The Average Price of Propane on Long Island: Answering Your Questions
More than 4.6 million residential households in the U.S. rely on propane to heat their homes each year.
This is because propane is a much more cost-effective and safer choice compared to other heating options.
In fact, the average price of propane on Long Island works out to be much cheaper than heating your home in other ways, such as relying on electricity or oil. And, when it comes to your home, you want to take the safe, and cost-effective route with everything, right?
What are the important things to know about heating your home with propane on Long Island, though? We have all the answers. Read along to find out everything you need to know from the average price of propane on Long Island, to when and why that price will fluctuate, and some additional charges you’ll want to be prepared for.
Long Island Propane Prices
According to the New York Home Propane Price Monitoring Program, full-service propane using residents use about 1,100 gallons of propane or more annually.
Propane Averages $3.10 on Long Island
Prices for propane vary according to demand. As seen in a survey conducted by this program that is done twice a month, the average cost of propane in the Long Island region is $3.10 per gallon. The actual price you pay will vary depending on the company you use and the amount you use. Pricing between companies can vary drastically so make sure to choose your supplier carefully.
Propane is more efficient than other fuels
We can see this in propane furnaces, for example. These appliances turn on in intervals, sort of like the energy-saving mode on your air conditioner, rather than running continuously for days on end. Not only is continuous running a complete waste of fuel, but it also can cause your home to overheat, which is not only uncomfortable for you but a fire hazard as well.
Compared to other heating methods that have trouble with maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout your home, propane’s ability to only run periodically makes it more efficient, and more affordable to operate.
Fluctuations Regarding the Cost of Propane
Like any other product or service, the cost of propane can fluctuate for various reasons.
Prices spike when demand is high in winter
For one, prices can spike during cold winters, when the demand for propane increases and propane suppliers aren’t prepared to combat those demands. This is your simple story of supply and demand. More people are looking to purchase propane, so less propane may be available, therefore the cost of that propane will increase.
Summer propane prices are often lower
On the other hand, propane prices are typically lower in the summer months, however, the cost of propane during these months still can fluctuate, though it’s generally only very minor fluctuations.
Save by purchasing propane before the winter months
Because of these fluctuations, it’s recommended you purchase propane in the warmer months. Propane doesn’t go bad, so if you purchase it in the warmer months when the prices are lower in anticipation of a cold winter. Although you are may still find that you need to purchase during winter months, by stocking up you could be saving yourself a great amount of money.
Additional Charges to be Prepared For
Some other charges come along with heating your home with propane besides just the cost of the propane itself. The good thing is, some companies are aware that not everybody’s financial situation is the same, and so they’ll offer a variety of payment options that will best suit your needs.
Working out your payment options is something you’ll have to deal directly with the company with. But, as for additional costs, here are some you’ll want to be prepared for.
Tank Rental Fee
Many propane suppliers offer the option of leasing one of their tanks. If you choose to lease a tank from your propane provider, they will be responsible for maintaining the tank.
This is good because since it’s still considered their property, that means they may offer repairs or replacements when needed free of charge. However, since you don’t own the tank itself, you will either be charged a rental fee or have the rental fee included in the propane price.
Transportation Fuel Surcharge
Be on the lookout for transportation fuel surcharges. This cost is sometimes added if the cost of highway fuel goes up substantially. While price increases of oil, fuel, and gasoline can affect propane companies as well, you should not be seeing this charge on your bill frequently. A decent propane company will rarely, if ever add these fees.
Installation Fee
As with any commodity that is installed in your house, there’s always a fee along with that installation, and it’s no different when it comes to propane. The installation fee is charged to you to cover the cost of materials and labor required when it comes to installing and hooking up the propane system.
Hazmat Fee
A hazmat fee, also called a safety practices and training fee, is charged to recover some of the costs related to the company’s vehicle and facility inspections in addition to the training of their employees. This fee does not vary depending on the amount of propane delivered. It simply is in place to help the company maintain safety standards and regulations.
Benefits of Propane Home Heating
As mentioned above, choosing propane to heat your home is a safe, and cost-effective route to take, however, there are many other benefits of using propane to heat your home. Here are a few:
It’s Better for the Environment
Propane is not only one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels, but it’s even a Clean Air Act-approved alternative fuel. It meets the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency so you don’t have to worry about harming the environment.
It’s Reliable
What would you do if you relied on electricity to heat your home and the power went out? Probably freeze. Propane gets delivered to you by a truck, so it will continue to heat your home and power your appliances even if you lose electricity.
It Can Be Eligible for Tax Credits
Being propane is safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, the federal government often awards homeowners who switch to propane gas tax credits. You can contact your tax specialist to see if you’re eligible for these credits.
Switch & Save up to 30% on Propane
Propane Depot is Long Island’s top rated family owned propane company offering propane delivery and tank installation complete with 24/7 service. Plus you’ll never run out of propane again with our smart propane tank monitors.
Stop overpaying for propane! Click here for a quote or call us at 631-400-SAVE
