If you’re in the market for a new home, you know that there is an endless list of questions that need to be asked. There are questions about the number of bedrooms, the age of the home, the nearby school systems, and so on.
Perhaps some less frequently asked questions have to do with a prospective home’s heating system. There are numerous options when it comes to how one heats a home, including oil, natural gas, electricity and propane.
If you’re thinking about buying a home with propane heat, there are some important questions you should ask before finalizing your purchase:
How is the system running? Obviously, as a new homeowner, you’re going to want everything in your new home to be in tiptop shape. This includes the home’s heating system. If a propane heating system is 10 years or older and hasn’t been serviced in a while, think about making a service appointment so that a professional can determine its efficiency level.
Is the propane tank underground or aboveground? If the sight of a propane tank in your potential new yard is going to steer you away from purchasing a home, ask where exactly the tank is located. While a tank that’s aboveground can sometimes be more convenient for repairs, you may not be okay having a 24/7 view of it.
Is the tank owned or is it a rental? Propane tanks can be bought or rented for a potential monthly fee. As a prospective homeowner, it’s good to know if you will also own the propane tank or if you will be renting it.
When was the last time the tank was serviced? You can ask the current homeowner for records of their propane tank’s last servicing. It’s best to have a professional inspect the system if no recent maintenance has been done.
What other appliances in the home rely on propane? One of the benefits of propane is that it’s versatile, meaning that it can power a variety of appliances such as dryers, stoves, fireplaces, grills, pools, water heaters and spa heaters. However, if all these items are being powered by propane, your propane costs will increase.
How big is the tank? Finding out the propane tank’s size ensures that you’ll know if it’s big enough to power everything it needs to power.
A propane-fueled heating system is highly efficient, versatile, safe and it’s easy to maintain. It is also eco-friendly and doesn’t emit pollutants, nor is it harmful to soil or water.
If you’re in the market for a new home, you know that there is an endless list of questions that need to be asked. There are questions about the number of bedrooms, the age of the home, the nearby school systems, and so on.