How Do I Keep from Running out of Propane?

One of the biggest headaches that any heating equipment owner faces is keeping track of how much fuel they have left in their storage tank – especially as schedules get crazy with back-to-school and holiday to-dos.

Unfortunately, that late summer/early fall ramp-up corresponds with the arrival of cooler weather here in Buffalo and Rochester, when your need for heating fuel is greatest. As a result, even the most responsible homeowners can find themselves calling for an emergency propane delivery when they can least afford the time.

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, propane prices are usually at their highest during heating season, which means you’ll probably pay more for a propane fill up than you would have just a month or two earlier (like now, for instance). For another, you’ll have to pay a propane professional to pressure test and re-start your heating system after a service interruption (don’t look at us…it’s the law! See section 406.6.3 here).

The bottom line here? Don’t run out of propane! The question is, how do you prevent a run-out? Here are four suggestions:

• Keep your tank at least one-quarter full at all times. Waiting until the last minute for a delivery – especially in cold weather – is a recipe for a fuel run-out disaster. Be proactive: schedule your propane delivery when your tank is no less than one-quarter full (ideally a little before then).
• Use Automatic Delivery. When you sign up for automatic propane delivery, you never need to worry about running out of gas again. In fact, you don’t really have to do a thing except pay your bill – our automated system will estimate (with high accuracy) when you need a refill based on your past usage and the current weather. When your tank is nearing one-quarter full, you’ll be contacted directly to schedule a propane delivery.
• Consider a tank monitor. Installed directly on your propane tank, smart tank monitors can instantly report on your home’s fuel levels, consumption and heating costs, sending data via a smart phone app. If you want the ultimate assurance against fuel run-outs, a tank monitor is the way to go.
• 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 Irish Propane! Contact us today to learn more.