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The Pros and Cons of Tank Ownership

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Most propane customers in the U.S. lease their tank(s) from a supplier. However, there are about 25-30% of propane users that own their tank. For these customers, there are some pros and some cons that come with the tank ownership. Today we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks for those considering tank ownership and for existing tank owners.

Pros

The main reason people purchase their propane tank is so that they may not be tied to a single supplier. Customers that own their tank are able to choose from multiple suppliers and can change as frequently as for each delivery. This may allow them to get a lower price per gallon over the course of the year. Most purchased tanks come from new construction where the tank is buried under the ground. It is much more costly and difficult to bury a tank, so it’s easier to sell these customers the tank. Most tank owners inherit the tank from the previous owner of the house, so it’s important to understand the responsibilities that come along with owning a propane tank.

Cons

For those considering purchasing a tank or have inherited a tank from the previous home owner, there are a number of things to consider.

It’s an Expensive Investment – For a 500-gallon tank, the purchase cost is in the $2,000 range. There are also costs for purchasing the regulator(s), blocks or anode bag (if needed). For those burying the tank, there are additional costs for excavation and concrete.
Maintenance Costs – Where a leased-tank is maintained by AmeriGas, customers that own their tank are responsible for the upkeep of the tank, regulator(s), valves and lines. A faulty regulator could cost $300 to replace and all regulators should be replaced about every 12-15 years. Safety must always be a high priority.

AmeriGas Serves Tank Owners

AmeriGas is a full service propane company. It’s our goal to be the most Reliable, Safest and most Responsive propane company in the country. We not only offer competitive pricing to tank owners, but can service their installations as needed. Our technicians are expertly trained on propane safety and will check your system to ensure that it meets safety requirements. For more information, contact your local AmeriGas office today.