6 Questions To Ask If You’re Buying A House That Uses Propane
You’ve bought a new home – congratulations! The house uses propane, but you’ve never used it for your home before? Don’t worry – here’s a list of helpful questions to ask to prepare yourself for moving in.
This is important because the amount of propane the house uses will determine how big the tank should be. Using more propane-powered appliances increases overall propane consumption. As you use more propane, you’ll need to refill the tank more frequently. You should also consider how many people live in the home since that affects how often the appliances are used and, in turn, how much propane is required.
- Is the tank owned or rented?
Renting from a fuel company cuts maintenance costs significantly, and many fuel companies willingly transfer the rental over to a property’s new owners. However, the previous owners may have purchased the tank outright, which could raise the home’s asking price and require you to handle the tank’s maintenance. Still, owning the tank gives you more freedom to make long-term decisions about fuel use in your home.
- How big is the tank?
Tanks come in various sizes, so you’ll need to consider how many appliances connect to the tank. You’ll also need to consider how many people live in the house and how often you plan to refill it. Make sure you find out how frequently the current owners refill it so you can better estimate your future fuel costs.
- Where is the tank located?
If you don’t see the tank right away, ask the seller where they placed it. Most fuel companies install rented tanks above ground to allow easy access and service. However, some homeowners choose to bury the tank underground to improve the yard’s appearance. You need to know the tank’s location so you can check propane levels, receive deliveries, inspect for damage, and perform regular maintenance.
- Can you provide maintenance records?
The owners should provide maintenance records from the fuel company to show the tank is functioning properly. These records demonstrate that they have maintained the tank well over time and likely won’t need repairs. Regular service history helps ensure you won’t face issues down the line.
- How efficient is the system?
You should understand what you’re getting into, especially if you’ve never used propane heating before. An inefficient system can drive up costs, so identify any major changes the system may need.
Regardless of the answers, the knowledge you gain from asking the questions will help you make informed decisions and keep you from making costly mistakes.
If you have any questions, contact our knowledgable team, and we’ll be happy to help!