The home-buying process can be a time of excitement, but this excitement doesn’t come without some stress as well. Searching for the perfect home for you and your family can sometimes take longer than expected as unexpected variables can arise. It might even be difficult finding a house that meets all of your requirements and expectations.
During the process, if you stumble across a home that uses propane heat, then you have a lot of things to take into consideration. Propane heat is more environmentally friendly than using oil and is cheaper than using electricity. It’s a great way to fuel your home, but there are a few questions that you should ask as well.
When considering buying a home with propane heat, you want to ensure that the previous homeowners kept up with the tank. You also want to ensure that the propane heat will operate in the way that you need it to. In order to do this, be sure to ask the right questions.
For all of the most important questions to ask when buying a home with propane heat, continue reading below. Here’s what you need to know!
1. What Appliances Does it Operate?
You know that the propane is being used to heat the home, but what other appliances is it operating? Ask this question when considering a home purchase. Stoves, grills, washers and dryers, generators, fireplaces, and other appliances can all be run using propane heat.
Although the house might have these appliances, it doesn’t always mean that the propane is being used to operate them. This is a good question to ask because if it’s not operating all of the appliances that you need it to, then you’ll need to inquire about connecting them to it.
Knowing which appliances are already operating on the propane will also help you determine how much energy savings you’ll receive.
2. How Large Is the Tank?
The size of the tank is another important factor to consider. Propane tanks are not all one size. They come in a variety of sizes, and the size is essential in determining how often you’ll need to refill it.
Larger tanks will hold more propane, meaning you won’t have to refill it as often. Knowing the size will keep you from spending money on unnecessary fill-ups or coming up short when in need. Also, keep in mind that if there are some appliances that you want to operate via your propane tank that aren’t already using propane, you’ll need to ensure your tank is big enough.
If your family is larger or smaller than the previous family, then this might also determine if the tank is the right size for you.
3. Who Owns the Tank?
Knowing who owns the tank is essential knowledge to know before purchasing a home. You might believe that the homeowner is the obvious owner, but this isn’t always the case. In some instances, homeowners rent out propane tanks from companies.
If this is the situation for the homeowner that you’re purchasing from, then you’ll need to know how much the monthly rental fees are. Taking over monthly payments for a propane tank might not seem ideal, but it can be beneficial when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
Owning a tank gives you more flexibility of the propane provider and you won’t have to worry about monthly payments. You will need to keep up with the maintenance and repairs on your own, however. If the previous owner rents the tank, but you want to own it, purchasing the tank could be an option so be sure to ask about this as well!
4. Where Are the Maintenance Records?
Whether the tank is rented or owned, be sure to ask for the maintenance records. Just like any other type of home appliance, a propane tank requires regular maintenance and upkeep. Reviewing the maintenance records will show if the homeowner kept up with routine maintenance or not.
Records will also show if there have been any past issues with the tank, which could tell you what to expect out of the tank in the future. If the homeowner is unable to provide you with these records, then be sure to have an inspector come out and inspect the tank.
5. Is the Tank Above or Below Ground?
The location of the tank might not make a huge difference to you, but it’s still important to take note of pipelines. Knowing the location of the pipes will keep you from damaging them in the future if renovations are done. There are also some pros and cons of both above and below ground tanks.
Above ground tanks provide easy access, making repairs and maintenance simple, but they aren’t aesthetically pleasing and take up space in your yard. Underground tanks are harder to reach when in need of routine maintenance or repairs, but they’re hidden and allow for optimal yard space.
A House with Propane Heat Is an Excellent Future Home
Choosing to purchase a new house with propane heat is an excellent choice! You’ll save on money and help the environment as well. When in the home-buying process, be sure to ask all of these questions listed above to ensure that your new propane tank is able to provide you with the services you need!
Need to install a new propane tank or need to schedule routine maintenance? Click here to see how we can help you keep your propane tank working well for years to come!