How to Save Money on Propane

Over the past few decades, propane has become an increasingly popular fuel source. This fuel is one of the cleanest renewable fuels available, offering homeowners a more sustainable option for heating their homes. Additionally, many homeowners living in more rural areas are opting for propane because it’s easy to have delivered.

With any kind of heating source, cost is a significant factor. If you’re a homeowner considering using propane for heating or want to know how to save money on propane, we have a comprehensive list of ways you can reduce the costs of propane. Learn how to save on propane usage in the winter and throughout the rest of the year here.

There’s no need to wait around to start creating a more energy-efficient home. Why not begin optimizing your propane use today with a few quick, easy, cost-effective tactics?

• Adjust your water heater’s temperature: Lower your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit — you can still enjoy hot water without heating it excessively. If your water heater is older than 5 years, consider getting an insulation jacket to help prevent heat loss. A propane water heater is already energy-efficient, but you can take steps to make it even more so.
• Change your furnace filters: Remember to clean or change your furnace’s filters regularly to prevent dust buildup. This is a simple way to help ensure your furnace doesn’t have to work harder than necessary to heat your home.
• Flush debris from your water heater: Regularly flush your water heater’s tank to reduce debris buildup and drain sediment. This maintenance step can help you keep your water heater in top condition and improve efficiency.
• Keep your windows locked: To prevent warm air leakage, you should lock your windows when they aren’t open.
• Opt for alternative heating options: If you have a fireplace, you can supplement your heating efforts by using your fireplace to heat your home in addition to the propane. As a result, you can save on propane fuel costs. Other examples of alternative heating options include a wide range of propane appliances, such as vent-free fireboxes, gas logs, freestanding and built-in grills, freestanding and wall-mount heaters, tankless water heaters, and more.
• Reverse ceiling fan direction: During the colder months, reverse the direction your ceiling fans spin to force warm air down from the ceiling and disperse it around the room.
• Use door snakes: Place door snakes or draft stoppers underneath door cracks to keep cold drafts out.

These straightforward techniques can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency, which means you can make your propane last longer and ultimately save on propane costs.

While a few smaller approaches can help you reduce your propane usage, you can also invest in more in-depth steps to take your home’s energy efficiency to the next level. Here are a few remodeling and renovation ideas you might want to consider if your home could use certain upgrades:

• Install a tankless water heater: These water heaters only heat water when needed, reducing energy waste and propane consumption. Consider your water heater’s condition and age and how each factor might contribute to your home’s current energy use. In some cases, replacing your water heater with a new tankless option can be highly cost-effective.
• Install a smart thermostat: To cut heat consumption, invest in a programmable thermostat and personalize its settings based on your schedule. Then, your system will only provide heat at certain times, helping you avoid unnecessarily heating your home.
• Upgrade your home’s insulation: Increase insulation in walls, attics and crawl spaces to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
• Replace old windows: Consider replacing old, single-pane windows with energy-efficient double- or triple-pane windows to increase insulation and cut heat loss.

Ultimately, you’ll only see a notable difference in your energy savings when your home is optimized for that purpose. If you’re heating empty rooms day and night or have outdated windows that let out warm indoor air, your propane costs will stay the same — or even increase over time. To reduce your propane use, ensure your home is set up properly for minimal energy consumption.

Of course, where you get your propane matters. If you’re paying more than you’d like for propane from your current supplier, it might be worthwhile to explore other options. The right propane supplier will offer benefits such as:

• The right size tank: An expert propane company will be able to help you with choosing the appropriate tank size to meet your demands. This way, you won’t buy or use more propane than you need. If you’re new to propane, you might want to rent a tank as you get started, and the right company can provide that option, too.
• Seasonal sales: Many established propane providers provide seasonal discounts throughout the year. Foster Fuels offers a 10¢ Summer Fill Sale, allowing residential propane customers to save 10¢* per gallon between May and July.
• Auto-fill programs: Choosing a smart-fill program from the propane provider will enable you to avoid extra fees and get timely refills.
• Professional maintenance: Scheduling regular maintenance with your propane provider will help your heating system perform optimally and efficiently, which can help you spend less on propane.
• Dual fuel options: Some propane businesses provide dual fuel options, which enable you to choose between propane and another fuel source based on price and availability. The right company will help you determine the best option for your budget and needs.

Have further questions about propane use and how much propane heat costs? Check out three FAQs and their answers to learn more:

1. How much propane does it take to fuel a house? The amount of propane needed varies based on factors such as home size, climate and appliance usage. However, by optimizing your home for energy efficiency, you could reduce how much propane you need.
2. Is propane cheaper than other heating fuel alternatives? While initial installation costs may be higher, propane can be cost-effective in the long run compared to other heating fuels.
3. How much does it cost to heat a house with propane? The cost of propane for heat depends on factors such as local prices, home size, insulation and appliance efficiency.

Although you can take many impactful steps at home to reduce your energy use and propane costs, the company you get your propane from can make even more of a difference. For decades, Foster Fuels has provided comprehensive residential fuel services to help homeowners just like you reap the benefits of propane. Between automatic refills, 24-hour emergency service and efficient fuel delivery, Foster Fuels is here to meet your fuel needs.

Ready to make the switch to propane? Let us help you reduce energy costs and enjoy a sustainable fuel source with our expertise and services. Contact us today to get started.