Cost for Propane in Durham (renting, house, landlord)

[quietstormnc]

We are thinking about renting a house in Durham that uses propane for heat. Our prospective new landlord explained that a company comes out monthly to top off the propane tank. Does anyone have any ideas of approximate cost to heat a small house with propane. We have never lived in a house that uses propane so this is all new to us. Thanks!

[peperoberto]

Originally Posted by quietstormnc

We are thinking about renting a house in Durham that uses propane for heat. Our prospective new landlord explained that a company comes out monthly to top off the propane tank. Does anyone have any ideas of approximate cost to heat a small house with propane. We have never lived in a house that uses propane so this is all new to us. Thanks!

One thing to ask first is to see what price the landlord is paying. There are two ways to go when you have propane. One is to pay the market rate all winter, which tends to go up as the winter progresses. The other is to pay a set contract price all year. In December, this price will be more than the market rate, but by February it will usually be quite a bit less.

You can ask the landlord to send you totals of the last 3 years bills for propane. That should give you a good average of how many gallons are used per year.

[frankpc]

As a ballpark, with a "lock-in", you should assume propane is at least $2.50/gallon.
Locking in early is typically the least cost route. This will price protect you through next March.
Unfortunately I think you'll find propane is an expensive way to heat.

Frank