How to avoid paying too much for Propane

How to avoid paying too much for Propane

Regarding Propane - I live in Mountainhome and heat using both propane and firewood. We bought a 500 gallon tank (don't rent!) and top it off every August and January. Since we own the tank, I can call 15 or 20 propane suppliers and the phone call goes like this:

"Hi, I'm calling for a price on propane. I own my 500 gallon tank and it's around 30% full." Then they give me a price. I say "Thanks, I'll call you back."

Rinse, lather, repeat, for each Propane company on my list. Just a few weeks ago, I ordered from Lochlan's for $1.50/gallon. In my experience, you have to price-shop each time you fill the tank, because a different company will be cheapest each time.

Here's a link to the list of propane suppliers that I call.  (If there are any missing companies please let me know and I'd be happy to add them.) It sounds like most people who rent tanks are paying closer to $2.50 - $2.60/gallon lately.

They can only fill your tank up to 80% capacity, never 100%, because propane needs a little space in the tank in order to turn from a liquid into a gas before exiting the tank.

Regarding 'actual' order quantities, I've heard that 300 gallons gets you into the next pricing tier and a quantity discount. That's why I usually wait until I'm down near 30% on my 500 gallon tank to re-order.

Otherwise, the only other thing I can think of is they will adjust the # of gallons delivered to 60-degrees F. As far as I know, they are factoring in the expansion of the propane due to outside temperature in the price.

Also note that there are 2 types of tanks, if you're shopping. One is a DOT tank that requires an inspection every 7 years. It's a thinner metal tank. The nice part about DOT tanks is they can be transported FULL...

I went with a AMSE rated tank, which requires no inspections... it's a heavier-duty, thicker-walled tank.

Published in Resources
back to top

Barrett Township

Business Directory

Social Media

 

Subscribe via Email

 

Facebook Groups
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of these Facebook pages or groups

 

 

Flag of the United States DoS ECA Color Standard.svg

Flag of the United States DoS ECA Color Standard.svg

Flag of the United States DoS ECA Color Standard.svg

Flag of Pennsylvania.svg 0 min