LD1
Epic Contributor
Where in ohio u at? BEst prices around here have always been at a local farmers coop.
Propane Prices
- Thread starter NoTrespassing
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Where in ohio u at? BEst prices around here have always been at a local farmers coop.
bumperm
Veteran Member
Some states, like Nevada, recognize the competitive advantage propane companies hold over their "tank rental" customers. In NV, this means you can call the propane company and tell them to remove their tank at no cost to you. They are required to measure the remaining propane in the tank and give you a refund. The new company will most often install their tank for free. So you can switch with no penalty.
You can and should require the propane company to call you before delivery and quote you their price and by law they must comply, even if you have a "keep full" agreement - this at least puts a little downward pressure on their price to you. Many propane companies have more than one price and are willing to negotiate, especially if they think that by not doing so they may lose your business.
Owning one's own tank is most often best, and will typically pay for itself in 2 or 3 years depending on the amount you use. I have propane companies calling me and sending me post cards advertising their one time special sale fill up prices. I most often shop around for myself and several neighbors for a common, COD price for all of us. Sort of a group buy thing.
You can and should require the propane company to call you before delivery and quote you their price and by law they must comply, even if you have a "keep full" agreement - this at least puts a little downward pressure on their price to you. Many propane companies have more than one price and are willing to negotiate, especially if they think that by not doing so they may lose your business.
Owning one's own tank is most often best, and will typically pay for itself in 2 or 3 years depending on the amount you use. I have propane companies calling me and sending me post cards advertising their one time special sale fill up prices. I most often shop around for myself and several neighbors for a common, COD price for all of us. Sort of a group buy thing.
ultrarunner
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We own in South Lake Tahoe... 500 gallon tank.
Last year we use 3 gallons!
Also have a keep full agreement.
Typically we would spend about a $1000 a year... last year is the first year I shut everything down... gas, water and electric... all at the main.
Family went up and had a fit... they did not say anything and then get a call at 11pm that there is not hot water, water or lights...
For a $1,000 a year there will not be anymore either...
Last year we use 3 gallons!
Also have a keep full agreement.
Typically we would spend about a $1000 a year... last year is the first year I shut everything down... gas, water and electric... all at the main.
Family went up and had a fit... they did not say anything and then get a call at 11pm that there is not hot water, water or lights...
For a $1,000 a year there will not be anymore either...
bumperm
Veteran Member
What about freeze damage?
Do you pour antifreeze in the toilets and sink traps, drain everything you can?
ultrarunner
Epic Contributor
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- Cat D3, Deere 110 TLB, Kubota BX23 and L3800 and RTV900 with restored 1948 Deere M, 1949 Farmall Cub, 1953 Ford Jubliee and 1957 Ford 740 Row Crop, Craftsman Mower, Deere 350C Dozer 50 assorted vehicles from 1905 to 2006
So far have been very fortunate since 1964... no freeze damage.
Have a old booklet from the water company with winterizing tips and we follow... says to use antifreeze in the traps and toilet bowl, have all faucets open and then turn off the water main
I do drain the water heater... current heater is a circa 1980 Hoyt made in Oakland CA...
For decades we left the thermostat set at 45 which is the lowest setting with the cabinet doors wide open under the kitchen, laundry and vanity sinks.. water heater on pilot... that single pilot was enough to keep the water warm even in the coldest stretch of winter.
Two years ago a bear ripped the propane line/regulator right off the 500 gallon tank that was filled to 80% and we lost it all... since then, I just have not felt comfortable leaving the gas on with no one around for months on end... the bear is still very active in the neighborhood.
Have a old booklet from the water company with winterizing tips and we follow... says to use antifreeze in the traps and toilet bowl, have all faucets open and then turn off the water main
I do drain the water heater... current heater is a circa 1980 Hoyt made in Oakland CA...
For decades we left the thermostat set at 45 which is the lowest setting with the cabinet doors wide open under the kitchen, laundry and vanity sinks.. water heater on pilot... that single pilot was enough to keep the water warm even in the coldest stretch of winter.
Two years ago a bear ripped the propane line/regulator right off the 500 gallon tank that was filled to 80% and we lost it all... since then, I just have not felt comfortable leaving the gas on with no one around for months on end... the bear is still very active in the neighborhood.
JDL538
Silver Member
Wholesale price today is 51 cents.
To follow up on some of your comments about this...
Yeah I know, Suburban is consistently at the high end of prices. They have no other hidden fees though, and the high prices cover the tank 'rental'. I've run the numbers many times, and still stick with them since I can't justify the cost of buying a tank just to get potentially lower priced propane. It's a 500 gallon tank. I get it topped off no more than once per year, so the 250 gallons I'm getting now will last me until this time next year. They allow me to keep the larger tank (after some tough discussion) since my drive requires them to back in, winding up a curvy grade, which most propane places tell me they will not do if there is any ice or snow. So I can't chance running out during a bad stretch of winter, and the larger tank gives me some insurance in case my wood heat or electric heat pump fail. I think some day I will make a change and probably buy a tank, but for now I put up with Suburban.
lilranch2001
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In our area Suburban bought out our local Hoosier Propane.
I quit Hoosier 4-5 years ago because they were always the highest priced around
It sounds like they were a good fit to purchase Hoosier!!
I quit Hoosier 4-5 years ago because they were always the highest priced around
It sounds like they were a good fit to purchase Hoosier!!
RobA
Platinum Member
I was in the same boat as you. Long driveway, rented a tank, use about the same amount as you. I was paying $2.89 a gallon from the rental tank supplier. If I use 1 tank a year (400 gallons) I save about $750 per year. I paid $1,500 for the tank. It will pay for itself in 2 short years.
TheMan419
Veteran Member
We don't use propane as we have a natural gas line to the house. Just looked here in Northern Indiana it looks to be about $1.70 a gallon. Not sure if that is for someone who rents the tank or if you own your own.
I would be in the camp that would want to own my own just because I would want the ability to shop prices.
I would be in the camp that would want to own my own just because I would want the ability to shop prices.