The cost of the energy a home uses is a major concern when buying a home. Everyone wants to move into a dream home, but if the energy costs are going to wreck the family budget that dream home can turn out to be more of a nightmare.
Powering a home goes beyond running a refrigerator, computers and the TV. Energy needs include showering, doing the laundry, cooking, an air conditioner and heat. Living in California doesn’t mean the weather is always mild. Even on the happy Central Coast, the summer days can be scorching, and winter and springtime still require a nice warm house.
The team from Wildhorse Propane and Appliances, the Prunedale propane company reports that propane is more efficient than natural gas and less expensive than electricity. It is also a highly versatile fuel. Even though most commonly used for heat, a surprising number of appliances can operate with propane. Stoves, barbecues, water heaters, washers and dryers, generators and more can all operate with propane at much less cost than most other sources of energy. In fact, Architect Magazine recently published an article about the benefits of combining propane and solar energy.
Once you make up your mind that you want a propane-powered home, here are a few things to check out before opening escrow:
Is the propane tank rented or owned?
- Is the propane tank rented or owned?
- How big is the tank?
- Ask to see the propane tank maintenance records.
A rented propane tank is the property of the propane supplier and the rental fee is a cost to the family budget. However, since the tank belongs to the propane company the benefits to you include free replacement if something goes wrong with the tank. Propane tanks are built to last a very long time, but things can happen. You may even discover that the presently rented tank doesn’t hold enough fuel for your needs. Renting the tank allows you to upgrade without the cost of buying a new, larger tank.
Owning your own tank has a number of benefits. You don’t have to budget for the rental fees and you have more freedom to make decisions about your family’s fuel use.
The Prunedale propane company can help you decide whether renting or purchasing a propane tank is best for your needs.
Is the tank large enough?
Keep in mind that the tank currently on the property may have sufficient capacity for the present owners, but your family may have different needs. The larger the tank, the less frequently you will need to have it filled. Propane tanks come in several sizes. The best way to determine if the existing tank is going to give you the best service is to calculate how much propane you expect to use over a certain period of time. Call Wildhorse Propane and Appliances for help with the calculation.
Ask to see the propane tank maintenance records
Everything, even reliable propane tanks and systems, need maintenance. Otherwise, they can lose efficiency. Ask to see the records about the propane tank maintenance. If those records aren’t available, call Wildhorse Propane and Appliances and schedule an inspection.
The Prunedale propane company has been meeting the needs of Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties for over 30 years. Services include propane tanks, propane delivery, inspections, installing new propane systems and underground piping and propane appliance sales.
In short, the family-owned business and team are the local tri-county propane experts. Call today to ask questions, start delivery, or purchase top-of-the-line appliances for your new home.