What to Know When Starting with Propane for Your Home

If you’re buying a house with a propane tank or switching to propane from a different power source, you’re on the path to more sustainable living, and set to experience the dynamic capabilities of propane energy. You’re also probably wondering what the next steps are to ensure that your home is properly set up to deliver that propane power.

At Suburban Propane, we recognize the significance of having propane as your primary energy source, regardless of whether you’re switching to or buying a home powered by propane. Here’s what to know when starting with propane for your home and how Suburban Propane helps homeowners get set up to deliver the comfort and reliability of propane power.

Propane Tank Sizes to Fit Your Needs

Propane tank sizes are available in different volumes to fit the various requirements for powering your home. If you’re buying a house with a propane tank, the existing propane tank will most likely have the fuel capacity to meet your needs. However, if you are transitioning to propane for your home from another energy source, it’s a good rule of thumb to identify which size is best for you.

Propane storage tank capacity ranges from 125 gallons to more than 1,000 gallons. To help you understand fuel storage capacity, Suburban Propane’s simple guide explores common propane uses and propane tank sizes. Determining your tank size depends on how much propane you’ll use. Our propane experts can work with you to ensure you have the size that best meets your needs.

Differences Between Owning or Leasing a Propane Tank

Homeowners can lease a propane tank with Suburban Propane or choose to purchase one through a retailer. Customers who own tanks are responsible for the protection, container upkeep, and tank maintenance, which should be performed only by a qualified service technician. Suburban Propane offers tank rentals and, as your propane supplier, will take care of any needed repairs or replacements.

Comparison of Above Ground and Underground Tanks

Propane tanks can be placed above ground or buried underground, and the option depends on whether the tank is customer-owned or leased. If you are buying a house with a propane tank already on the property, it’s good to determine whether the previous owners were renting or had outright ownership. Both options offer different advantages and may vary depending on installation costs, preferences for landscaping aesthetics, and environmental factors.

Delivery Capabilities: Automatic Refills vs Will-Call Deliveries

With reliable and flexible fuel delivery options, customers can select between automatic refills or will-call deliveries. With automatic refills, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing we conveniently schedule your propane deliveries automatically using advanced technology and calculations to predict when the next refill will arrive. In contrast, customers with will-call deliveries schedule fuel deliveries on-demand by monitoring the propane tank gauge and requesting as needed.

Keep in mind that season or climate may contribute to the frequency you request a delivery, such as increased propane usage during colder months or waiting until the last minute to schedule a refill. Thankfully, with automatic refills, Suburban Propane customers don’t experience the same challenges, like needing to check the tank gauge, calling for a delivery, or worrying about running out of fuel.

What Suburban Propane Customers Can Expect with a Propane Delivery

Most propane deliveries are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to minimize disruptions, though deliveries may start earlier when fuel demand rises. After the delivery, you’ll usually receive a receipt on your tank or doorknob confirming the transaction. Additionally, Suburban Propane offers the option to enroll in a budget payment plan. Whether you’re an existing customer who’s moving, buying a house with propane, or switching to reliable propane energy, Suburban Propane’s budget payment plan can help manage expenses and simplify your billing.

With more than 95 years of experience serving our customers and their communities, Suburban Propane’s nationwide locations make it easy to get started with propane for your home. Call today and experience the versatility, comfort, and convenience of propane energy.