Read This Before Buying A Propane-powered Home!

If you’re thinking about buying a home that’s powered by propane, congratulations – we think you’re making a smart investment.

But before you buy, it’s important to ask the seller some important questions that you wouldn’t have to consider when buying a home that uses heating oil, electricity or natural gas as an energy source.

Four Important Propane Questions To Ask

1. What is the propane being used for? If a house has a propane tank, it doesn’t mean that all the appliances under the roof are propane powered. For example, a home could have propane water heater and furnace, but an electric clothes dryer and cooking range.

   It’s a good idea to request the seller’s most recent propane safety inspection, which should list all propane-powered appliances used in the home. Compare the inspection papers with what you see in the home to make sure the two align; the inspection will also help you spot problems with current appliances. If your seller can’t produce a safety inspection papers, we highly recommend a professional inspection before committing to buy.

2. Who owns the propane gas tank? Propane tanks can be owned by the seller or by their propane provider. If the seller owns the tank, make sure it’s included in the terms of the house sale, and be sure to get all paperwork for the tanks whether they’re owned or leased (see point #4 below). If the propane tank is buried underground, ask for proof that it is protected against rust and erosion – a process called cathodic protection).
3. How big is the propane tank? Right-sizing is one of the most important concepts in energy efficiency, whether you’re choosing an appliance or a propane tank. The goal is to make sure your tank has enough capacity do the job you’re asking it to do without excessive refilling, and without spending more than you have to when filling the tank.

   If you plan to add new propane appliances to your home – or to upsize any of the ones currently in place – you want to make sure the current tank has enough capacity to keep up with your energy load without causing you to run out of fuel every few weeks.

4. Has the tank been properly maintained? If the seller of the house owns the propane tank, ask him or her to provide records that the propane tank has had regular service (which is required by law); if the tank is leased, the responsibility for maintenance falls to the propane provider, who can provide service records. If the seller cannot provide service records for the propane tank, it could be a red flag for potential problems and repairs, and possibly even fines.

For homes old and new – or new for you – there’s only one name for reliable propane delivery in Greene County, NC: Rand Wade Oil. Join our family and start experiencing the Rand Wade Difference today!