How to save on propane costs?

3 replies

Sun, 10/04/2009 - 16:01

pennywise's picture

pennywise

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Joined: 01/08/2009

Posts: 442

Does anyone have any ideas on this? We have a propane tank out back that fuels our heat and cooking. It costs about $500 - $600 to top it up and that gets us through the colder months. We never let it run way down. Probably we're at about 30% right now.
I'm already thinking about the expense. What could we do to save?

Wed, 10/07/2009 - 16:36

#1

Savannah's picture

Savannah

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Joined: 12/19/2008

Posts: 561

Re: How to save on propane costs?

Buy a big storage tank when you use propane gas to heat and service your home. Having a bigger tank saves money because you can have the tank filled in mid-summer when propane gas prices are at the lowest. Your gas should be able to last through the winter months when prices soar. Ask your propane provider to recommend a size tank that will serve your home for several months at a time.

Negotiate your contract so you can pay a lower yearly rate. Ask your propane company if they have a "keep full delivery" contract option. With this plan, you can save money on propane and never have to worry about running out of gas in the coldest months of winter. You'll be set because every time your delivery person is in your area, he will automatically stop by and check your tank. He'll keep it full without your having to call.

Step 3
If you are not on the "keep full delivery" contract with your home propane tank, check your tank gague regularly to make sure it doesn't fall below 20 percent. This will ensure that you don't have to pay for an "emergency delivery" call, especially during the coldest months when the charge is higher.

Sun, 10/11/2009 - 19:54

#2

greenmachine's picture

greenmachine

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Joined: 12/20/2008

Posts: 507

Re: How to save on propane costs?

Good article, Savannah. Pennywise I don't know if the The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assistance includes propane. It wouldn't do any harm to look into if you think you might qualify for help with your heating bills.

http://www.liheap.org/

Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are. - Alfred Austin

Fri, 10/30/2009 - 21:20

#3

cookiefan's picture

cookiefan

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Joined: 12/24/2008

Posts: 426

Re: How to save on propane costs?

Different states have varying criteria for LIHEAP and the differences are big. In NE for example, your income needs to be 116% below the federal poverty level whereas AR is 125%, MS is 150% and KY is only 110%. Click on your state on the map to check.

http://www.liheap.org/factsheet.html

Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor.
- Samuel Johnson