Frequently Asked Questions: Safety, Delivery, Homeowners

What is Propane?
Propane (also referred to as LP - liquid petroleum gas) is a safe, dependable, and eco-friendly source of energy. It is transported and stored in liquid form. The liquid propane is turned into a gas inside a tank or cylinder. In its natural state, propane is colorless and odorless. Odor is added to make it easier to detect leaks and spills. Propane is flammable and care should be taken to avoid contact with open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and static electricity. The vapors are heavier than air and therefore may accumulate in low-lying areas.

How do I read my propane tank gauge?
Most propane tanks are equipped with a gauge that provides the approximate percent of fuel left in the tank. While this gauge is not completely accurate, it is a good indicator of how much fuel you have left. The tank gauge can be found under the dome lid of your tank. Typically speaking, the numbers will range from 5 to 95 and have a pointer needle indicating the tank level. Tanks are considered full at 80-85%. A propane tank will never be filled to 100%. This allows room for expansion of the vapors as outside temperatures increase. If you find your gauge below 30%, contact our office to schedule a delivery. This will allow time for delivery to be scheduled before the tank gets too low and in danger of being emptied.

What happens if I run out of gas?
In addition to being a safety hazard, if an appliance valve or gas line is left open when the propane supply runs out, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane.

1. Air and moisture can get into an empty tank, which can cause rust to build up in the tank and can decrease the concentration of the propane odorant, making it harder to smell.
2. Any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly.
3. A leak check/pressure test is required if you run out of propane. In fact, the Railroad Commission requires us by law to do so. The first one is free, but there is a charge for future tests if you have chosen to be responsible for monitoring the tank level yourself (Will Call). Someone will have to be home for us to run the check.
4. To avoid these possibilities, we suggest opting for our Keep Full program. If not, be sure to check your fuel gauge periodically, and call for delivery if your level falls below 20-30%.

What should I do if my pilot light goes out?
We recommend that you call to have one of our service technicians light any pilot light that has gone out. A pilot that repeatedly goes out, or is very difficult to light, may be a sign of a problem with the appliance or with your propane system. We do not suggest trying to light the pilot on your own, as accidents and serious injuries can occur.

If you try to light the pilot on your own, you run the risk of starting a fire or causing an explosion. Many serious injuries occur when people attempt to light pilot lights. Proceed with great caution and follow these rules:

• Carefully follow all manufacturer instructions and warnings concerning the appliance. If the appliance is in a basement or closed room, thoroughly ventilate the area before lighting the pilot.
• DO NOT smoke or have any source of ignition (such as flames or spark-producing materials) in the area before lighting the pilot.
• Be especially alert for the smell of propane. Sniff at floor level before lighting a pilot.
• If you smell gas, do not light the pilot light.
• DO NOT allow any extra or unnecessary people (especially children) to remain in the room or area of the building where you are lighting a pilot.
• DO NOT try to light pilot lights in any area where other odors may make it difficult for you to detect the smell of a propane leak.
• DO NOT light the pilot if a musty or damp smell persists. These conditions can mask the smell of propane.
• DO NOT apply force or use tools on the pilot light or its control. This could cause damage that leads to gas leakage. Use only your hands to operate knobs, switches, or buttons.
• DO NOT attempt to let air out of gas lines by opening a valve or fitting inside a building or enclosed space. You may release gas and not be able to smell it.
• DO NOT apply oil to a sticky knob or button on a gas control valve. Oil can cause the control valve mechanism to stick and malfunction.

What should I do if I move or get a new appliance?
Treat gas connectors with care. When an appliance is moved, be careful not to damage the appliance connector (the flexible tubing that brings gas to the unit). Older connectors can crack if flexed or twisted, which can lead to a gas leak.

Is the appliance designed to use propane gas? Be sure that any new or used appliance being installed is designed for use with propane. Natural gas appliances SHOULD NOT be used with propane unless a qualified service technician has made required adjustments to the appliance. When purchasing gas appliances, be sure to also purchase the appropriate propane conversion kit. In most cases, you can get this at the same place you purchase the appliance. In some cases, however, you may have to contact the manufacturer with the make and model of the appliance to order a kit.

Have the appliance checked out before you use it. Be sure that the appliance is properly installed and that all controls and valves operate correctly. Contact a qualified service technician for assistance.

Cap or plug unattached gas lines, If you move a gas appliance and disconnect it from a gas line, be sure to contact us to close, cap, or plug the open gas line. Any connectors or gas lines not connected to an appliance can leak gas or can be damaged if water accumulates inside. The valve on any unattended gas lines must be closed, and the open end must be sealed by installing a threaded cap or plug.

