How Do I Keep from Running Out of Propane?

One of the biggest headaches that any propane heating equipment owner faces is keeping track of how much gas they have left in their tank—especially if they’ve got a lot on their mind (as most of us do these days). 
 
Unfortunately, checking your fuel gauge is an easy thing to forget—especially in the dead of winter, when you need heat most. As a result, even the most responsible homeowners can find themselves calling for an emergency propane delivery.

Whatever the reason for your propane run-out, it’s not a fun experience, and it could end up be a lot worse than that. For one thing, you’ll have to pay a propane professional to pressure test and re-start your heating system after a service interruption (it’s the law).

But that’s not the only complication that can result from a propane run out. If a valve or gas line is open when the propane supply runs out, a leak can occur when the system is recharged. Air and moisture that enters an empty tank can also accelerate tank corrosion, which can make a leak more difficult to detect. Lastly, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out, which can be a dangerous problem if not handled properly.

Avoiding A Fuel Run-Out

The bottom line here is that a propane run-out is something you definitely want to avoid. How do you do that? Here are three suggestions:

• Keep your tank at least one-quarter full at all times. Waiting until the last minute for a delivery—especially in colder weather—is a recipe for a fuel run-out disaster. Be proactive and schedule your propane delivery when your tank is no less than one-quarter (25%) full, or ideally a little while before then.
• Switch to automatic propane delivery. When you sign up for automatic propane delivery, our automated system will estimate (with high accuracy) when you need a refill based on your past usage and the current weather conditions. When your tank is nearing one-quarter full, you’ll be contacted directly to schedule a propane delivery. This service is absolutely FREE.
• Maintain your heating equipment regularly. Regular inspections and professional heating maintenance will help keep your furnace or boiler running at peak capacity, which means your equipment will sip rather than gulp down fuel. Professional service will also help spot leaks, performance drop-offs, and other problems before that could lead to bigger problems down the road. 

Stay on top of fuel management this fall with FREE automatic propane delivery from Rand Wade Oil! Contact us today to learn more.