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Propane Heating, Appliances and Tips for Pagosa Springs
Propane Basics | Propane Companies in Pagosa | Versatility | Economical
Propane Basics
Propane tank.
Image courtesty of dma.org.
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Many, many areas in Pagosa Springs, Colorado are beyond gas supply lines. Not having gas lines to their homes, people rely on propane from everything to furnaces, hot water heaters, clothes dryers, stoves, refrigerators etc. Some homes use propane for certain items and electric for others. For example, you may have a propane furnace and stove/oven, but an electric refrigerator, washer and dryer. Each home is different and you’ll need to familiarize yourself with how things are run before purchasing. If you have an electric washer and dryer and your new home is only equipped for propane models, you want to be prepared.
Propane is held in tanks outside the home and vary in size (usually between 18,000 and 30,000 gallons). There are several propane companies in Pagosa that can supply you with propane. You may get on a regular schedule in which they come out monthly and you are billed, or just call when you need a refill. Each company has different policies and some even offer budget billing so you can pay the same amount over 9-12 months instead of bearing the brunt of the cost just in the winter.
To check the amount of propane in your tank, there is a gauge under the top lid that tells you what percentage is left.
Some propane tanks are owned by the propane company and you pay a fee each year (around $150) to use/rent it. Other propane tanks have been purchased outright and do not incur such fees. If you are renting a propane tank, you must use the company that owns the tank to supply you with propane. Check with your real estate agent to get the information you need.
Propane tank.
Image courtesty of ecec.com.
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In our area, snowfalls can be large. You’ll need to make sure the large propane trucks have a clear path to your tank so that it may be
refilled. Your driveway needs to be shoveled and cleared, along with a walking path to your tank. Refilling is done by attaching a hose from the truck to your tank. These hoses are generally quite long, so you don’t have to have a path for the truck clear up to your tank.
- Propane is safe, clean, efficient, and economical.
- Propane is portable and suitable for homes built beyond gas supply lines.
- Propane-fueled homes cost less to operate than all-electric homes.
- Lower operating costs contribute to a better resale value for the home.
- In the event of electric power outages, vital home functions such as heating and cooking can continue uninterrupted.
Propane Offers Incredible Versatility
- Advantages over electricity: All-electric homes are not as energy efficient as propane-fueled homes and are more costly to operate. Furthermore, homeowners are susceptible to power outages, which are occurring with greater frequency throughout the nation.
- Advantages over natural gas: Natural gas is a good source of energy for meeting the homeowner’s space conditioning and appliance needs. However, many rural areas are located beyond natural gas distribution systems and there can be significant cost to the property owner associated with running gas pipes to the site and/or to the house. Propane gas can be stored on the homeowner's property. It is portable, self contained, and always accessible.
- Advantages over fuel oil: Fuel oil is adequate for supplying heat, but, unlike propane, it cannot power certain appliances such as ranges or dryers. Fuel oil water heaters are not as efficient as propane models because their burner nozzles get clogged very easily and need frequent maintenance. In addition, they are more expensive than gas water heaters.
Propane Is Highly Economical
Virtually anything in a home that can run on electricity can run on propane. However, a propane-fueled home is less costly to operate than an electric home. The costs of electricity and propane can be compared using the BTU (British Thermal Unit), which measures the heating value of each fuel. National fuel prices from the U.S. Department of Energy show that the cost of electricity is more than the cost of propane. For the same heating value, propane therefore offers remarkable savings over electricity.
Propane Companies in Pagosa Springs, CO
AAA Propane 970-264-2650
Bob’s LP 970-264-5823
Selph Propane 970-731-3737
Some of the information on this page courtesy of PropaneCouncil.org.
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