PROPANE

Thanks to trout for the good info on this. It is appreciated. To Tater, I wouldn't be so overly worried about it. The ice storm here was bad and cold and the pipes in the houses I have here in the village were not even close to being damaged. All was fine in that department except for trees that fell on my power lines! Ouch! Overall, the homes are built for the local conditions as is anywhere, so it's not really a big deal in my mind. There other things you can do to insulate pipes even further that aren't too costly. Also, CV Water costs are very reasonable in my opinion. Hope that helps.

Hi trout,

I found that interesting and did some research. Thanks.

http://www.woodfordmfg.com/woodford/HowAFaucet/HowaFaucetWorks.html

And this video is particularly good on avoiding frozen pipes and specifically deals with some misconceptions that can be costly to those in the South.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20045368,00.html

 Freeze faucets are designed to not freeze.  the turn off value is set back in the faucet this allows for water to drain out and not be exposed to the outside temparture. The value is about 6 to 10 inches from the turn off handle and faucet opening. Very common up norht and have been used in the South for some time. Cuts down on frozen outside faucets.

Hi trout,

Thanks. What is a freeze faucet?

Have a 1500 sqft house use both electric and LP gas vent free logs for heat. Electric during summer less than $100 a month. Filled 150 gallon tank this past January at a cost of $200 will last all year and then some. We cook with gas, and my outdoor grill is connected to the tank also.  Have a HE hybird heat pump and have never had a problem with it. All pipes are under the house and are foamed wrapped with freeze faucets outside. This past January was one of our coldest and did not have any problems.

Hi Paul and Others--

Heating in the winter has been a major concern of mine and is the one "stumbling" block for committing to living in the Village. Being a Florida Girl, I have never cooked or heated with anything other than electric, and our temps never reach Freezing ,32 degrees , more than 3 or 4 times a year. We just open our outside faucets a tiny bit and the pipes never freeze. When I read of temps in the Village being freezing day after day during the winter season, I wonder how do you folks cope?
How do you winterize your pipes, etc.? What is the prefered method of heat- vented or unvented gas heaters, stoves , etc. I have seen a lot of talk about the generalities of heat, cool, etc, but no specifics. Here in Florida, with a 2000 + house, my electric in the summer is around $350.00 and in winter $175.00., but that is with a well which uses the electric to pump our household water. That also is with a 2000 and 2500 btu ac/heat pump- which by the way- freezes up with those extreme temps below the 40 degree mark!! Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Barb

Hi Forum,

It seems to me that propane offers a savings overall compared to other modes of heating like natural gas, oil, and certainly electric. Has anyone moved into the Village into a similarly sized house and had a basis for comparison from experience?