Moving from an old home to another is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. It’s a major undertaking involving not just you but also your entire family. You’re not only moving objects like pieces of furniture, clothes, and other knick-knacks, but you’re essentially uprooting your way of living and moving to unfamiliar territory.
Adding up all of the steps along the way can be overwhelming. One cause of worry most moving homeowners have is if the house they’re moving to has a propane heating source. Most families have concerns and questions regarding it. Don’t worry, though most people think it’s complicated, it actually is easy to manage. This article will give you a few tips if you’re a new homeowner moving to a propane-heated place.
Propane As Cleaner And Safer Fuel Alternative For Your Home
It’s said that there aren’t many homes in the country that use propane gas for heating. Furthermore, it’s only believed that a tiny fraction of households has a propane heating system installed in their homes.
However, current trends show that propane use is increasingly becoming popular amongst homeowners nationwide. Now, it’s said that more and more families are soon starting to appreciate the benefits of using propane in their home’s heating.
Propane is known to be an affordable and highly efficient fuel alternative which makes it an excellent choice for heating homes. Not only can it be used to heat your home, but you can also utilize propane to power your stove, water heater, barbecue grill, and other appliances. Experts believe it’s another great source of energy.
Having to refill your supply is convenient as well. If your house uses propane to heat the whole house, there are companies that offer propane delivery services near your area that can give you an automatic delivery option.
If you’re looking out for your loved one’s safety, propane is considered by experts safe for residential use. Contrary to inaccurate imagery presented in the media, propane tanks aren’t likely to explode when accidentally hit. These tanks are heavy-duty and are said to be about twenty times more resistant compared to other gas tanks. In case of accidental leakage, one can detect it right away for the gas has a distinctive rotten egg smell impossible to miss.
To make use of all the perks and benefits propane can offer as your new home’s main heating system, here are some tips that you can take note of.
Understand The Implication Of Owning Or Renting A Tank
Find out if you own the propane tank on your new property or you’re renting it out. It’s important to find out this detail. If the tank is yours, then you’ll be responsible for its maintenance. Meanwhile, if you don’t own it, you might need to find its owner and a company that can service it frequently.
Whatever it may be, owning or renting has a series of responsibilities you need to know. If you’d like to seek help regarding your new home’s propane-powered heating, different companies like Great Valley Propane will gladly explain your options.
Make Sure Your Tank Is Properly Maintained
Before you can take proper care of the propane tank, try to obtain the tank’s maintenance history and tune-ups from the previous owners. If the tank is properly maintained, then continue the previous owners’ routine. A well-kept propane tank can be useful for many years.
If an above-ground tank is looking a bit grotty, clean it up by removing rust. Use a wire scrub and other tools to remove rust. Consider also giving it a paint job after removing surface dirt and grime present. Apply a fresh coat using reflective colors only. A dark paint color could be a safety hazard. Dark colors can absorb heat and may result in gas expansion.
Moreover, you should know the location of the underground gas lines. Make sure to ask the previous owners about this too. This is important to know especially if you decide to renovate your property later.
Install Detectors
In some states, carbon monoxide or CO detectors are required to be installed in homes that use fuels like propane. And even if it isn’t required, you should still consider installing smoke and CO detectors near sleeping areas and on each floor. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, so you need a detector system to alert you of the gas’ alarming presence levels. Additionally, don’t forget to check and change the alarms’ batteries periodically.
Check What Other Appliances In Your New Home Use Propane
Other appliances in your home like grills and fireplaces, generators, laundry units, and others can use propane as fuel too. If you own electric stovetops and you want to switch them to a propane-fueled alternative, this would be a perfect time. Check if you’re going to need to install new gas lines from the tank outside to your appliances inside your home.
Remember to consult and ask for an expert’s help before making such changes to ensure safety and quality of work.
Conclusion
Moving to a new house can be very stressful. And if the house you’re moving to is propane-heated, this article has a few tips about maintenance, safety, and preparing for your other propane-using appliances. However, before making any changes in your home, it’s best for you to reach out to an expert in your area to give you the best course of action to take.
