Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Tips & Information About Propane Tanks

By Cath Buhr


There are many great reasons to switch over to propane use, but before you make this change, it is wise to do a little bit of research about what size and type of propane tank you really need. Here is a little bit of propane tank help for those new to the world of propane.

There are two types of propane tanks, above ground and underground tanks. These come in a variety of sizes. Obviously, an underground tank costs a bit more as there is more preparation involved, and generally these are either 500-gallon propane tanks or 1,000-gallon propane tanks. The above-ground propane tanks run from perhaps a 100-gallon propane tank all the way up to 1,000 gallons with many sizes in between.

Knowing the dimensions of a propane tank is important, particularly if you have a smaller yard. The 1,000-gallon propane tanks are 16-feet-long and have a diameter greater than 40 inches, so you will need enough space to accommodate this size and have the tank a proper distance from your home. A smaller, 250-gallon propane tank will be around 7 or 8 feet long and 30 inches in diameter and other tanks will be in between these two in sizes.

Not only will you need to think about tank size in terms of what fits best in your yard, but also based upon how much propane you might need during the year. There are several factors to consider, such as the size of your house, how many people live in your home and which appliances will be running on propane. For a standard home with three bedrooms you probably will use at least 500 gallons of propane each year and perhaps as much as 1,000 gallons. Of course, your geographic area also is a factor, as areas prone to snow and freezing temperatures necessitate a greater use of a home's heating system.

Propane tank prices vary by size and by company, and you can rent them, buy them or lease-to-own a propane tank from some propane companies. Generally, a 100-gallon propane tank costs about $500. A 250-gallon propane tank might cost around $800, and a 500-gallon propane tank might be about $1,000. There also will be an installation fee, but this is usually only around $100 or a little more if you opt for a 1,000-gallon tank. The 1,000-gallon propane tank costs about $2,100. However, you can purchase refurbished tanks and this can save you hundreds of dollars. The refurbished tanks still have all new valves and paint, and also generally have a warranty.

When shopping around for propane delivery, be sure to check out more than propane prices and the cost of a propane tank refill. Some companies also offer many special deals and programs. Thrifty Propane is one such company, and they offer pre-buy specials, which can be a great way to save hundreds off your yearly propane bill. If you buy a large amount of propane during the hot summer months, the price is much lower than it will be during the winter, so pre-buying makes a lot of sense.




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