What to Know When Starting with Propane for Your Home

Get your house properly set up to deliver the comfort and reliability of propane power.

If you’ve recently bought a new home that will be powered by propane or you’ve switched to propane from a different power source, you’re on the path to better savings and sustainable living. You’re also probably wondering what the first step is to making sure your home is properly set up to deliver that propane power.

A good place to start is to call your propane supplier. We’ve supplied some questions below for you to discuss with them. If you don’t already have a propane supplier, click here to find a Suburban Propane location near you.

DOES YOUR TANK SIZE FIT YOUR NEEDS?

Determining your tank size depends on how much propane you’ll use. Tanks can range from holding 125 gallons to more than 1,000 gallons of propane.

ARE YOU OWNING OR LEASING YOUR TANK?

Homeowners have the option to buy or lease their tank. Customers who own their tanks are responsible for protection and upkeep of the container, which should be performed only by a qualified service technician. If you rent the tank, your propane supplier will take care of any needed repairs or replacements.

DO YOU HAVE AN ABOVE GROUND OR UNDERGROUND TANK?

Find out if you have the option to bury your propane tank, which can help to maintain the aesthetics of your landscaping. In this situation, the propane provider refills the tank via a small dome visible in your yard.

WILL YOU GET AUTOMATIC REFILLS OR BE A WILL-CALL CUSTOMER?

You’ll have the option of getting propane refills automatically or being a will-call customer. Keep in mind that cold months are busy for propane suppliers. If you wait until the last minute to request a refill, it’s possible prices will be higher and wait times will be longer than usual. Automatic refill customers don’t face the same challenges.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM A TYPICAL DELIVERY?

Most propane providers make deliveries between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to minimize disruptions, though deliveries may start earlier when fuel demand starts to rise. After the delivery, you’ll usually receive a receipt on your tank or doorknob confirming the transaction.