Thursday, February 5, 2015

Propane Tanks: How To Select The Right One For You

Propane Tanks: How To Select The Right One For You

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.

Chances are you have seen a few of your neighbors' above-ground propane tanks. These are quite common and come in many sizes, from a small 100-gallon propane tank all the way up to big 1,000-gallon propane tanks. However, many people also have the option of having a 500-gallon propane tank or 1,000-gallon propane tank buried underground. This latter option costs a bit more upfront since there is more prep work involved, but it is definitely something you might wish to consider.

Every yard is different so it is important to know a little bit about the actual dimensions of the propane tanks for sale prior having one installed. For instance, a 500-gallon propane tank will measure about 10-feet from end to end with a 37-inch diameter. A 1,000-gallon tank is only about three or four inches wider in diameter, but they are about 16-feet long. A 250-gallon propane tank will be about 2 or 3 feet shorter with a 30-inch diameter.

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.

Obviously the larger the tank, the more it will cost, but different propane companies price their tanks at different rates. You can opt to buy a tank outright or simply rent a tank, and some companies, such as Thrifty Propane, offer a lease-to-own option. Smaller propane tanks for sale, such as a new 100-gallon propane tank, typically run about $500 to purchase. A 1,000-gallon propane tank could cost between $1,800 and $2,100 dollars depending on whether you buy a refurbished tank or a new one. In addition, some companies do charge for installation, although some offer this service for free. Opting for a refurbished tank can save you several hundreds of dollars, just make certain that these tanks include new valves, new paint and the same warranty as a new tank.

Many propane companies provide a myriad of incentives for their customers. At Thrifty Propane, for example, they offer free propane tanks if you pre-purchase a certain amount of propane. They also offer pre-buy specials that allow you to buy a large amount of propane when the propane prices are very low, usually from June through August.




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