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. 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
One of the biggest mistakes that propane customers make is not keeping an eye on their propane. As the supply goes down, it is important to make sure you reorder and give plenty of time for delivery. Sometimes a company can come fill up your tank in just one day or two, but sometimes weather and demand will extend this delivery time. If you end up in a real emergency and need an emergency tank fill, this will be an extra charge. So as soon as you get down to 30%, give your delivery company a call.
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. 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
One of the biggest mistakes that propane customers make is not keeping an eye on their propane. As the supply goes down, it is important to make sure you reorder and give plenty of time for delivery. Sometimes a company can come fill up your tank in just one day or two, but sometimes weather and demand will extend this delivery time. If you end up in a real emergency and need an emergency tank fill, this will be an extra charge. So as soon as you get down to 30%, give your delivery company a call.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr likes blogging reviews on propane retailers. To get additional information about Pittsburgh propane retailers or to find local Pittsburgh propane prices, please check out the Thrifty Propane site now.
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