Sunday, February 1, 2015

Tips & Information About Propane Tanks

By Cath Buhr


If you have decided to switch over to propane as one of your main sources of energy, the process begins by selecting a proper propane tank. These tanks come in several different sizes, and you need to purchase or lease one that will be large enough to suit your energy needs. Before you select a tank, consider the following tips.

Your tank can be placed above the ground or you can opt for an underground tank. Those placed underground will cost more as there is more work involved in burying the tank. Generally, the underground tanks are fairly large, either a 500-gallon propane tank or 1,000-gallon propane tank. With a tank above the ground, you have more flexibility in sizing, ranging from small 100-gallon propane tanks up to the large 1,000-gallon propane tanks.

You might be wondering about the physical sizes of the propane tanks, as well, to gauge what will fit into your yard. A 1,000-gallon propane tank will be about 16-feet long with a diameter of about 41 inches. A 500-gallon propane tank will be around 10-feet long and have a diameter or approximately 37 inches. A 250-gallon propane tank will be 7.5-feet long and the diameter runs about 30 inches.

In addition to learning how much space the tank will need, you also need to consider your overall energy use. A person living alone in a small house will use much less than a family of four in a larger home. A typical three-bedroom house with four family members will use at least 500 gallons of propane each year and possibly more, depending on where you live. Colder areas necessitate greater usage of propane for heating, after all. In addition, some people use propane just for heating while some use it for their stove, dryer and other appliances.

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.

Some companies offer deals and incentives to their customers, such as providing a free tank if you pre-buy a set amount of your propane. Pre-buying is an especially good option if you buy when the prices are historically low, which tends to be around July and August. Take a look at the websites of local propane companies, such as Thrifty Propane, to see which service best suits your needs.




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