5 Tips on How to Use Propane and Reduce Your Energy Costs

Propane can be used not only for outdoor barbeques, but also for powering cooking ranges, ovens, dryers, water heaters, refrigerators, and even automobiles. While the prices of gasoline, natural gas, and propane all rise, propane is still relatively less expensive than the other two. The cost of propane mostly depends on the season; as the demand for this gas goes up during winter, so does the price. Propane is also more cost-efficient than other energy sources, but you can reduce your energy costs further with these tips:

1. Turn off pilot lights. During summer, it’s best if you turn off the pilot light of your furnace. A pilot light can cost you as much as $15 for propane each month. Do the same thing with your dryer if it uses a pilot light. Instead of doing your laundry every day, you might want to just do it once a week and turn off the pilot light between your laundry days. Better yet, you can just buy a new dryer model that makes use of a “sparker” instead of a pilot light. 

2. Winterize your home. To reduce your energy consumption especially during the cold months, it’s important that you upgrade your insulation. Use necessary tools to reduce the leakage of air at your windows, such as thermal curtains and storm windows. The best time to get these tools is during the first few summer months since they tend to be sold at discounted prices.

3. Try to buy propane during summer. The cost of propane during summer months are usually lower. If possible, buy as much propane as you can during periods where the demand is low. Doing so can save you as much as $100 to $700 per year.

4. Set the temperature of your water heater at 120-130 degrees. That heat is already sufficient for most household requirements and can help you save around $5 to $30 per month.

5. Some providers of propane tend to overcharge. Don’t fall into their traps. Get your propane gas from a reputable supplier and make sure that your provider offers it at a reasonable price.