But in many rural locations, seasonal housing developments, and smaller communities, there may not be the piping for delivering natural gas. Here, it is liquid propane (LP) that is normally used to power furnaces and other gas-burning appliances. This is exactly the same fuel used for barbecue grills, but when it is used as the principal home fuel, LP is generally stored in larger tanks, either buried underground or free-standing in the yard. These tanks are replenished by tanker trucks that visit on a regular schedule. Propane is one of the component gases found in natural gas, but because it is a refined fuel, propane is typically more expensive than natural gas. Depending on the fluctuating market, LP can be up to twice as expensive as natural gas. Thus, homeowners have a very real incentive for using as little LP as possible and getting the best possible price when buying it. Here are eight tips for saving money on your propane bills. Ask your propane company if it offers a better deal for bigger fill-ups. If so, investing in a bigger tank might pay for itself in cost savings. If you’re not sure what size tank you have, look over your bills from previous years or ask your propane provider for the history of your account. Lock in once a year, and you will always know how to budget correctly for propane. If possible, lock in your prices during the summer, when you can usually get the best deal. Set a reminder on your calendar so you don’t forget to call and check rates.
Service your furnace and hot water heater annually to ensure they’re working as efficiently as possible; change filters monthly. Conduct an energy audit on your home, improve insulation, and seal cracks. Consider replacing old propane-based appliances with more energy-efficient models. Dress in layers and add extra blankets to your bed, so you don’t have to set the heat too high.
