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
This can be overwhelming because you have so many decisions to make. Fortunately, they are all pretty easy. You can buy a propane tank or you can rent/lease a tank. Some companies make it easy to buy. For instance, Thrifty Propane will give a free tank if you pre-buy a large amount of propane from them at one time. Of course, they also offer a lease-to-own program for those who cannot afford the cost of the propane and the price of a tank. In general, there are several different sizes of propane tanks, from your smaller 100-gallon propane tank up to a huge, 1,000-gallon propane tank.
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. How Much Is In Your Tank?
One of the biggest problems you might have with propane occurs when you don't keep an eye on your supply. Once your tank is down to about 30% full, it is a good idea to call and schedule delivery, particularly during the colder months. People often wait until they have almost no propane and then call their delivery service to refill. However, if the demand for propane is very high, there can be shortages or perhaps a snowstorm might delay delivery. In addition, if you need an immediate, emergency refill because your tank is empty, many companies charge extra for this delivery.
1. Pick The Perfect Propane Tank
This can be overwhelming because you have so many decisions to make. Fortunately, they are all pretty easy. You can buy a propane tank or you can rent/lease a tank. Some companies make it easy to buy. For instance, Thrifty Propane will give a free tank if you pre-buy a large amount of propane from them at one time. Of course, they also offer a lease-to-own program for those who cannot afford the cost of the propane and the price of a tank. In general, there are several different sizes of propane tanks, from your smaller 100-gallon propane tank up to a huge, 1,000-gallon propane tank.
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. How Much Is In Your Tank?
One of the biggest problems you might have with propane occurs when you don't keep an eye on your supply. Once your tank is down to about 30% full, it is a good idea to call and schedule delivery, particularly during the colder months. People often wait until they have almost no propane and then call their delivery service to refill. However, if the demand for propane is very high, there can be shortages or perhaps a snowstorm might delay delivery. In addition, if you need an immediate, emergency refill because your tank is empty, many companies charge extra for this delivery.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr likes blogging reviews on propane retailers. For more info regarding Pittsburgh propane retailers or to know local Pittsburgh propane prices, please check out the Thrifty Propane site now.
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