If you’ve ever run out of propane at home, you know it’s more than a minor inconvenience. In addition to the disruption, a run-out may require an emergency delivery and a safety check before service is restored.
Understanding how your household uses propane can help you estimate how much fuel you may need and how long a full tank might last. Many variables can affect propane consumption over the winter.
A good starting point is to look at your past delivery history. As long as you haven’t made major changes, such as adding new equipment or appliances, previous usage can provide a helpful guide.
Weather can have one of the biggest impacts on propane use, especially if you rely on propane for space heating or fireplaces. It’s also the factor over which you have the least control.
If the season brings colder-than-normal temperatures or extended cold snaps, you’ll likely use more propane than you would during an average or mild winter.
If your house is well insulated, it may be less prone to drafts and heat loss. Newer, high-efficiency heating equipment may also help reduce propane consumption compared with older systems.
Other variables differ from one household to another, and your lifestyle plays an important role.
One or two people living in a home will generally use less hot water, run fewer loads of laundry, and place less demand on propane appliances than a larger household. On the other hand, being away for several weeks may reduce your propane usage.
Changes in occupancy, daily routines, and how often you use propane-powered appliances can all affect your overall consumption.
Different appliances use propane at different rates, and the age and efficiency of your heating equipment and appliances can also affect fuel consumption.
While many factors come into play, the chart below provides a rough idea of how much propane different household appliances may use in a year. Actual consumption can vary significantly based on equipment size, efficiency, climate, and household habits.
| Appliance | Estimated Gallons Used Yearly |
|---|---|
| Propane furnace | 1,000 |
| Propane water heater | 250 |
| Propane fireplace | 200 |
| Propane stove/range | 35 |
| Propane clothes dryer | 20 |
Keep in mind that a furnace or fireplace may use most of its propane during the colder months, while a cooking range or water heater may create steadier demand throughout the year.
Corse offers an easy way to reduce the worry of an unexpected run-out.
Our Automatic Delivery service uses factors such as your past propane usage and outdoor temperatures to help estimate when your tank will need a refill. Deliveries are then scheduled before the tank gets too low.
Automatic Delivery works best when your household’s propane usage is relatively consistent. Be sure to let us know if you’re going away for an extended period, having additional people stay in your home, or making other changes that could significantly affect your fuel use.
For seasonal or second-home owners, Will-Call Delivery may be a better option. If you choose Will-Call service, keep an eye on your tank gauge and contact us before your fuel level gets too low so there is enough time to schedule your delivery.
There’s a reason your neighbors in Lamoille and Franklin Counties trust Corse Fuels for dependable propane deliveries, tank installations, maintenance, and more.
We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help answer your questions about propane and keep your fuel supply on track.
Contact us for more information or to become a customer today.