The truth: Many homes in the mountains are not connected to a public system for natural gas. This is based simply on location and access to homes that are built into the hills.

The good news: A propane system on your property allows you to live in beautiful locations not dependent on a public system!

What is a propane tank?

A propane system is a tank is installed on your property to store fuel that is used for heating your home, hot water for shower, and to run your stove for cooking. Tanks are installed above ground or underground. 

The size of the tank determines how much fuel you have. A 500-gallon propane tank potentially fuels your home for 2-6 months. The homeowner is responsible for having the tank refilled by a propane company. The larger the home, the more fuel you will need. Tanks typically last around 30 years.

Propane fuel is in place of natural gas line to your home but you still need to be connected to an electric grid. Some far remote properties can run on propane exclusively or combined with solar.

What you need to know as a home owner

Congrats! You have a mountain home, but that come with responsibility. Most of the time you will never know you are using a propane tank but you do need to know best practices:

Caring for your Propane Tank

1. Storing: Propane tanks should live outside, never in a garage or basement, clearly. Keep it free from debris and trees to avoid damage.

2. Inspect: On a regular basis make sure there’s no damage to the tank or any of the valves or lines. If you smell any gas call for professional inspection immediately.

3. Safety: Keep flames, construction and humans away from the tank at all times.

4. Ice and Snow: Remove ice and snow from your tank, especially around the pipes and fittings.

5. Access: Keep the area clear so your propane provider can safely access the tank for refills.

When buying a house with a propane

1. If your house has a propane tank, is it owned or is it leased? If it’s owned, then ownership transfers hands when the house is sold. If it is leased, who is servicing it? How long is the lease? When is it paid and how expensive is it?

2. Contract with a company, or use the existing company the seller has, to ensure you get proper and consistent propane delivery. In the foothills, a good company is AmeriGas.

Let me help

Propane tanks don’t have to be complicated. I’d be glad to help you navigate this, septics, water wells and all. Reach out to get started.