By pepupdigital Propane home energy use, home propane, propane conversion, propane cost, residential propane delivery

Adding Propane Heat to Your Home: A Checklist

Propane heat is a reliable, efficient, and worthwhile investment for homeowners in the Delmarva region. It’s also easy to add to your existing energy mix, since it can be added to existing homes – and new builds – with the addition of supply lines and a propane storage tank that’s appropriately sized for your home.

Jump ahead to:

Propane Heat Conversion Checklist
Winter vs. Summer Propane Installation
How to Get Started Adding Propane to Your Home
Frequently Asked Questions

Propane Heat Conversion Checklist

Evaluate Your Propane Needs

Determine which appliances and systems you want to power with propane (e.g., heating, water heating, cooking, fireplace, dryer, home backup generator). This is the time to select the propane heating system that’s right for your home heating needs, and include its propane usage into your home propane usage calculations.

Choose a Propane Supplier

Research and compare propane suppliers in your area, considering factors such as pricing and payment options, contract terms, propane level monitoring and delivery options, and customer service reputation.

Assess Your Property

Identify a suitable location for the propane tank, considering local regulations, distance from buildings, and accessibility for propane delivery trucks. A PepUp specialist can help you determine the best location for your tank, and provide more details about how to prepare for tank delivery.

Obtain Permits

Check with your local building department to determine if any permits are required for propane tank installation regulations on Delmarva. When you choose PepUp as your propane provider, our Energy Specialists can help guide you through each of these steps, from the beginning.

Select the Right Tank Size

Work with your supplier to choose a propane tank size that meets your household’s propane demand and available space on your property.

Request Plumbing and Tank Installation Cost Estimates

The cost of your propane furnace or heat pump system is an important consideration. You’ll also need up-front pricing on the cost to install supply lines and point-of-service valves for each appliance that runs on propane. We can provide an estimate for that work, and provide additional insights into costs specific to your home, such as structural challenges or considerations that may affect installation pricing.

Prepare the Tank Location

In the safe and accessible location you’ve chosen, level the ground and create a stable base for the propane tank. If you’ll need to hire a landscaper or construction contractor to do this work, it’s best to skip ahead to scheduling your tank delivery and ask our Energy Specialists about when that work should be completed. Aboveground propane tanks don’t require a slab or other expensive preparation, but it’s helpful to consider how you’ll maintain the vegetation around the tank, and whether any trees may grow to interfere with the tank or its accessibility.

Schedule Tank Delivery and Installation

Coordinate with your chosen propane supplier (we recommend PepUp!) to schedule the delivery and installation of the propane tank. Ask about adding a wireless propane tank monitor so you don’t have to worry about checking tank levels and scheduling deliveries.

Install Gas Supply Lines

You’ll want a qualified professional to install the gas lines and connect them to your new propane-powered appliances. Your PepUp installation team will also run gas lines from the propane tank to your home. This work – as well as running any lines for a new propane HVAC system – should be completed before your scheduled tank installation.

Convert Gas Appliances to LPG

If you have compatible natural gas appliances, a technician can convert them to run on propane. You may purchase appliances that are already set up to run on LPG (liquid propane gas), but others will require a conversion kit that will be installed by your propane technician. When you schedule your initial PepUp consultation visit, be sure to ask about the cost to convert any natural gas appliances to propane.

Install New Propane Appliances and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Purchase and install new propane-powered appliances, such as a furnace for propane heat, propane water heater, range, or propane fireplace insert. You’ll want to make sure you’ve also installed carbon monoxide detectors near those appliances to give your family an early warning if a propane appliance begins to produce the toxic gas.

Pressure Test Gas Lines

Once your propane appliances are installed and connected to your new tank, and the tank is filled, your PepUp technician will perform a pressure test to check for leaks in the gas lines. They’ll inspect all gas connections to ensure they are tight and secure, then test your appliances to make sure they’re functioning properly and safely. PepUp goes a step further, providing each new propane customer with a guide to propane system operation, emergency procedures and shut-off valve location and operation, and a 24/7 emergency number for immediate service or propane delivery.

Schedule Propane Deliveries

Arrange regular propane deliveries with your supplier to maintain an adequate fuel supply. Here’s a quick checklist on how to prepare for a propane delivery.

