Buying or Selling a Propane-heated Home
Written on: June 20, 2022
Follow Pico’s Tips for a Smooth Move!
Location, school district, commute time, and of course, style—there’s a lot to think about when you’re house-hunting! And while considering the systems and fuels that run your new home aren’t the most “glamorous” aspects to focus on, they are undoubtedly some of the most important. If you’ve never lived in a propane-fueled home before, you might be surprised to know all the benefits. Propane is one of the cleanest, most versatile, and most efficient fuels around.
It’s a domestically sourced alternative fuel that can provide exceptional performance and efficiency in a wide range of home appliances, as well as heating and water-heating equipment, at a much lower cost than electricity. Let’s get you familiar with propane and why you should pay attention to it amidst your home-buying process.
Propane vs. Electric Heating Systems
Propane generates more BTUs than an equivalent amount of electricity, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. That means propane appliances are very efficient as well, so they waste very little fuel in the combustion process. On the other hand, about two-thirds of the energy used by a power plant to generate and transmit electricity is wasted.
In other words, propane can offer more bang for your buck, all while protecting the environment. It’s a win-win for customers who care about the environment, but also want to keep costs under control.
Propane Can Power Your Home Both Inside and Out
Because propane is so efficient, it’s a smarter choice than electricity for a wide variety of appliances. For example, propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174. The same technology that makes propane ideal for water heaters makes it a smarter choice than electricity to power all kinds of appliances that use hot water or heat, including:
- Clothes washers and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Outdoor lighting
- Patio heaters
- Pool and spa-tub heaters
- Outdoor grills
…and did we mention that Pico Propane and Fuels sells, installs, and maintains many of these propane appliances? Stop by our Bergheim, TX showroom today to see all our available products and equipment.
Making the Move
Have you decided to make the move to a propane-fueled home? Congratulations! Here are a few things to consider:
- If you’re buying the propane storage tank from the current owner, make sure to ask for and check the tank’s maintenance records. Additionally, you can ask the seller to provide you with maintenance records and a statement of total spending on heat for the past year or two. Why does this matter? It will give you an idea of the tank’s condition, maintenance costs, refilling costs, and schedule.
- If the current owner leases the tank, you can arrange to keep the tank and sign a new lease agreement. Need a new propane storage tank? The propane experts at Pico can help you choose the right size tank for your needs and install it safely and professionally.
- If there’s fuel left in the tank, the owner can include the cost of the fuel in the sale price.
- If you’re the seller, and you own the tank, you may be able to take it to your new home—although it will require certified technicians to do this. If you’re moving within our service area, we can help make this as hassle-free as possible.
The Impact on Your Home’s Value
While there are many advantages to using propane, it’s true that it doesn’t significantly change the value of your property compared to other fuel sources. An exception, however, may be when it comes to both fireplaces, built-ins, and firepits. These extras tend to increase a home’s attractiveness to homebuyers. The National Association of Realtors has reported that a propane fireplace can increase the value of a home by up to $10,000 or more.
Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or new to the state, Pico Propane and Fuels can help make heating and powering your new Texas or New Mexico home easy. Explore our great selection of services like Keep-Full automatic delivery, wireless tank monitoring, and more to keep your home comfortable all year long.
Contact us today to learn more—and welcome home!
