To Bury or Not to Bury

We will be using propane for heat; our decision was quick when our only other real choice was oil. And once we made that decision, I thought we’d just have to pick the right kinds of ranges and dryers. Later. Put that decision to bed.

Not so fast!

As we are working through the details for the Purchase and Sale Agreement, we’re looking at each additional charge, and naturally most of them raise questions. In this case, do we spend $1200 to bury the propane tank? Our realtor suggested that it might be less expensive and smarter to rent a tank from a propane company.

I had already found out that I get a deal on propane because I’m a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, but I wasn’t sure what deal there might be on the tank. So on Sunday, I went to the website, filled out the request for a phone call, and someone from Propane USA got back to me Monday morning. The person I spoke with was clear and helpful, a good sign. Short version: we’ll get a deal on the cost of propane regardless. But if we want to bury the tank, we buy the tank. If we rent, it’s above ground.

So how do we choose? Internet research time and data analysis!

There appears to be little safety difference in the two methods. In-ground tanks have a greater corrosion problem, but they have safety features to compensate for it. Both need to be away from the house. Both should be inspected yearly, though folks on the internet aren’t quite in agreement about the frequency. Above-ground has a slight advantage in the fact that emergency personnel know right away that the house has propane. Not exactly a deciding factor.

Photo from Petro Heating and Air Conditioning

In the aesthetics department, burial wins. No bright white giant pill to mar the landscape. If we’re renting a tank, apparently most companies don’t really want people painting them. We can put up a lattice or fencing or something else to hide the tank, though. That would be my solution; you can imagine Carl’s response to aesthetic consideration. All things being equal, this would be my choice.

But all things are not equal. In the cost arena, renting is the winner. If we rent, the company supplies the tank at no charge, and they have no rental charge even if I stop being an MTA member. And we’ll be asking for a credit with the builder because he won’t be supplying the tank, which the internet claims is about $2000 to purchase new.

In our home, functionality and cost tend to win out against aesthetics. And unlike the mastiff I have invested in the color of our kitchen counters, my dog in this fight is a toy poodle. I would say that we’re going to be renting and having an above-ground tank. I’m sure I can find a way to hide that pill.