Replies

1. 
   TLRice | Oct 25, 2002 09:01pm | #1

   I am not familiar with the rules in NY. I use propane for my furnace, water heater, dryer and cooking. I have a 500 gallon underground tank. Never had any trouble. Inside the house, black trhaded pipe ans SS flex serves all appliances.

2. 
   DavidThomas | Oct 25, 2002 09:30pm | #2

   Certainly doable, either way. Check the prices locally and over what range they have varied in the past.

   A big decision is whether to own the tank or not. Lots of propane companies will site their tank for free. But then only they can fill it. And they aren't so competetive on the pricing as when you have your own tank and can shop around.

   I have had a couple of (toxic waste) sites that used 500 gallons of propane twice a week. I was able get pretty good prices by shopping around. Like $0.86 per gallon.

   I haven't noticed if propane varies seasonally. Certainly fuel oil does and you can safe money by having your tank filled in the summer - when supplies are piling up because no one is buying just then.

   David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
3. 
   JohnSprung | Oct 25, 2002 09:53pm | #3

   Propane for all is the way it's done in the rural areas here, you can't even find a source for oil.  But our coldest overnight lows are in the mid 40's.

   -- J.S.

4. 
   sandbert | Oct 25, 2002 11:58pm | #4

   Here in Colorado where the winters used to be cold (and hopefully will be again) all propane is what is used if natural gas isn't available.  We run our whole house, including the hydronic heating system (you should really consider this over a forced air system) off the stuff.  Get a tank that will supply your needs for an entire year.  We started with a 500 gal tank and would always run out in January, when prices are double what they are in the summer.  We switched to a 1000 gal tank (rented, $125/yr vs $75 for the smaller one); we fill it in August when the prices are lowest and we're good for a year.  Why hassle with two fuels when one will do?

   One other consideration:  out here code will only allow propane furnaces or hot water heaters to be installed in a basement if it is a walk-out design.  The stuff is heavier than air and should never be given a opportunity to pool up.  Enjoy the adventure you're beginning.

5. 
   r_ignacki | Oct 26, 2002 12:41am | #5

   "PROPANE!"       

                 sung to the melody of  "Cocaine",  by Eric Clapton

   Dada  duh  Da....   Duh  daaaaaaaaaaaa

   Dada  duh  Da....    Duh daaaaaaaaaaa......

   When you build a new house,

   why dont cha heat it up with...

           Propane.................. da da  duh da... duh daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

   if your gonna   B-B-Q...

   why don't cha cook you food with...

           Propane...................  da da  duh da... duh daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

   she doan lie

   she doan lie

    she doan lieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

   "PROPANE!"

   listening for the secret.......searching for the sound...

1. 
   gbwood | Oct 26, 2002 09:33am | #8

   Red-

   you are a freak!

   bustin me up, brother!

   gb

   Propane, runnin all 'round my brain...

1. 
   r_ignacki | Oct 27, 2002 08:48pm | #10

   hey.......hehehe

   driving that train....

   powered by propane.....listening for the secret.......searching for the sound...

1. 
   UncleDunc | Oct 28, 2002 12:23am | #11

   Livin' on reds, and vitamin C, and propane ...

1. 
   r_ignacki | Oct 28, 2002 02:42am | #12

   well, hell.....

   we  ought a combine the two and call it procaine,

   or copane?listening for the secret.......searching for the sound...

2. 
   bill_1010 | Oct 28, 2002 03:25pm | #13

   yea that old pinkard and bowden song is a riot...

   My favorite line:

   If you live in the sticks

   and your income is fixed..

   Propane..

   Its so cheap its so cheap

   propane

2. 
   MJLonigro | Oct 26, 2002 05:15pm | #9

   Who said Weird Al Yankovic is washed up???

   He's turned to construction.....

   Thanks everyone for the input...

6. 
   akaCamiA | Oct 26, 2002 12:51am | #6

   All propane is the standard here in northern Michigan. Most of the companys have free installation and setup, so you can switch suppliers if you're so inclined. The four companys I called all had varying programs...budget plan...rebate after 1000 gallons..yada yada... Three of the four offered a locked in price on whatever amount used through February. Lowest price on propane I found was 79.9.

   You can bury the tanks around here, but they have to be dug up every 5(?) years and inspected for leaks....nah....

   I strongly second the motion for in-floor radiant heat. :)

   
   ...get an up-north attitude...
7. 
   rez | Oct 26, 2002 12:56am | #7

   Ya- above ground and get some fast growing shrubbery.

    Let the thunder crack and the waves roar.

    We're going on.