Based on how long the propane lasted in our 250 gallon tank, when we added the 500 gallon tank in November, I figured we had enough propane to last us a year.
Shortly after getting the new tank, we got a new washer/dryer and the dryer is propane where the old one was electric.
Washer/Dryer
The old stove had wimpy burners — the power burner on it was 12,000 BTU. The power burners on the new stove (and both front ones are power burners) are 17,000 BTU each. Apparently, when they say power burner, they mean POWER burner!
Stove
Over the weekend, just 4-1/2 months after filling that 500 gallon tank, I happened to look at the gauge, thinking it should be at least 60% full. NO! It was 30% full. I said “Vince! Look at this gauge!” He couldn’t believe it. We had burned down to 30% of 500 gallons in less time than it took to burn down to 30% of 250 gallons! Granted, they don’t really put 500 gallons in it when they fill it but I surely didn’t think we’d be needing propane again this soon.
The propane man came yesterday to refill it (and for those using propane, you know how expensive it is . . even though it’s less than it was last year). I will use my back two burners on my stove more than I use my front two power burners in the future. The clothes line will be installed this weekend. I love hanging clothes on the line and did it 90% of the time in MO but had not been real enthusiastic about it here because of the dust. Dust sounds much better than filling a propane tank every 4-1/2 to 5 months.
We haven’t touched the 250 gallon tank yet . . we switch to that if the big tank runs completely out or we have a gas cooker hooked up directly to the small tank but we use a charcoal grill so we weren’t about to run out but I’m surely glad I checked that gauge. I’ll be way more careful with the amount of propane we burn from now on. 🙁
Teri Fritch says
Just imagine the frowny face you would get if the propane people rated you.
KCLori says
You just made me giggle out load with that comment!!
Regina says
me, too!!!
Judy Wolf says
We had the same thing happen to use. I filled up the 2nd of January and just had to refill the tank last week. I think it is more the weather being colder than anything else. Especially since I have a gas stove but water heater and dryer are both electric….which means a whopping electric bill to go with the recent propane bill.
Shirley says
Wow, that’s shocking!!! Like you, there are two adults in my Texas household. Propane heats our water and fires our stove (which I use heavily). According to my propane man, we average less than 20 gallons of propane used per month. Yep, I see a clothesline and solar oven use in your future.
Lee says
I admit to not knowing anything about propane but wonder, since you said you’re using from your 500 gallon tank and reserving your 250. Does propane go stale or ‘bad’? I know gasoline does – like if left over-wintered in a lawnmower – so just curious.
Crystal D-G in WA says
Yay for a clothesline. I love mine.
Kell says
We seem to be going through our propane faster too. We use it for cooking & hot water. We live in MA so I think a lot of the problem for us is it’s been so cold & it takes more for the hot water heater to heat the water coming into the heater from the street.
Linda Steller says
I’ve been thinking about a clothesline myself. I just like the way the clothes smell when they’ve been out on the line. My range is starting to get decrepit, so I’ve been looking at gas ranges. I’m not sure how much it would cost to run a line from where the furnace is to where my range is — it’s only about 15 feet.
SarahB says
Judy, remember the e-mails back and forth about the frowny face from the electric company…. well, we got the “end of the first year” bill today… $1500!!! We were on a “budget” based on the consumption of when the house was vacant! No wonder we kept getting frowny faces, no wonder our bill was so low… we’re an ALL electric house. Just this afternoon (after the shock of the bill and subsequent phone call(S) we decided that changes HAD to be made… first up? A clothes line to minimize the dryer use!
KCLori says
Judy,
Since this is a new tank is there any way to check the tank for accuracy? Is there a regulator attached? I’m sure Vince has thought all about it, I know we have had a leak in our gas grill connection and didn’t know it until we ran through our gas extra early. Just wondering…
Sharon Neuer says
Judy, when we were using propane, we found a coop like MFA where you made a commitment for your annual gas usage and then got a much lower discounted price. Is there anything like that around there? We also had them on an automatic fill, so it would never go below 20%. They have to flush the lines because it is hazardous at that point etc and costs a bundle. Thought you kight already know this, but just in case….
Lee Ann L. @Unfocused! says
Where did you get the clotheline? I’ve been wanting one for some time; but, do not know where to even begin looking.
Doreen says
I have a retractable clothesline set-up in the back yard. When not in use the lines (on a bar) retract and are protected. In winter we burn wood in an external wood-fired boiler. The result is hot water and warm house (we have a forced air furnace). This set up works so well that our LP supplier penalized us for underusage/low consumption!!!!! Around here, LP tanks are mostly rented from the company and many have done what we have done so they have figured a way to get their $$$ anyway!