Propane usage.

[Chilly83]

I installed a goodman gpg153009041aa gas package unit earlier in the summer. The home owner called saying that they have been though $2000 of propane in about 6 weeks. I go out right away to check out the system. The outlet pressure on the gas valve is 10" and the flames are blue and clean. The unit cycled about 3 times while I was there (1.5 hours). 32f outside temp. I leak tested at the unit and the tank. They also cook with a propane stove, water heater and a generator when the power goes out all on propane. After looking at it and watching it for a while. I concluded that the problem has to be elsewhere. any opinions?

[joeselectric]

Chilly, I have a stand by generator that runs on natural gas. Mine is 17KW unit. It will use about 200,000 btu per hr. at full load. If they have had a power outage that might contribute. I know when we had an extended outage my gas bill spike quite a bit when we have an outage. Just one possibiblity.
joe

[Chilly83]

Could be a possibility. I'm pretty sure it can't have anything to do with the heat. I've installed quite a few and have never had any issues like this. I will Definatly ask them about running the generator.

[martyinlincoln]

Sounds like a leak check of the line between the tank and house is in order.

[Southern Mech]

yep, isolate the line from the tank to house, thats a lot of gas .

did you check the pop off valve?

[Chilly83]

The pop-off is good. It is all new gas line. There has to be a mystery leak somewhere. I didn't install the gas line, so I think my customers want to get the guy out there that did. Seems pretty outragous.

[Southern Mech]

Funny story, I have a customer that I did his HVAC / HP and installed a LP fireplace. for 2 years he has been getting a bill in March and a Bill in Oct, for like 100gals of LP, 2 Years he told them there was a leak, well this summer I was out servicing his A/C general maint. His tank was blowing off, mystery of 200gal's a year of LP found.



but back to yourproblem that's alot of gas gone in a short amount of time.

I know you said blow off was ok and I am assuming your O.A.T are real low, but I have seen them goo bad and pop off at a lower temp, if it's in the sun and what not.

[dynamic098]

Where is this unit located ? What has the outdoor temps been at during this time ? How much are they paying for propane per gallon ? What is the indoor temperature they are trying to obtain ? What is the efficiency of the unit ? I would also call the propane supplier to look at useage for the past 12 months.

[gasser65]

I am a propane supplier, here is what we see that causes excessive gas usage most often: 1)Leaking valves or gauge on the propane tank. 2)Regulators venting gas. 3)Leaking underground gas piping. 4)Using certain vented gas log sets along with gas central heating - all the heat goes up the chimney. 5)Hot water leaks and circulating pumps on water heater causing the water heater to burn excessively, also large whirlpool tubs use lots of hot water. 6) Spa and pool heaters.

I would have a reputable propane tech who truly knows how to leak test a propane system check it out.

[keeplearnin]

new gas line? sounds like a leaker.