Heating with propane, what should I know?

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kingston73

Member
Feb 10, 2011
172
SE MA
The wife and I are looking to buy a house and one we are interested in looks great but the whole thing is heated with propane. It has a large external, above ground tank. I've only ever lived in a house with oil heat and know next to nothing about propane so I am looking for opinions and thoughts about it. Any negatives large enough for us to avoid this house, assuming everything else is great?
 
I have propane for hot water and backup heat. Nothing too major to worry about, as long as you have gas in the tank! I have never had any problems/maintenance issues with the furnace or water heater. It is more expensive than natural gas, but not sure when compared to oil. I used it for one winter, then installed a wood burning insert to make it easier on the pocket book over the long run. If I could get NG, I would switch, but that isn't an option.
 
Right now, propane is relatively inexpensive. I paid 1.39/gallon for my summer fill. If I owned my tank, I've seen fill rates as low as $0.60/gallon.

On the other hand, I've seen propane at $4.00/gallon and rationed...Given the choice, I'd avoid a propane fueled house if possible. If not, then look into heating sources that will be cheaper in the long run, such as heat pumps, wood, pellets, etc.
 
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