Congratulations on finding your dream home! But in making sure you do your due diligence, there are several things to consider (and which may factor in your offer) if it has a propane tank.
While propane offers a clean and efficient way to heat your home and power appliances, it’s important to understand the ins and outs before signing on the dotted line. Here at Gerner Energy, we want to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
Owning vs. Renting a Propane Tank:
Owning
You'll be responsible for maintenance and repairs, but you have the freedom to choose your propane supplier and negotiate prices. It would be important to have an inspection done of the propane tank by a qualified company to avoid any surprises.
Renting
The propane company maintains the tank, but you may be locked into a contract and have limited supplier options. And, if you move on from that supplier, you’ll either have to buy the tank from them if they offer that, or they may the right to remove it from your property, even if it is buried underground. You would need to review any contracts that exist between the homeowner and the propane supplier.
Questions to Ask the Seller or Realtor
Knowing this will help you understand your responsibilities and potential costs.
Regular upkeep is crucial for safety and efficiency.
Research their reputation and pricing to see if they align with your needs.
This will impact how often you’ll need refills and the potential for future replacements.
There are many different reasons why a homeowner uses propane, some of the most common ones include:
- For heat and power for the house
- For use as fuel for a back-up generator
- To heat swimming pools
- For use with appliances
Additional Considerations:
- Propane tank location: Ensure it’s properly placed and accessible for refills and maintenance. If it is in a fenced-in yard, you’ll want to make sure any pets are secured when having your tank filled or serviced.
- Propane appliances: Factor in the cost of replacing or maintaining any existing propane appliances.
- Fuel costs: Propane prices can fluctuate, so research current market trends and consider monitored delivery for the largest savings.
Gerner Energy is Here to Help!
Buying a house is a big decision, and Gerner Energy wants to help make the process as smooth as possible. We offer free basic propane tank assessments to review the tanks condition and answer any of your questions about propane. This can give you peace of mind and provide valuable information for negotiating the sale. (Note that this is different from a safety inspection which ensures the safe usage of a propane tank, which can be performed for $99)
Contact Gerner Energy today at 410-472-2022 or fill out our form to schedule your free assessment!
Together, let’s make sure your dream home is warm, safe, and powered by reliable propane.