Alright guys and gals, I need some input. I'm a new home owner going through my first winter. I received a propane delivery of 200 gal on 1/22 (500 gal tank, so it equates to 40%). It was just under $400. I checked it today and I'm now at 10%. That means I used 150 gal in 3 weeks, or $300, or $400/month. I just called and ordered another delivery. This time it's $430 for another 200gal. It averages out to about $100/week. This seems outrageously expensive to me. Maybe I'm wrong. The house is about 1500 SF, built in 1957. It never seems cold, and we keep the temp around 68. Occasionally when it's real windy we'll feel some draft through the windows, but not much. An input you guys have would be appreciated. FWIW, we do use propane for our water heater and stove as well.
Around here you can fill up propane tanks to 80% capacity. Why are you only getting 200 gallons in a 500 gallon tank? Did you shop around for propane prices? Right now I can get propane for $1.24/gallon. Seems like a high price you are paying. How efficient is your furnace? How much is it running? Did you check places for leaks? I'm sure you would smell it inside. What about outside? Are you sure your gauge on the tank is accurate? Yes, something is wrong or extremely inefficient. That does seem very high. But you are paying a lot per gallon for propane as well.
Something tells me you have a leak If your going through that much propane In a rather warm winter state compared to Minnesota. Most likely the leak Is outside. Have them come out and check for leaks.
I'd say its leaking before it gets to the regulator. Had that happen once too. Do you rent or own the tank? I rent mine and the gas co credited my bill.
Could be the gauge. Similar to the fuel guage in your car...... stays full for the longest time and once it gets under half a tank is goes faster and faster. Try filling it up and then watch the guage.
A lot depends on how well your home is insulated. I have a 6 year old "Green" home. It's insulated up to the wazoo. All the greatest windows etc. Hell, I even insulated garage walls and ceiling. It's only 1600 feet though. How big is your home? I use propane for heating, hot water and range top cooking. Oven is electric. I use about $1500 a year. I think I paid around $160 last time. I don't shop and don't buy the preseason rates which may or may not help you. Last time I bought it had been a month and a half between visits... I took 164 gallons I think. I'll go 5 months or more between visits in the summer.
Thats about what I use.....BUT, my house is 3000+ sq ft and has a 30+ yr old inefficient boiler. I also utilize all 3 fireplaces to help out. LOL I'd say you have an issue
Around here you can fill up propane tanks to 80% capacity. Why are you only getting 200 gallons in a 500 gallon tank? - Money is tight, initially thought the 1st 200gal drop would get us through the coldest part and into the start of Spring, when prices would be a little cheaper. Did you shop around for propane prices? Right now I can get propane for $1.24/gallon. Seems like a high price you are paying. - The lady on the phone misquoted me when she gave me the price. The invoice reads the total price was $325 for this drop. How efficient is your furnace? How much is it running? -The furnace was new in '10 I believe. On the side it says "This model's efficiency is "90 AFUE". Doesn't seem to be running too often, but maybe it's running more than I realize. Did you check places for leaks? I'm sure you would smell it inside. What about outside? - I don't notice anything, then again, I'm not familiar with issues like this so I really wouldnt know where/what to check. Are you sure your gauge on the tank is accurate? - I'm not positive, but the last guy that filled it for us told me it was very low and seemed to confirm what the gauge was reading. Yes, something is wrong or extremely inefficient. That does seem very high. But you are paying a lot per gallon for propane as well. $1.55/gal.
Filling the tank right now @ $1.24 / gal. would be a great move. It would last you until the weather warmed up and give you time to evaluate your home's insulation condition.
Pat, something is wrong .... way wrong ... I would get some wood stoves in there, pronto ... I freak when my natural gas bill goes above $100 ..lol You.Have.To.Do.Something. If you had a leak, you would know .... are your windows original? You should not feel a breeze on the windiest of days. I hate the name of Hoyt for my pup. You have to tighten up that place ...
Yeah that sounds like a lot. I go through around $150 a month in propane between 2 heaters and a stove. And I know kine is high, super old house and its a joke to keep warm. If I turn them off its cold in an hour. Cant wait to move.
Got to remember different areas have different weather. You folks in PA aren't getting the cold we do. Where do you set your thermostat. I set it where ever I need it to be toasty....usually 68-70.
Is your furnace running non stop?? We go through quite a bit of propane here... because it's a 130 year old house that is so drafty that the curtains move around and the doors creak when it's windy. I've had to use a torch to thaw out the water lines under the kitchen once already this winter... and I leave the cabinet doors open to try to avoid that. (half the house is over an uninsulated crawlspace) We keep the thermostat at 62-64. We occasionally run a kerosene heater in the living room. We do have a high efficiency furnance. (which replaced a fuel oil furnace that replace a coal furnace... lol) I think we'd go through a $100 per week in propane if we tried to keep the house at 68 during the coldest, windest spells. But you'd know it because the furnance would be running almost non-stop. As it is, we can get about two winter months out of 250 gallons.
Call me a pansy, but only savages live at mid 60 temps in the winter. I did it one winter when I was a bachelor, never again.
