Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions and we have the answers.
For general information about propane, BTU consumption, facts vs. fiction, or just about anything else, we highly recommend you visit Canadian Propane Association. See also: MSDS for Propane
Propane is a multi-use fuel that is easily portable, clean burning and non-toxic. Propane is not a natural occurring product, but a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It is processed as, and used as a gas, but transported as a liquid. A small amount of propane liquid produces a lot of propane gas, and that reduces the size of storage containers needed. It also enables propane to be stored and transported economically.
Our Technician will provide you with instruction upon completion of the installation. Most tanks / cylinders that are 100 gallon (420 LB) in capacity or larger have a gauge on them that measures the physical level of propane in the tank and shows it as a %. These gauges can normally be found under the lid on top of your tank / cylinder and most often sit almost flush with the surface of the tank /cylinder. They will show the lowest number (usually 0, 5, or 10) on the far left hand side (usually 7 o’clock on a watch face) and will range up to 80, 85, or 90 on the far right hand side (5 o’clock on a watch face). A tank gauge that reads at “80” signifies a tank that is 80% full – this is the maximum a tank is filled in warm weather; in cold weather a full tank may read as high as 85 on the gauge. We ask to be notified when a tank gets to 30% on the gauge, this signifies that a tank has about 1/3 of its propane left. This allows us a window of approximately 7-10 business days to schedule a truck to come and fill the customer without worry that they will run out.
Purchasing a new tank / cylinder from can range from $650 to over $3000 dollars. By purchasing your own tank you do have the option of purchasing your propane from the supplier of your choice. You are also responsible for all maintenance and periodic recertification of the tank, Depending on which model of tank you purchase, the recertification may need to be done every 10 or 25 years.
Renting a tank / cylinder from ranges from $60-$300 per year depending on the size. With a tank rental, the recertification will be taken care of by the supplier. A rented tank must be filled by the company the tank is rented from.
Propane, in its natural state, does not smell – it is actually completely odorless. As a safety precaution a chemical called Ethyl Mercaptan is added to propane to give it an easily detected odor of rotten eggs.
Leaks are uncommon, but the first indication you have one will likely be the smell. There are gas detectors available at retail stores but a simple way to check piping, fittings or a tank /cylinder for a leak is to mix dish soap with water and spray it on the area you think a leak is coming from. If bubbles form, you may have a leak and should take immediate action: Turn off the propane supply to that appliance or at the tank and call Propane Energy Solutions immediately. Important note: This is not intended as a comprehensive commentary or guide on leak detection but as general information to provide an overview for information purposes only. If you suspect a leak with your propane service, call Propane Energy Solutions immediately for further information and service.
- Of all the commonly used fossil fuels, propane is one of the lightest and simplest hydrocarbons, resulting in one of the cleanest burning fuels.
- When burning coal to generate electricity it releases more carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Coal emits more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide as propane does. Using propane allows consumers to lower emissions and preserve the environment.
- Propane gas is non-toxic, so it’s not harmful to soil and water.
Delivery will be made within 7-10 business days.
Fuel systems need to be inspected every ten years as mandated by the TSSA. If there isn’t a current inspection, your propane tank cannot be refilled. A certified technician must inspect all appliances, fuel lines, regulators, and tanks to ensure all regulations and compliance requirements are being met. This service is not free, and it is there to help protect consumers, employees, employers, and technicians.
- All propane appliances and equipment is manufactured to extremely high safety standards.
- Propane has a lower range of flammability when compared to other fuels. The specific ratio of propane-air combination has a very small window for ignition. Lower or higher than this mixture will and propane will not ignite.
- Propane will not ignite with air unless the ignition source reaches a minimum of 504 degrees Celsius, where as gas will ignite between 221 to 260 degrees Celsius.
- If there is a liquid propane leak, it does not puddle but instead vaporizes and dissipates into the air.
- If or when propane is released from it’s container, it is released as a vapor only, and cannot be ingested like gasoline or other fuels.