Guestimate propane use this winter?

rogdan · Oct 11, 2005

We plan to move into our new home next month right at the beginning of the heating season in northern West Virginia. We are changing from natural gas to propane FA in the new place. I am having trouble getting a bulk propane supplier and am getting down to the wire. So I was trying to guess what my propane use would be this winter As I thought of just getting some 100lb tanks to get by this winter, is this even worth trying? For comparison the new place is 2000 sq ft with 2x6 insulated walls compared to the old place at 1300 sq ft poorly insulated. In the old place I used as much as 12 MCF of natural gas in the coldest month with the FA system. I feel that no more heat would be required in the new place with the much better insulation. I am new to propane anyone care to give some opinions? Thanks

jwstewar · Oct 11, 2005

We are just over 2100 Sq. ft and 2x6 walls. We have electric heat pump and propane. Also use propane for water. I believe we usually go through around 500 - 600 gallons per year - but I can't swear to it. I know last year we purchased 647 gallons from our existing propane provider but we didn't start using them until 12/31 and had to fill the tank completely. So the 500 - 600 probably isn't too far off.

ByronBob · Oct 11, 2005

I'm going to say between 600-800 gallons a winter. My use here in WNY is about 400 gallons but my whole house is propane and the house is heated by a pellet stove. If they corner you go heavy and say 800 gallons. You'll be close.

Congrats by the way.

rogdan · Oct 11, 2005

Thanks for the replies guys, I think I could pull off the 100 lb tank idea for this winter if I have to. I don't want to do this but I am not getting good response from the local suppliers.
Another reason for the tanks is that I may have an outdoor wood boiler put in next year and plumbed to the furnace and HW tank.

Mrwurm · Oct 12, 2005

Hmm, I'm puzzled about the other responses. I use much more propane than stated by others. Maybe, its because we also have a propane water heater ?

I typically use 1,500 to 1,600 gallons of propane per year for FA heating and hotwater. My neighbor uses closer to 2,000 gallons. He uses propane for heating, hot water, and clothes dryer.

Mrwurm · Oct 12, 2005

Oh, forgot to mention. Both homes are about 2,200 sq ft with cathedral ceiling in great room. Homes built in 1994. Furnace is 80% efficiency.

slowrev · Oct 12, 2005

Will the 100 gallon tanks vaporize enough liquid propane in cold weather to feed the furnace ? The surface are of the liquid in the tank controls how much propane gas can be drawn from the tank.
I think it might also be a problem/hassle refilling tanks every week or so during the coldest part of winter.

Ben

rogdan · Oct 12, 2005

The furnace is not in yet but I think we are over 90% on effeciency. We will only be heating with propane with everything else being electric in the home.

rogdan · Oct 12, 2005

I haven't thought of that as I am unaware of the characteristics of propane. I don't look forward to lugging thoose tanks around /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Ideally I wanted to do an underground tank but that requires that I own and install the tank but the local suppliers only want to fill their own. Catch 22 /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

slowrev · Oct 12, 2005

Yes, common catch 22 on the self owned tank.

How many BTU is your furnace ? Propane has about 91,000 BTU per gallon of liquid. Perhaps this would help in your figuring ?
I live in a similiar climate here in east central KY. My house is about 1600 sq ft and I burn about 600-700 gallons per year.

Ben