First time homeowner's guide to using propane

First-time homeowners are in for a fun adventure, but also have plenty to learn. If you've moved into a rural home, caring for a propane tank might be one of those things. Taking three important steps will help new homeowners become familiar with their propane energy supply.

Get to know the benefits of propane.

When it comes to heating homes, propane is quickly becoming the preferred choice for rural homeowners. Propane furnaces last longer and heat more evenly than other heating options, and propane tankless water heaters can supply hot water for a fraction of the cost compared to electric units.

However, propane can also be used for much more than heating your home. If your home is outfitted with a propane tank, you can utilize propane as a clean, safe and reliable energy source for cooking, drying clothes, and operating fireplaces, generators, grills and more without having to sacrifice quality of living. Visit propane.com to learn more about residential propane uses. 

Find your propane supplier.

Once you move into your new home, it’s important to learn who supplies your propane and services your tank. Look to your real estate purchase agreement to identify whether your propane tank is leased or owned. If the tank is leased, the propane supplier should be identified on the outside of the tank or inside the lid. If that information is not listed, visit the dealer locator on cenex.com to identify a dealer near your new home.

Know what to do if you smell propane.

If at any point you smell propane, leave the area immediately and, if it is safe to do so, turn off the main supply valve. Once you are outside the area, call your propane supplier. If you can't reach the supplier, call 911 or your local fire department. Do not return to your home until a qualified service technician or emergency responder determines it is safe to do so. To learn more about propane safety, review these tips from the Propane Education & Research Council on propane.com.

Now that you understand the basics, you’re on your way to enjoying the benefits of using your new home's propane energy supply. For more information, visit cenex.com to learn about propane for residential use.