Propane is an affordable and versatile fuel. It is cheaper than electricity, more efficient than natural gas,and cleaner than oil. In the home, it is commonly used for heating and powering some appliances. If you are used to gas or electric heat, buying a home with propane heat means there may be some factors that you may not have considered before. Propane services are much less intimidating than they may first appear and many companies are experienced with working with homeowners who are new to using propane heat.
The first thing to know about purchasing a home with propane heat is whether the tank is owned or rented from a propane services provider. Either arrangement has advantages and disadvantages. When you own the tank, you do not need to account for monthly rental fees and have more flexibility to make long-term decisions. There is a bigger upfront cost to purchasing a tank, which will play a part in the home’s list price. Renting a tank means you do not have to worry about maintenance, repair or replacement since this will be handled by the propane services company.
There are different propane delivery options available and you can choose the propane services that best suit your home’s needs. Automatic or scheduled delivery means that you do not have to monitor your tank or think about when to make an appointment. Otherwise you can call a delivery company once the tank has reached a certain level, usually below 20%. Allow about one week for delivery availability. In case of an emergency, you can have fuel delivered quickly but at a premium fee.
Propane tanks need regular maintenance to keep them operating at maximum efficiency. Ask the homeowner if they have maintenance records on the tank before buying the home. You can also have the tank inspected. This will help you avoid potential issues in the future.
Learning about propane services and how fuel tanks work will help you make an informed decision about buying a home with propane heat. Do your due diligence and you will be very happy with your new home.
