After finishing (except some minor detailing) a total re-build / remodel of an 80 + year old story and a half brick home I have had the propane co. want to charge me $110.00 yearly rental on thier tank because I didn't use enough gas.

Now for a little information.

During the rebuild process I had a heat pump, split system installed for the upstairs and a package unit gas pack installed for the down stairs. The upstairs unit was never even charged with freon and the downstairs unit was turned on to adjust the gas pressure and turned off. Within a week someone stole both units. Builders risk insurance doesn't cover theft.(guess who ate it?)

I called the gas co. and told them what happened and not to send the truck for keep full service at this time as I would not replace the units until I could secure them. (the theft took place in the late fall, we heated with a kerosene torpedeo heater as we worked and it was needed). In late winter I replaced the units. They did sent their truck anyway and put in an additional 30 + gals. after the initial filling.

When I got the bill for the $110.00 tank rental because I didn't use enough gas, I called the gas co. and told them what happened. They were sorry it happened and for $110.00 they would leave the tank in place. Needless to say I told them to come and get it.

Now, I can buy a tank and have it installed which I will own and the gas, depending on who I call will be cheaper than if I use a co. owned tank. Cost around $800.00. Or I can pull the gas pack out with a few wiring changes put in a heat pump. If I sell the used (4 months) gas pack for $1200.00 the swap will be do-able.

There are some other items to think about such as if the power goes out in the winter, no heat and I am pretty sure we would not be on the priority list for repair. (not a lot of houses in this area) And a generator big enough to run a heat pump would be $$$$ and the fuel to run it would be too.

Gas pack or Heat pump?

 

I would keep the gas for that reason you stated alone. Here in N MS, we had a big ice storm in 94 and if it were not for the wall hanging propane heater, we would have been cold as we didn't have any electricity for almost a month.

 

Use a heat pump and supplement with a wood or stove (heat when the power goes out). With your heat pump, you will need a heat source (as you know). Pick whatever is cheaper. Owning your own tank(s) is nice in that you can call any gas supplier for fills. No more commitment to one company. You can now shop for the best price.

 

My previous home was totaly electric except for gas logs. When the power was out they would keep us warm. For gas logs I would still have to have a tank that leans me towards keeping the gas pack and buying a tank. I don't have access to any wood I wouldn't have to buy and no wood burner. We sealed the fireplace as the chimney sweep recommended, he said it would be ok for gas logs but would not recommend burning wood unless we had the chimney lined.
Thanks for the advice.

 

We are lucky, we have natural gas and a gas pack.
When the power goes out we have to usa a kerosene heater to keep warm and the fuel for it is outrageous.
We don't have many power outages maybe when the ice gets too heavy on the power lines about once every 5 years or so.
Sometimes in the summer when wend blowes trees on the power lines.
The kerosene don't smell too good nowadays.

 

We loose power from hurricanes in the summer and ice storms in the winter. Thankfully it is not too often for either. I wish we had natural gas where we live, but we don't. We also have a well for our water. I agree kerosene is stinky to say the least.

 

If the power goes out the blower will not work on the gas heater. I like the heat pump with gas logs idea the best.

 

What do you need heat for? your in NC where it is always warm... I would keep the gas. At our place in Stuart, VA same deal as you extra charge if you didn't use a lot. I ended up buying my own 30# for the cook stove only. Check around for tank prices and buy your own. I don't know how much you will use the propane but a 100# might be ok or even 2-100#

 

Been gone for a few days, I wish it did stay warm enough in the winter not to need heat but.......not true. I have been looking for a tank to buy, I would like a 500 gallon but they are not easy to find and are kind of pricey( I have told a guy that sells them I want one, he said he had some ordered & they would be here in 2 weeks, 4 weeks ago). I will need some kind of a generator to operate the well, fridge & freezer plus I have sleep apnea and only sleep with a machine running. If I keep the gas pack I will add an LP operated generator.
I haven't made a 100% decision yet. If the guy comes thru with the tank I will probably go that way.
Thanks for the replies.