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. 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. 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.
When shopping for a propane company, it is helpful to find a service that offers many ways to save on your propane costs. For instance, Thrifty Propane encourages customers to buy as much propane as possible when prices get very low so they will send out emails when prices drop. This can make a huge difference as you might be able to buy all of your yearly propane for much less than one dollar per gallon, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
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. 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. 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.
When shopping for a propane company, it is helpful to find a service that offers many ways to save on your propane costs. For instance, Thrifty Propane encourages customers to buy as much propane as possible when prices get very low so they will send out emails when prices drop. This can make a huge difference as you might be able to buy all of your yearly propane for much less than one dollar per gallon, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
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 writing reviews on propane retailers. To get additional info regarding Pittsburgh propane retailers or to know local Pittsburgh propane prices, please visit the Thrifty Propane site now.
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