Monday, August 10, 2015

Propane Prices & Conservation Tips: Save Money, Use Fewer Resources

By Cath Buhr


Conservation not only is good for the community at large, it also tends to have a positive effect on one's budget. For Ohio propane customers or propane customers in other states, there are ways to limit your propane use. If you are searching for ways to conserve, here are a few simple tips that can help you save money and use less energy.

One of the advantages of propane is that it is not listed as a greenhouse gas. Its environmental impact is very low, making it a green fuel. While it is a byproduct of natural gas and petroleum, scientists actually are developing ways to produce renewable propane. So just by filling up your 500-gallon propane tank or 250-gallon propane tank, you are doing something positive for the environment.

Propane prices do go up and down and can change from day to day. This is due to the price of petroleum and also due to propane demand. Propane is produced at a constant rate throughout the course of the year, but demand gets higher during the colder months which can cause prices to go up. However, some propane companies will let you pre-purchase hundreds of gallons of propane and if you buy when the cost is low, you can save a bunch of money. In general, when you see that prices are below about 80 cents per gallon, this is a smart time to buy.

For new propane customers, you not only will need to purchase propane, you also will need to look for propane tanks for sale. You can lease a tank, and this costs very little, however, this typically means that you only can purchase propane from the company that leases you the tank. If you do wish to buy, consider purchasing from a propane company that gives a free tank to customers that pre-buy a certain quantity of propane. If you time it right, you can get a free tank and buy a bunch of propane when prices are very low. Refurbished tanks can be a good value, simply buy a tank that has new paint and new valves.

Conserving this fuel can be easy if you make a few adjustments in your home. Be sure that air isn't escaping through drafts in your windows or doors. Also, go up into the attic and look to see if you have enough insulation. A programmable thermostat also can help regulate propane use. Set the thermostat so that the heater goes off or air conditioning shuts off when you aren't at home. Also keep the heat low at night and have it switch on just a few minutes prior to waking up.

Some conservation tips will help you conserve propane as well as water. A propane water heater won't have to work as hard if you take very short showers. Don't run the dishwasher unless it's completely full, and don't wash clothing until you have a full load. Washing in cold water also conserves propane. Drying clothes uses up propane, so consider just drying for 10 minutes and then hanging clothes out to dry, if possible. Less drying time actually preserves your clothing and prevents shrinking, which also can help you save money.




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