Do you have a minimum order for delivery?
Our minimum order for propane delivery is 100 gallons. If your tank doesn’t have room for 100 gallons, then the minimum would be whatever it takes to fill the tank.

Do you charge a delivery or hazmat fee?
We do not charge a delivery fee or a hazmat fee. We use a simple per-gallon rate with no hidden fees or surprises.

When will my propane be delivered?
We offer same-day delivery in most cases, or next day - depending on the time of day that you call to request delivery.

Do you have an automatic delivery program?
We offer a Keep Full program. Our delivery drivers run routes every 6-8 weeks during the heavier months. If your tank is below a set percent, they will top you off. A credit card is required to be on file for this service. Autopay processes on the 28th of the month, if there is a balance. Benefits of this service include:

• No need to monitor your own tank
• Always get the best price available
• If you run out of propane, we will refill your tank no matter the time of day or night
• No added fee for this service

Why do propane prices fluctuate?
Propane prices fluctuate throughout the year. Generally speaking, prices will increase when the demand is high during the winter months, and will decrease during the summer months. Propane is produced from both crude oil refining and natural gas processing. But because propane tends to compete mostly with crude oil-based fuels, it is most affected by the cost of crude oil. Supply and demand plays a large role in propane pricing. Propane production is not seasonal, but residential demand is highly seasonal. Because of this, inventories increase in the summer and decrease in the winter, causing the prices to decrease or increase respectively.

Can you fill my cylinder while you’re filling my tank?
Our drivers are not able to fill cylinders from the truck. Cylinders have to be weighed on certified scales to be filled. However, we are able to fill propane cylinders at both our Emory, TX and Canton, TX locations for your convenience.

Can I fill my cylinders from my tank?
In many cases we can install a Liquid Line Assembly for you to be able to fill your cylinders at home. Call to inquire about the availability and cost of this addition to your tank.

Can you fill my RV cylinders with propane delivery?
We are no longer able to offer motorhome delivery, for insurance reasons. However, we are happy to fill RV cylinders and motorhomes at both our Emory, TX and Canton, TX locations for your convenience.

Do you offer cylinder recertification?

Yes, we do. The Railroad Commission requires cylinders to be recertified 12 years after the date of manufacture, and every five years after that. The recertification process includes checking for rust, pitting, and/or damage. There is a small fee for this service.

Do you accept online payments?
Yes, we do. For your convenience, payments can be made on our website or through our phone app. We also accept payments over the phone. You have the option of using a credit/debit card or a bank draft.

Are there alternatives to having a propane tank in my yard?
Yes. Underground tanks are popular options for people who don’t want a tank visible in their yard. They are also required by some homeowners associations. These tanks can be buried underground because propane is a non-toxic fuel that doesn’t contaminate aquifers or soil.

How close/far away can the tank be from my house?
Typically speaking, the tank has to be at least 10 feet away from the structure/source of ignition. The exception is with our 120 gallon tank (technically 119 gallons). Tanks this size can sit right up next to the structure. This is a popular option for those who don’t use much propane.

Can you convert a natural gas furnace to propane?
Yes. Many furnaces originally built for natural gas can be converted to propane. For more details, give us a call.

What size tank do I need if propane is my primary energy source?
Generally, a 250 or 500 gallon tank can hold enough propane to meet the annual energy needs of an average four bedroom home. Tanks of 1000 gallons or more may be needed for businesses or large homes.

Is propane safe for my family?
Yes. Propane is a very safe fuel. But as with any energy source, there are steps you should take to further ensure your safety:

• If you detect a gas leak in the home, immediately evacuate everyone from the house and call us or the fire department from a neighbor’s telephone.
• Know where gas lines are located, so you won’t damage them when digging or working in the yard.
• Change or clean furnace filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Don’t store cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, gasoline, or other flammable liquids near a gas-burning appliance, where vapors could be ignited by the pilot light.

Is propane safe for the environment?
Yes. Propane is an approved clean alternative fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act. Propane is a non-toxic fuel that doesn’t contaminate aquifers or soil.

What can I use propane for in my home?
As a clean, versatile energy source, propane is frequently used for space heating, water heating, cooking, fireplaces, and clothes drying. In outdoor spaces, propane is a widely used energy source for outdoor grills, lighting, and heating for pools and spas. When electric power goes out, propane is often the energy that powers standby generators.