As more people become environmentally aware, they’re coming to a better understanding of how dangerous and destructive natural gas can be; however, most of us aren’t willing to give up our creature comforts in order to live a completely carbon-neutral life. Many of us are also searching for ways to save money on our utilities and protect ourselves against any disruptions to services that may occur because of extreme weather or accidents.
With all these considerations in mind, propane is becoming a popular option for homes and businesses alike, given its ease of transport, superior safety, and better protection against disruptions in the natural gas pipelines. It can power your water heater, gas stove, heating system, and portable generator, all without any connection to the larger utility grid.
You may be searching propane tanks for sale to get a better idea of how much it costs, but you might also be curious about the propane installation process. Today, we’ll walk through the different steps involved in switching to propane.
Step one: check with local regulations
With any major change to your home, you need to check the local laws and acquire any permits that may be necessary to complete the project. In Pennsylvania, most of the propane tank regulations are on the supplier side rather than the buyer side, and your installer will double check that your installation is up to code.
Step two: determine a safe location and prepare the site
You will need to choose a place that follows local regulations; your propane tank must never be near any open flames, construction, or electrical sources for safety reasons. While propane is a very safe energy source, it’s important that you remain extra cautious, just as you would with anything potentially dangerous.
Once you’ve chosen the best place, clear the area of any debris or vegetation so that you have a completely bare patch of land. The area should be level and stable.
Step three: install the base and the tank
A propane tank sits on top of a base, much like the foundation of a house; this could be a concrete slab, metal piers, or a specially made propane tank bed. Once this is lain, your installer will use a crane or other equipment to carefully place the tank on top of the base, ensuring that it is completely secure on top of the foundation.
Step four: connect the propane tank to the supply line
Your propane tank isn’t much good if it’s just sitting there! It needs to be connected to the lines in your home, just as if you were getting natural gas from an energy company. These connections must be completely secure, so they will be made by a licensed professional with years of experience in propane installation. The process doesn’t take long, but it’s essential that it’s performed with great care and attention to detail.
Step five: test the system for any problems
Your installer wants to make sure that their work is perfect, and that there will be no problems after they leave. They will check the propane tank’s internal pressure to ensure that it meets acceptable standards: low pressure can mean that you won’t receive as much gas as you need, while too high of pressure can result in combustion.
The installer will also ensure that the connections are made properly, and that there are no leaks in the entire system. Your tank will come with an excessive flow actuator, which means that if it senses a leak, it will lower the gas output dramatically to prevent any accidents, and your installer will double-check this as well. You can rest assured that your propane tank will be completely safe and ready to go.
With that last step, you’re ready to start using your propane tank for all your household needs! But what happens when the propane runs out? This is when it’s time to call your install and have your propane tank safely refilled.
When your propane tank hits 20% capacity, it’s time to call your provider and have it refilled
Your propane tank will have a gauge that you should check regularly. If it hits 20%, that means you need to get in touch with your supplier, because this low level puts you at risk of losing power to all appliances that use your propane tank; it can also allow air and moisture into your tank, which can damage it for the long term.
Your supplier will come and safely refill your tank with propane, ensuring that it’s completely safe to operate again. You can schedule regular deliveries if your energy usage is pretty regular, and there are even some propane tanks that can automatically alert you when you’re getting low on propane.
Final thoughts
A propane tank is one of the best investments you can make for your home, one that will ensure you plenty of energy for years to come. The installation process is easier than you may believe, with only five steps, all completed by licensed and certified installers. Now that you better understand what the process is, you can call a local propane supplier with confidence, well aware that you’re about to make your home’s future a little brighter.
