As the chill of winter sets in and then bleeds into spring, the fear of running out of propane begins to creep in.
Using propane as your main fuel supply means you have options that could ultimately save you money while you keep your house toasty warm.
In the same way that no two businesses are alike, no two propane suppliers are identical.
Don’t let your propane supplier leave you out in the cold. Keep reading to learn a few basic tips on how to choose a great propane supplier and then how to get the most out of a propane supply.
Signs of a Good Propane Supplier
A good propane supplier will have some common traits from the rates and services they offer to the recommendations people give them. Here are the main things to look for in a good propane supplier.
High Ratings
Ask your neighbors, friends, and coworkers about local propane suppliers. They can best answer the question, “Do I need a new propane supplier” with their recommendations.
If your current supplier refuses to answer your calls or gives you pat answers, it may be time to look for a service that serves you better.
Go to the Better Business Bureau to read reviews about local companies. Check out the reviews posted beyond the company’s website as well. Loyal and disgruntled customers alike will give honest reviews.
As you look at reviews and read on the BBB site, look for a few things like the safety ratings and the reliability of the company. Also, make sure the company is licensed in the state where you live.
Extra Services
Any good business will offer extra services. This is especially nice when you need both a fuel supply and fuel delivery.
Look for a company that offers extra helpful services. Here are a few that many propane suppliers provide:
- Keeping track of the propane level in your tank
- Automatic deliveries
- Furnace maintenance with deliveries
Keeping track of your own propane levels is an onerous task. You want a company that will make sure your tank always has enough propane to keep the pressurization stable. Furnace maintenance is a nice add-on because then you have a single company for all of your heating service needs.
If you’re new to propane heating or have a new home, then you need a company that installs and maintains your propane tank properly. Many companies will also sell or rent propane tanks as well.
Propane Supply Payment Options
Finding cheap propane takes work. The cost of propane fluctuates like all commodities and also depends on your usage. Many companies will offer discounts if you use higher amounts of propane.
Either way, you need to find a propane company that offers you payment options. Many companies will offer a budget-friendly plan, where they estimate your propane usage for the year and then divide that number out by eleven. So for eleven months, you pay the same amount for your fuel, regardless of how much you use.
On the twelfth month, you square up with the company, either paying for the extra that you used or receiving a discount and even money back for what you overpaid.
Watch out for hidden or extra fees for specific services or cancellations. Some companies will offer promotional pricing at first and then charge more for refills. Look for a company that states all of the fees upfront so you fully understand the contract you’re signing.
How to Maximize Your Propane Supply
Once you find a reliable company, you still have choices on how to use your propane supply wisely. You can maximize your supply with a few tweaks, other than keeping your house at a cool 60 degrees all winter.
Lock in a Rate
When you sign up for propane, try to lock in a single price with the promise that you’ll return to the company consistently. You may have to pay a small fee to cap the total amount of filling your tank. However, that price should be less than the running market price.
A reliable company will let you take this deal for a year, where you lock your price in for all the seasons. Try to lock the price during the summer when propane is the cheapest. Then set a reminder on your phone to update your price lock-in annually.
Get a Bigger Tank
If you have the property space for a large tank and you find yourself needing constant refills, purchase a bigger tank. Large tanks can hold up to a year’s worth of propane. Then you can have the tank filled in the summer when the propane rates dip.
Furthermore, you can often score a better rate for your propane when you buy it in bulk. A larger tank allows you to do just that.
Yes, a new and bigger tank will cost you more upfront. But you will save enough money to justify the upgrade if you have room on your property.
If you’re still not sure, have your propane supplier take a look at your property as well as your propane usage. They can make a smart recommendation on sizing.
Buy a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats read the patterns of your home’s occupants. They recognize when people go to bed or when they arrive home from work, and then they adjust the home’s temperature to when people are in the house.
In the end, the smart thermostat will lead to less heating during the day when no one is home. You burn less propane, and you save more money.
Maximize Your Propane
You can make smart choices to maximize your propane usage today. Choose the best supplier for your needs by finding one with budget-friendly payment options, excellent customer service, and helpful extra services. Then maximize your home usage by choosing the right size tank, buying a smart thermostat, and locking in a smart rate.
These choices will lead you to save money while keeping your home warm on the coldest of days.
Are you looking for a great propane supplier? Check out our services. Our third-generation company serves over 5,500 residents and businesses in 13 different communities.
You can trust us to keep you warm. Contact us and sign up to be a customer today.