Propane heat is a major selling point when buying a home. As an affordable, cleaner alternative to oil, it’s the fuel of choice among a growing number of homeowners. Cheaper than electricity and more efficient than natural gas, propane heat is something you should look for when house hunting. That being said, buying a house with propane heat also brings a number of factors you might not have otherwise considered if you are accustomed to gas, oil or electric heat.

Here are 5 questions you should ask when buying a house with propane:

  1. What Is Propane Being Used For?
  2. Who Owns the Propane Tank At My Home?
  3. How Big Is the Residential Propane Tank?
  4. Are Propane Tanks Under or Above Ground?
  5. Are Propane Tank Maintenance Records Available?

Suburban home with propane heat

1. What Is Propane Being Used for?

Propane is an incredibly versatile fuel. In the home, it is most commonly used for heating and powering certain appliances. Stoves, barbeques, water heaters, clothes dryers and more can all run off propane. If the home has only been recently converted to propane, however, not all appliances may be using it. When making an offer, consider whether or not you’ll need to upgrade the appliances to take full advantage of propane.

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2. Who Owns the Propane Tank At My Home?

Some homes own their propane tank outright, while others rent it from a fuel company. Both arrangements have pros and cons. With a propane tank that is owned outright, there is no need to worry about budgeting for monthly rental fees. You’ll also have more freedom to make long-term decisions about your home’s fuel use. The downside to this, however, is that purchasing a tank can be a significant cost up front, so that cost will definitely be factored into the asking price for the home.

On the other hand, the main advantage to renting a propane tank for your home is that you’re not responsible for the maintenance of the tank. If the unit ever needs repairs or replacing, it’s not an expense you will have to worry about. Most fuel companies will happily transfer over a tank rental agreement when the house is sold, though you may be given the option of buying it outright, too. If buying the tank is the option you choose, be sure to get documentation proving your ownership of the tank.

3. How Big Is the Residential Propane Tank?

The larger your tank, the longer you can go before having a delivery scheduled. Home propane tanks range in size from 120 to over 1,000 gallons. Be sure to ask what size the tank is so that you know how often you’ll be in need of a refill.

4. Are the Propane Tanks Under or Above Ground?

Propane tanks can be either above or underground. Most rental tanks are above ground, as they are easier and cost less to install. Below-ground tanks, on the other hand, are more aesthetically pleasing and give you more room to enjoy your yard.

5. Are Propane Tank Maintenance Records Available?

Like all home appliances, propane tanks require regular preventative maintenance to ensure they continue working their best. If you’re considering buying a house with propane gas but the owner can’t provide evidence that their tank has been serviced regularly, it could signal the potential for problems down the road. At the very least, be sure to have the unit inspected by a knowledgeable fuel expert.
Got any further questions about moving to a house with propane? Contact Foster Fuels or give us a call 800-344-6457 at today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is propane heat expensive?

Cheaper than electricity and more efficient than natural gas, propane heat is something you should look for when house hunting. 

2. How do propane heating systems work?

Some homes own their propane tank outright, while others rent it from a fuel company. Both arrangements have pros and cons. 

3. What appliances in my home can run on propane?

Propane is an incredibly versatile fuel. In the home, it is most commonly used for heating and powering certain appliances. Stoves, barbeques, water heaters, clothes dryers and more can all run off propane.

4. How big is a residential propane tank?

Propane is an incredibly versatile fuel. In the home, it is most commonly used for heating and powering certain appliances. Stoves, barbeques, water heaters, clothes dryers and more can all run off propane.

Learn More About Propane For Your Home