Anyone using propane gas at home?

[05RLS2]

I was wondering if anyone here has a home that uses propane gas, since I have come across a couple homes I am interested and one is using gas. Since gas homes are kinda uncommon around here where I live in the southeast, I don't know of anyone else that is using it or really have much of a clue about it myself.

For those that have filled recently, what is the going rate per gallon for propane right now? I know that this will depend on useage and climate, but how often do you all have to refill per year and what size tank are you using?

Seeing as gas prices seem to be always on the rise, I am wondering if the better price on the home is worth the expense of having to get a 500 gallon propane tank filled or if it will outweigh the costs of standard electricity

 

[Dubbin1]

We use one to heat the shop with. Best thing I can tell you is to not get into a contract with one. By doing that you can shop around for the best prices on propane.

 

[Bunky]

We had a propane supplemental heat system with a new heat pump put in the last 6 months. Since it is supplemental heat, we got a 200 gallon tank. The propane cost $2.89 a gallon. We keep the place cool when not there so cannot say how much it really costs but when temps drop below 30 F, heat strips (the backup source for heat pumps) is very expensive.

 

[BobbyG]

I live out in the country so Propane is the only source of gas we have. I use it in my garage and wood shop when I'm out there. Propane is a nice fuel and it burns cleanly and efficiently.

I imagine the larger the storage tank the better price you'll get buying in bulk.

 

[Flash Gordon]

[video=youtube_share;9FA__4fLBos&NR=1] - ‪Propane and Propane accessories‬‏[/video]

 

[05RLS2]

We use one to heat the shop with. Best thing I can tell you is to not get into a contract with one. By doing that you can shop around for the best prices on propane.

I didn't know that was possible. I always though that the tanks were leased out and you had to go with the company whose tank is placed in the yard. That is unless the tank is not leased out. Then again I am probably wrong since I don't really know much about home propane systems.


From what I am figuring, I can't see how it's even possible for propance to be cheaper than running electric throughout the house. So if I do decide to go with this one, I am going to plan on converting to electric by having outlets wired for the stove and dryer, and eventually get a central heat and air unit that doesn't use gas for heating. I don't see why it isn't possible

 

[V3AutoDetailing]

we heat with a wood stove, Propane back up. Hot water tank, stove, washer is all on propane. It heats alot better, faster. I think depending on what uses propane in your home it could cost more.

I like heating and running applainces off it better than eletric. If you lose power, you will always have heat and beable to use the stove.

You can also get a genarators that run off propane as an emergncey back up. No going to fuel it up, or runnning out of gas, Just go start it up and walk away.

The dryer will dry your clothes alot faster, hot water will be hotter.

If the tank is comming with the houses, chances are you will own it and be able to go with any gas company

I would also suggest finding a cheap company with good service and lock the price in. Lets say you get a rate at 2.50 a gallon. Gas goes to $5 a gallon, You still pay $2.50 for that gallon.

 

[bk2nrml]

personally, i wouldnt use the stuff. something about a 500 gal bomb sitting next to the house makes me nervous

 

[Bunky]

I didn't know that was possible. I always though that the tanks were leased out and you had to go with the company whose tank is placed in the yard. That is unless the tank is not leased out. Then again I am probably wrong since I don't really know much about home propane systems.

When I installed my propane backup, I called around and there were two options:

1. lease tank - but needed to use like 150 gallons per year and would need to pay like $60 a year if you did not use minimum. They will check tank and fill as needed. Installation was mostly free up to 10 ft from house - after that they all charged for distance. The catch was you had to buy propane from them. All the places I checked (3) had prices within 10 cents per gallon.

2. buy tank - the tanks were like $700 to $900 plus installation You then can buy propane from anyone.

You can pay to get the tanks buried as well - $$.

 

[GTPpilot]

personally, i wouldnt use the stuff. something about a 500 gal bomb sitting next to the house makes me nervous

Versus what ? Oil, ok I can see your point. Natural Gas ? Unlimited supply from the street, at least until someone can shut it off somewhere. My brother actually has his tank underground. I may look into doing that as well, mainly for aesthetic reasons. Probably a bit safer.

We use propane and it is very clean and efficient. Pricewise it's been ok, but the price fluctuates like oil prices, unlike natural gas. I believe propane is a derivative of oil. Once a year we can pre-buy at different rates for different amounts. However, we don't even use enough to take advantage of that. We barely use what would be the smallest amount you can pre-buy.

We use it for heat, hotwater, fireplace, and stove. I love having a gas stove again.

We use propane at work, but my boss has mentioned that the oil fired boilers can get much hotter than the propane fired boiler. I thought that was kind of interesting.