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I keep hearing the Hawaii Gas radio commercials talk about "stick with the pros" and now I'm wondering about alternatives to Hawaii Gas and their $6.30 per gallon fee. So what are the alternatives? I'm sure that's not what they intended to achieve with their commercials, but they need some competition, badly. About a half year ago they dropped their price to $5.95 for a few months, probably because they thought their customers were going to revolt, but now they're inching back up.
Just checked online yellow pages. Looks like there used to be several propane suppliers in East Hawaii, but they now all seem to be Hawaii Gas.
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is this for propane delivered? That's kinda expensive since Pahao propane is 4.50 a gal. I'm glad we don't use that many gals of it. I think we average about 10 gallons every 5-6 months.
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Solar panels are cheap enough to run an all-electric house. Who needs propane?
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We looked into getting the propane delivered; in addition to the HIGH cost per gallon, I think there was a tank rental fee. We decided to go with multiple 5- and 10-gallon tanks, and switch out as needed. Does make for a shocking shower when the gas runs out!
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Yes, delivered.
So at the same profit margin (and I'm sure HG wants to make more than the Pahoa guy) Hawaii Gas is charging $1.80 per gallon to deliver it.
By the way, propane in California less than $2.50 per gallon, and in some states it's as low as $1.50.
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It's over four times as expensive here as some states -- so reconsider those gas appliances, people.
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How long can you run a house on a 10 gallon tank? I'm in a duplex with both sides gas stoves, one side gas tank water heater and the other gas tankless water heater. And how long does it take to get them refilled, and how heavy are they? Thanks. One last question: is there any way to change them out without putting out pilot lights?
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Hunt,
Can't give you a definitive answer about how long the tanks will last in your situation because your mileage may vary, but you might think about getting two tanks and connecting them using a crossover switch. When tank #1 goes empty, you close it's valve on top, flip a lever, and open the valve on tank #2 (or if you have appliances with always-on pilot lights, you can open both valves while Tank 1 still has gas in it, flip the switch to the full tank, then close the valve on the almost-empty tank #1). On most crossover switches, you can also leave both valves open and point the lever to one tank..when it runs low, the switch will automatically draw from the other tank. This is convenient, but the downside is that if you don't monitor your usage, you can end up with two empty tanks at the worst possible minute (think: halfway through cooking Thanksgiving turkey). With one tank shut off, you always have a backup tank when your in-use tank goes empty - to me , it's worth the inconvenience of running outside and flipping a switch and opening a valve. You then have lots of time to refill the empty tank at your leisure before tank #2 goes empty.
Our on-demand water heater, stove and gas dryer all have electronic ignition pilots, not always-on, so if gas can flow, the pilot lights will light without any extra steps.
How long does it take to get tanks refilled? As long as it takes you to drive to a local hardware store and back, plus about 10 minutes. How heavy are they? Empty, easy carry. Full, they get your attention - I'm guessing about 60 lbs.
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Hunt - this may or may not help.
I use 10-gallon tanks for cooking and heating water (tankless). I don't have family so don't have to deal with people having several showers a day. I have had visitors though. On my own I need to fill up one of the two tanks I have every three to four weeks. If I have a visitor it's two to three weeks.
If you have dual tanks you can take the one that's running low and get it topped up. You switch to the other one and hopefully keep the pilot light going. You need to transport the tank to a station but it only takes a couple of minutes to fill a 10-gallon tank. They will likely only fill it to 9-gallons. About $35 if you use the guy in Keeau. I do not like driving with a propane tank in the back of my car though, so try and keep these trips to a minimum (i.e., by not driving into Hilo with a tank in my car, at least not a full one).
As to how heavy, well, I would guess 50-60lbs when filled, maybe a little more, but that is a guess. I could work it out if you want. I have a bad back but can lift and carry a 10-gallon filled tank without too much of a problem, as long as it's not much farther than a few yards!
Biggest problem I have with this setup is running out of gas unexpectedly and the pilot light going out. You can buy guages that give you an idea about how much gas is left and you can also buy some cheap strips that you stick to the side of a tank, pour hot water over them and it'll give you an idea of how much gas is left, but have found both unreliable.
Hope this helps.
Tom
http://apacificview.blogspot.com/
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KeaauRich - seems you and I are of the same mind and circumstances!
Tom
http://apacificview.blogspot.com/
