There are plenty of good reasons to switch to propane as your energy source. Propane is far better for the environment than coal and if natural gas leaks, it's even more dangerous than coal. Propane also burns very efficiently, so you will need less propane to achieve the same amount energy you received from wood, coal and natural gas. Still, it can be daunting to switch to propane, so follow a few of these helpful tips to smooth the way.
1. Propane Tanks: The Big First Step
It all begins with a tank. In order to use propane, you first must buy or lease a propane tank. Propane tanks come in many different sizes, from a 100-gallon propane tank to a huge 1,000-gallon tank. You can purchase a new or used tank and you also can purchase either an above-ground tank or have a tank buried underground. Companies such as Thrifty Propane will give you a new propane tank if you pre-buy enough gallons of propane.
But how big of a tank do you really need? It depends entirely on your situation. This includes your geographic location, as people in colder climates usually use more propane. If you run your heater and all your appliances with propane, this also can affect your propane use. If your house is not sufficiently weatherproofed, this also can mean you will use more propane. Of course, the size of your home and the number of residents also affects usage. However, 500 gallons of propane is probably enough for many families living in a typical 2,000-square-foot home or smaller. Your propane delivery company will be able to offer some advice, but it's also wise to ask your neighbors who already use propane, as well.
2. Propane Prices Go Up & Down
Just like gasoline, the cost per gallon of propane can change every day, and these price changes can have a big effect on your energy costs. When demand is higher, the cost typically increases. Often this demand is highest during the winter months, as homeowners simply need more propane to heat their homes. The price of petroleum also can affect your propane costs, as propane is a byproduct of both natural gas and petroleum.
It's important to try to find a propane company that offers pre-buy specials. This allows you to take advantage of lower prices and get huge savings on propane. Thrifty Propane, for example, will send out helpful emails telling you about low prices. This can shave a great deal off your yearly energy costs. For instance, if propane is $0.70 per gallon and you buy 500 gallons, it will cost $350. If you waited a few weeks and the price goes up to even $1, you will be paying $150 more, and prices definitely can rise above $1.
3. Check Your Supply Often
Too often, people wait until their tank is nearly empty to pick up the phone and ask for a delivery. Sometimes, this ends up being just fine, but often delivery just isn't available at the exact moment you need it so keep an eye on how much you have left. You can opt for automatic propane delivery services or simply watch until the tank gauge reads about 30% full. Then it's time to reorder so that you are not stuck in a lurch. Keep in mind that refilling in the winter often can be delayed due to snowstorms and high demand, so it's best to head into winter with as full of a tank as possible.
1. Propane Tanks: The Big First Step
It all begins with a tank. In order to use propane, you first must buy or lease a propane tank. Propane tanks come in many different sizes, from a 100-gallon propane tank to a huge 1,000-gallon tank. You can purchase a new or used tank and you also can purchase either an above-ground tank or have a tank buried underground. Companies such as Thrifty Propane will give you a new propane tank if you pre-buy enough gallons of propane.
But how big of a tank do you really need? It depends entirely on your situation. This includes your geographic location, as people in colder climates usually use more propane. If you run your heater and all your appliances with propane, this also can affect your propane use. If your house is not sufficiently weatherproofed, this also can mean you will use more propane. Of course, the size of your home and the number of residents also affects usage. However, 500 gallons of propane is probably enough for many families living in a typical 2,000-square-foot home or smaller. Your propane delivery company will be able to offer some advice, but it's also wise to ask your neighbors who already use propane, as well.
2. Propane Prices Go Up & Down
Just like gasoline, the cost per gallon of propane can change every day, and these price changes can have a big effect on your energy costs. When demand is higher, the cost typically increases. Often this demand is highest during the winter months, as homeowners simply need more propane to heat their homes. The price of petroleum also can affect your propane costs, as propane is a byproduct of both natural gas and petroleum.
It's important to try to find a propane company that offers pre-buy specials. This allows you to take advantage of lower prices and get huge savings on propane. Thrifty Propane, for example, will send out helpful emails telling you about low prices. This can shave a great deal off your yearly energy costs. For instance, if propane is $0.70 per gallon and you buy 500 gallons, it will cost $350. If you waited a few weeks and the price goes up to even $1, you will be paying $150 more, and prices definitely can rise above $1.
3. Check Your Supply Often
Too often, people wait until their tank is nearly empty to pick up the phone and ask for a delivery. Sometimes, this ends up being just fine, but often delivery just isn't available at the exact moment you need it so keep an eye on how much you have left. You can opt for automatic propane delivery services or simply watch until the tank gauge reads about 30% full. Then it's time to reorder so that you are not stuck in a lurch. Keep in mind that refilling in the winter often can be delayed due to snowstorms and high demand, so it's best to head into winter with as full of a tank as possible.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr enjoys writing reviews on propane retailers. To get additional information about Pittsburgh propane retailers or to know local Pittsburgh propane prices, please visit the Thrifty Propane website today.
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