Question for those of you who have propane instead of natural gas for your home heating (Everett: sale)

[jm31828]

My wife and I are looking at buying a different house in the Bothell area. The home we like is in an area that currently is not supplied by natural gas, so the home is propane powered instead. This would be for the forced air heat, the water heater, and the gas stove. It is a 2200 square foot brand new construction home, and I am trying to get an idea on just how much it might cost monthly for propane. Do any of you have a similar setup to share your experience?
I know natural gas would probably be around $120 per month during the winter here for a house that size, and I had read some things online from others (in other states) spending $400 per month for propane- if it's going to be that bad we will have to give up on this house and look at another that is served by natural gas, but I'd rather get info from locals first to get a better idea.

[mkarch]

Our neighbor that uses propane says it's in the $400+/mo range for the winter, slightly more than you'd pay for heating oil.

It's surprising a new build would go with propane over an electric heat pump. Maybe the area is scheduled to get gas service installed at some point in the future?

[jm31828]

Originally Posted by mkarch

Our neighbor that uses propane says it's in the $400+/mo range for the winter, slightly more than you'd pay for heating oil.

It's surprising a new build would go with propane over an electric heat pump. Maybe the area is scheduled to get gas service installed at some point in the future?

Thanks for the response! Yeah it surprised us, because the home is not out in the boonies, it is just a few blocks off of Bothell-Everett Highway. This one tiny development has propane while the development a block away has natural gas. The builder's agent said there is a chance natural gas will be run to these homes, but they have no way to know for sure. So in that regard I am surprised that they didn't just go with electric heat pumps-- as the price you mention is probably 3 times what it would cost with natural gas!

[eidas]

we are about $100/month for propane heat/hot water...1900 sq ft one level

[jm31828]

Originally Posted by eidas

we are about $100/month for propane heat/hot water...1900 sq ft one level

Is that a yearly average, or what you average during the heating season?

[eidas]

Originally Posted by jm31828

Is that a yearly average, or what you average during the heating season?

sorry - that's yearly average 2 retired adults

[jm31828]

Originally Posted by eidas

sorry - that's yearly average

Thanks for the info! If you don't mind my asking, how much are you paying for propane when you refill- is it about $2.50 per gallon?

[eidas]

price fluctuates (like all fuel!) Some vendors offer "sales" in summer months (August esp); and sometimes you can pre-buy at the sale price

we are being less than frugal & are on an automatic refill program so we never have to worry about running out/ordering - so not taking advantage of sales.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by jm31828

Thanks for the response! Yeah it surprised us, because the home is not out in the boonies, it is just a few blocks off of Bothell-Everett Highway. This one tiny development has propane while the development a block away has natural gas. The builder's agent said there is a chance natural gas will be run to these homes, but they have no way to know for sure. So in that regard I am surprised that they didn't just go with electric heat pumps-- as the price you mention is probably 3 times what it would cost with natural gas!

Heh, actually that was the boonies not that long ago. A few friends used to rent a house on the right of 183rd as a band practice spot because there was not much more than a wrecking yard nearby. Great party spot, nobody around to complain!