If you are a propane newbie, it can seem a bit overwhelming to make the switch. Keep in mind, propane is a highly efficient fuel that not only is safer for the environment than other fuel sources, it can be more affordable if you know a few tricks. Here's some advice to help you get started.
1. Pick The Perfect Propane Tank
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. The Cost Of Propane Fluctuates
The price of propane goes up and down daily and you need to be aware of these changes before you purchase your supply of propane. The prices go up and down based upon demand in general, so usually you can expect to pay more in the winter months. However, dropping or rising petroleum prices also can affect the propane price, as propane is a byproduct of petroleum.
If possible, work with a company like Thrifty Propane who will send you alerts letting you know when prices are especially low as this is a great time to buy. For instance, if propane prices dropped to under one dollar per gallon, this can be a great time to buy all of your propane for the year if possible. If you purchase 500 gallons of propane at $0.75 per gallon, this costs just $375 and it might be all the propane you will need for the whole year.
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. Pick The Perfect Propane Tank
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. The Cost Of Propane Fluctuates
The price of propane goes up and down daily and you need to be aware of these changes before you purchase your supply of propane. The prices go up and down based upon demand in general, so usually you can expect to pay more in the winter months. However, dropping or rising petroleum prices also can affect the propane price, as propane is a byproduct of petroleum.
If possible, work with a company like Thrifty Propane who will send you alerts letting you know when prices are especially low as this is a great time to buy. For instance, if propane prices dropped to under one dollar per gallon, this can be a great time to buy all of your propane for the year if possible. If you purchase 500 gallons of propane at $0.75 per gallon, this costs just $375 and it might be all the propane you will need for the whole year.
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 likes writing reviews on propane retailers. For more information about Pittsburgh propane retailers or to know local Pittsburgh propane prices, please visit the Thrifty Propane website now.
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