When it comes time to replace your home’s propane tank – whether because your current tank has reached the end of its usable life or simply because you’ve outgrown your previous model – you’ll be faced with two key questions to answer: what size should it be, and should I buy or lease?
They’re important questions to answer – so important, in fact, that we’ll take two posts to do it! Here In Part 1, we’ll take a closer look at sizing your tank; in Part 2, we’ll consider the pros and cons of leasing vs. buying.
Matching an appliance to the job it needs to perform is called rightsizing – a concept that definitely applies to propane tanks, which range in size from small portable and stationary aboveground units to 1000+ gallon underground models. Install a tank that’s too large and your fuel bill will be higher than it needs to be; buy one that’s too small and you may be getting more propane deliveries than necessary.
Tank sizing also comes into play when you’ve made (or plan to make) changes to your home or lifestyle – whether you’ve added square feet to your house (which means more space to heat), installed more propane-powered appliances (a pool heater or outdoor kitchen, for example), or added a little one to your household (or a parent, or someone returning from college…more people = more energy use). Each of these changes affects the energy load of your home, which influences tank sizing.
If you’re making a direct swap of your current tank for a new one and not much has changed at or in your home, the rightsizing question could be answered simply by looking at your delivery record and making sure the time between deliveries has been appropriate.
If your energy needs have recently changed, however, (or will change soon), it pays to take some time to calculate the potential energy use difference in greater detail (don’t worry, our expert sales staff and technicians can help you do that!).
Once we determine the right size for your tank, we’ll get it installed (and your old tank removed) quickly, safely, and in compliance with all local, regional, and federal requirements.
In Part 2 of this post, we’ll talk about leasing vs. buying your propane tank (hint: one option is usually best). Stay tuned!
Time for a new propane tank? Contact Hocon today to learn more about our expert, hassle-free propane tank installation options!
