Posted: January 18, 2017
If you’re considering investing in a propane-powered home, congratulations – we think you’re making a great choice! But before you buy, it’s important to ask some questions that don’t necessarily apply to a home that uses heating oil, electricity or natural gas as an energy source.
Here are three questions you want to ask the current owner before taking the leap into a new propane-powered home.
Which appliances in the home currently run on propane? If a house has a propane tank, it doesn’t mean that all appliances are propane powered. For example, a home could have propane water heater and furnace, but an electric-powered clothes dryer and range. One way to find out is to request the seller’s most recent safety inspection, which would list all propane-powered appliances used in the home. Compare the inspection papers with what you see in the home, and also to spot problems with current appliances. If your seller can’t produce a safety inspection papers, we highly recommend a professional inspection before committing to buy.
Who owns the propane tank? Propane tanks can be owned by the seller or by their propane provider. If the seller owns the tank, make sure it’s included in the terms of the house sale, and be sure to get all paperwork for the tanks whether they’re owned or leased. If tanks are underground, ask for proof that they are protected against rust and erosion (which is called cathodic protection). And always remember: the choice about who provides your propane is yours, no matter who owns the tank!
What size is the propane tank? Right-sizing is one of the most important concepts in energy efficiency, whether you’re choosing an appliance or a propane tank. The goal is to make sure your tank has enough capacity do the job you’re asking it to do without excessive refilling, and without spending more than you have to to fill the tank.
If you plan to add new propane appliances to your home – or to upsize any of the ones currently in place – you want to make sure the current tank has enough capacity to keep up with your energy load without causing you to run out of fuel every few weeks.
For homes old and new – or new for you – there’s only one name for reliable propane delivery in North Carolina: Parker Gas. Join our family and start experiencing the Parker Difference today!