Preparing for Your Estimate

Review this list, prepare for your estimate

One of our sales reps will reach out to schedule an in-person estimate. Here are a few questions we will ask you:

  • What kind of propane appliance is being installed? Is there more than one propane appliance?
  • What are the BTUs (energy load) for the appliance?
  • Where the propane appliance will be located inside the building?
  • Are there plans to add future appliances?

Star Gas will provide an estimate to the customer that includes the cost of labor, materials, scheduling, tank installation, regulator (customer-owned system), excavation, interior gas connections to appliances, initial fill-up cost of propane, and permit fees. A packet of information that details installation specifications, safety information, and additional appliance literature will be provided as well. PLEASE NOTE: all estimates are approximate cost-ESTIMATES. Actual installation costs may vary if extra time is required or changes are made to the design/plan.

Decisions to make during your propane estimate

Your estimator will help guide you to decide:

  • TANK LOCATION
    New customers who do not have a propane tank will need to decide where tanks may be placed. Smaller tanks can be located close to a building, larger tanks need to be placed further from buildings.
    Current propane customers with tanks on their property may need to have additional storage added to their propane system. Sometimes, in the case of adding heaters and generators, it is necessary to increase the size of your storage tank(s).
  • APPLIANCE LOCATION AND VENTING
    Both oxygen and proper ventilation are required by your appliance to work properly. Is your appliance vented or unvented?
    Unvented appliances must have a source of oxygen and require fresh air to operate properly. This may mean that a window must be open in order to run an unvented fireplace or heater. Review the appliance’s venting and fresh air requirements prior to purchase.

All appliances must be installed according to manufacturer’s specifications. Be aware that internet purchases of appliances may not be New York State code-compliant.

  • APPLIANCE – BTUs
    BTUs are a unit of measure used to measure energy. The higher the number, the more energy that is needed or required. Every appliance has BTU input and output numbers. Look for input and output numbers that are closer together; this indicates that the appliance is more fuel efficient.
  • TYPE AND SIZE OF PROPANE TANK
    Tank size and type will depend on your propane appliance. Would you prefer to hide your propane tank?
    Learn more about types of propane tanks > Underground propane storage tanks can be buried with a dome that protrudes 12 to 18 inches above the ground. These tanks can be concealed with landscaping. Underground tanks are typically more expensive to install than above ground tanks. To learn about landscaping around tanks, read our landscaping guidelines. Note: underground tanks are typically more expensive to install than above ground tanks.
  • DELIVERY PATH
    Propane trucks have approximately 125 feet of hose to reach a tank.

    During your estimate, we’ll decide in advance how and where the driver will park his vehicle to make your delivery.
  • GAS PIPING PLACEMENT
    Placement of the lines that feed gas from the tank to the appliance is important. There are several methods and materials we use to accomplish this. The shortest run of pipe or tubing is generally the most cost-effective and saves customers money on installation costs. While it is possible to run piping through walls or floors, it is important to consider where the pipes will go and how they will be protected. Can the piping be run in interior walls or exterior walls? There are building code that must be followed on piping material and placement.
  • BUILDING CODES
    Your local town or city as well as New York State has requirements on where gas cylinders may be placed. In brief, gas installations:
    • Must be a minimum of 3 feet from any opening lower than the tank (propane is heavier than air).
    • Must be a minimum of 10 feet away from any source of ignition (such as dryer vents, flood lights, AC units) as well as property lines.
  • PERMITS
    We will obtain a gas permit for the installation/upgrade if it is required by your local building department. The customer is responsible for these fees.

Call to arrange for a free estimate: 845-452-8400 or 339-8400.