How To Determine What Fuel Supply You Have at Your House
Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting journey filled with new responsibilities and discoveries. Among these responsibilities is understanding your home's infrastructure, including its energy sources. Knowing what type of fuel supply your house uses is essential for various reasons, from budgeting for utility bills to ensuring the safe operation of your appliances. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of determining what fuel supply you have at your new home.
1. Check Your Home Inspection Report:
When you purchased your home, you likely had a home inspection done. Your home inspection report should provide valuable information about the type of fuel supply your house uses. Look for sections in the report that mention the heating system, water heater, and other fuel-related appliances. This report is an excellent starting point for understanding your home's energy sources.
2. Contact the Previous Owner or Seller:
If you have any doubts about the information in your home inspection report or if it doesn't specify the type of fuel supply, consider reaching out to the previous homeowner or seller. They should be able to provide you with details about the fuel source and may even have documentation, such as utility bills or service records, that can confirm it.
3. Examine Appliances:
Take a close look at the appliances in your home, particularly the heating system, water heater, and stove. These appliances usually indicate the type of fuel supply they require or use. Here's what to look for:
Natural Gas Appliances: If you have gas appliances, you'll see a gas meter outside your home. Natural Gas appliances often have a gas valve or line connected to them, which is another clear indicator.
Electric Appliances: Electric appliances typically have a plug or power cord that connects to an electrical outlet. If your heating system, water heater, and stove are all electric, it's a clear sign that your home uses electricity as its primary energy source.
Oil Appliances: Oil heating systems will have an oil tank, typically located in the basement or outside the home. Look for a large tank connected to your heating system. Sometimes these tanks are installed underground and you will need to look for a fill pipe pretruding 8 to 15 inches out of the ground.
Propane Appliances: Propane appliances, like gas appliances, will have a tank connected to them. These tanks are often placed outside the home. There will also be a propane regulator on the tank and the house where the propane enters the home.
4. Examine Utility Bills:
Review your utility bills, especially during the winter months. If you notice charges for natural gas or propane, it indicates that your home uses one of these fuels. Similarly, high electricity consumption in cold climates can be a sign of electric heating systems.
5. Consult Local Utility Companies:
Contact your local utility companies for assistance in identifying your fuel supply. They may have records of your home's energy sources, meter information, and past usage.
6. Hire a Professional:
If you're still uncertain about your home's fuel supply or if you want a professional assessment, consider calling an HVAC technician, or your local heating fuel provider. They can inspect your appliances and systems, provide recommendations, and answer any questions you may have.
7. Safety Precautions:
Regardless of the fuel supply you discover, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Learn how to shut off the fuel source in case of emergencies and familiarize yourself with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Regularly maintain and service your fuel-related appliances to ensure their safe operation, and plan ahead for the heating season.
In conclusion, understanding what type of fuel supply your new home has is essential for managing your utility bills and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your appliances. By following these steps and seeking professional guidance if needed, you can confidently navigate the transition into your new homeowner role and enjoy the comfort and convenience of your home's energy sources.