I’m installing a gas fireplace in a house that does not have a gas line so I will need a propane tank to connect to the gas logs. One local company sells 100 gallon tanks for $700 or rents them for $70/year. I know that if you rent a tank then only the rental company can fill your tank with propane. This, of course, is worrying me because the price of propane differs greatly between companies in the area.
Does anyone own or rent similar size propane tanks? If so, I was wondering what the pros and cons of each are. I realize that owning the tank means that, if something goes wrong, I will have to buy a new tank (or, in theory, get it repaired). The rep I spoke to today said he has seen two tanks this month with a pinhole leak which required the purchase of a new tank. Assuming the tank works properly how long can I expect it to last? Is it worth buying a tank in order to save on the refills? Thanks in advance.
Any problem with just using the 20lb. small units? You can buy them cheaply ($30), get them swapped/refilled almost anywhere, they take up a lot less space, and are easily portable. And I’d imagine it’s way cheaper to swap tanks out yourself rather than having someone come to refill it. Of course you’ll be changing them out more often depending on how often you use the fire place.
I’ve bought when I needed one in the past. There are only about three parts (valve, gauge, & regulator) that can fail on one so maintenance isn’t an issue. Then if/when you’re done with it you can resell it and recoup most of your cost. You can probably break even if you can find a used one for sale and have a way to transport it.
From what I’ve seen, propane tanks last basically forever. I have property on a relatively isolated island, and everybody on there uses propane. This is in a rather harsh salt water environment, and I’ve never heard of anyone having problems with their tanks, all of which are owned by the user.
I’ve got two. One, of 150 gallon capacity, must be at least 50 years old, and the other, of 288 gallon capacity, is at least 25 YO, and neither have given me any problems.
Thanks all for the advice. It looks like buying is the way to go. I had a feeling the rep was trying to scare me into renting…probably b/c I am then forced to purchase propane from the company.