Monitor Tank Levels

Keep an eye on your propane tank gauge and schedule deliveries before running out of propane. Or, if you have a wireless propane tank monitor, you can check your tank levels on a smartphone app without ever stepping outside. With PepUp Automatic Delivery, you won’t need to monitor tank levels; we’ll get an alert when your tank is close to the 30% fill level, and we’ll arrange for your propane delivery so you never run out.

Schedule an Annual Tank Inspection

PepUp technicians perform regular inspections of your PepUp propane tank and system to ensure continued safety and efficiency. If you choose to purchase your own tank rather than leasing one from PepUp, talk to your Energy Specialist from the beginning to make sure your propane tank is safe to use and can be recertified.

When should you schedule your propane heat conversion?

Without a doubt, the best time to schedule your propane heat conversion project in the Mid-Atlantic is during the summer months. Here are a few pros and cons you can consider when deciding when you’ll add propane to your home.

Summer Propane Installation Pros and Cons

Pros:

Easier scheduling with propane companies.
Favorable weather conditions for outdoor work.
Ample time to test and adjust before the heating season.
Propane cost per gallon is lowest when heating demand is low in the summer.

Cons:

Won’t be able to enjoy the fireplace or outdoor patio heaters until cooler weather.
Unable to test heating in winter conditions.

Winter Propane Installation Pros and Cons

Pros:

Immediate testing of the heating system in real-world conditions.

Cons:

Possible interruption of heat and other connected appliances during conversion.
Potentially harder to schedule installations.
Possibility of weather delays.

Ready to Get Started?

Adding propane heat to your home requires some planning and cost considerations, but our customers tell us they enjoy the comfort and convenience of propane all year round. Its efficiency and cost savings for winter heating aren’t the only benefits; propane tankless water heaters offer endless, on-demand hot water, and propane fireplace and cooking benefits are just two more ways propane can have a positive impact on your home.

Contact PepUp today to learn more about our current special offers, and speak with an Energy Specialist about your propane heat conversion project. Our team will assess your needs, provide a detailed quote, and guide you through every step of the process. Let’s talk!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adding Propane Heat to Your Home

How long does scheduling a propane tank installation usually take in the Delmarva region?

Scheduling times can vary depending on the season. Summer months generally offer more availability for propane tank installations. However, PepUp strives to accommodate your schedule and will work to find a time that is convenient for you. Contact our Energy Specialists to discuss current scheduling options and availability in your area.

What specific permits are needed for installing a propane tank on my property in Delmarva?

Permit requirements can differ by county and city in the Delmarva region. PepUp’s Energy Specialists are familiar with local regulations and will guide you through the necessary permit process. We can help you determine which permits are required and assist with the application process to ensure your installation complies with all local codes.

How do I prepare the ground for an aboveground propane tank installation in my yard?

For aboveground tanks, the ground needs to be level and stable. You don’t need a concrete slab, but clearing the area of debris and ensuring it’s relatively flat is important. Consider the vegetation around the tank for future maintenance and accessibility. Our PepUp specialist will provide specific recommendations based on your site and tank size.

What is the approximate cost to convert a natural gas stove to propane when adding propane to my home?

The cost to convert a natural gas stove to propane typically includes the price of a conversion kit and labor, which can vary widely depending on the make and model of your stove, but generally ranges from $150 to $300. It typically requires a qualified technician to install a manufacturer-provided conversion kit, so make sure you receive the kit with your new appliance, or that you order it for an existing gas appliance that can be converted. When you schedule your initial consultation with PepUp, be sure to ask about the specific cost for converting your appliances. We can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specific appliances you need us to convert to run on propane.

Can I check my propane tank levels remotely if I have a wireless propane tank monitor?

Yes! If you opt for a wireless propane tank monitor, you can check your propane levels, usage history, and even order a tank refill using a smartphone app. This allows you to conveniently monitor your tank levels from anywhere and avoid running out of propane. PepUp’s Automatic Delivery also removes the need to monitor levels, as we proactively schedule deliveries for you at a time that’s most convenient for you.

What are the steps involved in the pressure test after my propane tank and appliances are installed?

After your propane tank and appliances are installed, a PepUp technician will perform a pressure test. This involves checking for leaks in the gas lines and inspecting all gas connections to ensure they are tight and secure. The technician will then test your appliances to ensure they are functioning properly and safely. We also provide a guide to propane system operation and emergency procedures.

Adding Propane Heat to Your Home: A Checklist