistently warmer than other options. Heat from air source heat pumps often supply temperatures lower than 100 F and are more affected by outdoor temperatures.
A propane-powered furnace has a 50% longer lifespan than an electric heat pump, reducing its overall lifetime costs to a homeowner. Energy Star-qualified propane furnaces can save up to $75 in energy costs each year and are 15% more efficient than standard propane models. In addition, propane-powered residential furnaces emit up to 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electric furnaces and 12% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fuel oil furnaces.
Fireplaces
A propane-powered fireplace is a great source for secondary heat and can be used in all climates. They provide 5-6 times the heating capacity of an electric fireplace and emit less soot and other air-polluting emissions than wood-burning fireplaces.
In fact, some parts of the U.S. have banned wood-burning fireplaces due to their negative effects on the environment. What’s more, traditional wood fireplaces are about 15% efficient as secondary sources of heat while high-efficiency propane fireplaces are up to 90% efficient.
Boilers
Many homeowners appreciate the versatility of propane boilers, which offer high-level performance and space savings while also providing heat, hot water and even snow melt capabilities. This versatility also extends to the type of heating delivery system propane boilers serve, including hydronic baseboard systems, in-floor hydronic systems or even forced-air systems, in which hot water from the boiler (instead of a furnace) acts as the heat source.
Propane boilers have an expected lifespan of up to 30 years, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, but many boilers can last longer if serviced and maintained properly. Thus, the initial investment can provide long-term value beyond other heating alternatives. High-efficiency propane boilers also result in significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions compared with those fueled by heating oil.
Learn more about how you can rely on propane to heat your home at Propane.com/ForMyHome.
SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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holidays
A Guide for the Last-Minute Gifter
Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Rod Washington

(Family Features) If you’ve ever found yourself buying a holiday gift for someone on your list at the last minute, you’re not alone. According to a Walgreens U.S. gift-giving survey, 83% of Americans found themselves getting a gift for someone at the last minute – a trend even more common among Gen Z (90%) and parents (92%). To help keep things merry and bright, consider these tips to help with the last-minute holiday hustle, and visit Walgreens.com or a store near you to find deals and gift inspiration.

SOURCE:
Walgreens
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Automotive
Set Yourself Up for Safe Winter Driving
Set yourself up for safe winter driving with these essential tips: switch to winter tires, check air pressure, protect off-season wheels, and maintain tread depth. Learn how to prepare your car for snow and ice so you can drive with confidence all season.

Set Yourself Up for Safe Winter Driving
(Family Features) Waiting for the first snow or ice storm to hit puts you and your tires behind the curve when it comes time to get behind the wheel. Preparing your vehicle and brushing up on smart winter driving tips helps ensure you arrive at your destination safely, no matter the weather. Consider Winter Tires When temperatures drop below 45 F, winter tires maintain flexibility and road grip, contrary to all-season tires that don’t perform as well in these conditions. Winter tires are designed for better traction and stopping power in ice, slush and snow. Change Out Seasonal Wheels and Rims Swapping summer or all-season tires for winter ones will ensure your vehicle has the best traction possible, but that’s just part of the story. Slippery, wet and icy roads mean vehicles tend to skid and lose control, striking curbs and other objects that scratch, dent and scuff. Snow and winter wheels are a smart way to protect summer rims from snow, ice and road-clearing chemicals like salt. Protect Offseason Tires It’s important to protect your offseason tires from below freezing temperatures, sunlight, moisture and other harsh weather conditions. Consider Discount Tire’s Tire Hotel service, available at select locations, where stores help preserve the condition of tires, handling tire rotations, inspections and maintenance when it’s time to change the winter tires back. Maintain Target Air Pressure The impact changing temperatures have on your tire pressure can create numerous issues, including poor handling, worse gas mileage, excessive wear and overloading. Prevent problems by checking your air pressure at least once a month when your tires are cool and before any long trip. For every 10 F in ambient temperature change, tire air pressure changes 1 PSI (pound per square inch). That means you need to check your tires more frequently as temperatures fluctuate and settle into lower winter levels. Check Tread Depth Regularly Your vehicle’s tread depth plays a vital role in traction, which can affect your safety while driving in winter conditions. To ensure you have ample tread, stick a penny upside-down in a tread groove. It’s time to replace if Lincoln’s head is visible. You can also visit your local Discount Tire store for a free tire safety check. Practice Good Tire Maintenance Taking care of your tires ensures you get the longest life and best wear. Most experts recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 miles. Knowing the age of your tires, which can be found by looking at the DOT number stamped on their sidewalls, is important since tire rubber becomes harder and more brittle as it ages, increasing the risk of failure. Choose Tires Wisely Selecting the tires that are best suited for where you drive, how you drive and what you drive helps protect you and your passengers, ensuring your vehicle is prepared for winter weather. When shopping, consider using an online tire guide like Treadwell, which provides personalized recommendations on the best tires for your driving needs. Find the tool online at DiscountTire.com/Treadwell. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockThe Legacy of the Datsun 510: How a Game-Changing Car Helped Nissan Conquer the US MarketLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-legacy-of-the-datsun-510-how-a-game-changing-car-helped-nissan-conquer-the-us-market/
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Blog
Glad and Oscar the Grouch Team Up for a Trashy, Toe-Tapping Campaign
Glad teams up with Oscar the Grouch for a playful revival of the “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.” campaign, featuring a musical number, limited-edition Oscar-inspired trash bags, and a fresh take on making trash day fun for all ages.
Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
A Classic Campaign Gets a Grouchy Remix
Why Oscar? Why Now?
Nostalgia Meets New Audiences
Limited-Edition Oscar Goodies and Where to Find Them
Where to Watch
- Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
- Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
Bringing the Campaign Home: Phoenix Community Clean-Up
- “Phoenix, let’s get grouchy about litter and Glad about clean streets! Join our community clean-up and share your photos with #GladToCleanPHX.”
- “Spotted: Oscar the Grouch in Phoenix! Grab your Glad bags, clean up your neighborhood, and tag #OscarLovesTrash for a chance to be featured.”
- “Spring cleaning in Phoenix just got a lot more fun—thanks to Glad and Oscar! Who’s joining our next clean-up day? #GladToCleanPHX”
About the Brands
- Glad Products Company
- Sesame Workshop
- PRNewswire
- Press release via Glad, Dec 2, 2025 (based on IRI data, last 52 weeks ending 10/26/2025)
High Demand Marks “Veggies for Veterans” Event Amid SNAP Delays
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