Learn the Truth About Propane Gas Dealers

Not every propane gas dealer is the same. This is the first thing you should remember when shopping around for a gas company to provide your regular supply of propane gas. Only the right propane gas dealer can provide you the best quality products and services despite what all other suppliers claim. Here are some things you should learn about propane companies so you can weed out the bad ones from those that can actually provide you worthwhile service:

Start-up fees are common (and normal). When you sign on for a propane service you will likely be faced with different types of start-up fees such as installation, delivery, and tank rental fees. The best providers offer incentives that help offset these fees or even waive them completely, depending on the type of package or arrangement that you choose. Others offer free installations or hookups, while others volunteer to cover termination fees from your previous propane gas dealer.

Different providers offer different payment plans to help clients ensure affordable service. Since propane is a market price-based commodity, you want payment and budget plans that take into account the constant rise and fall of propane prices. It is important to consider different factors other than a cheap price per gallon when choosing between payment plans. Many propane dealers offer even monthly payments, where you pay a set amount per month for your propane bill, regardless your consumption. They also typically offer pre-buy programs to protect you from huge spikes in propane prices, as well as automatic payment programs, so you never miss payments.

These are only some of the most important factors you should look into when shopping for a propane gas dealer. Whether you are switching providers or looking for a new one due to a recent transfer or relocation, make sure to choose a supplier that can provide you with a comprehensive set of services besides propane delivery to ensure the safety and quality of their products and service delivery.

Tips How to Get the Best Price on Propane Gas Online

Household and business owners are always on the lookout for ways to reduce their expenses and one of the most common areas they choose to cut cost is on their gas supply. Propane dealers never run out of ways to help their customers save on their propane expenses. In fact, they offer year-round promotions designed to keep their customers’ gas bill manageable. It pays to shop for the best gas prices online so you can take advantage of the cost savings that propane dealers offer. Here are some useful tips you can keep in mind when shopping for good propane deals online:

Do cost per gallon comparisons. Propane rates are usually determined on a per gallon basis. Nowadays, it is easier to compare prices from various local propane suppliers side by side so you can find the cheapest rate. Take advantage of introductory pricing and similar types of discounts and deals to keep your gas bill affordable and within reasonable rates. Thanks to the internet, it is much more convenient to see which propane dealers offer prices that beat out their competitors.

When making your comparisons, don’t forget to consider delivery fees. Make sure you are doing an apples-to-apples comparison, meaning checking all the same factors between suppliers. In many cases, propane dealers who charge more for their propane do so because their price already incorporates other necessary fees, whereas cheaper prices often entail hidden fees on top of delivery charges. Dig deeper into the price breakdown so, you’ll know exactly what you are paying for.

Consider buying more propane at once or buying off-season. Many propane dealers offer great discounts on huge purchases, while off-season prices tend to be much lower. Consumers who want to avoid the high cost of propane during peak months (such as the colder months) choose to fill up during off-peak summer times to keep their fuel costs low.

Tips on How to Buy Propane Gas Online in Washington

In the past, you could buy propane by calling a preferred supplier and wait for them to deliver it to your home. While this practice still persists, you now have the option to buy propane gas online in Washington for your convenience. However, you still need to make sure that you are ordering from the right supplier that serves your area. Here are some tips to help you buy LPG more efficiently and cost-effectively:

Pick an experienced and established supplier – Purchase LPG only from a credible company that has years of proven experience in supplying the fuel locally. The best service providers are those that have been in business for decades and they have an excellent track record in supplying liquefied petroleum gas to homes and businesses in Washington.
Check their pricing plans – Buy propane from a supplier that can customize their billing and payment to suit your needs. Consider signing up for a monthly payment plan that is adjustable according to your actual usage and actual prices of LPG. It should be automatically applied to your account balance. Some suppliers can provide a free monthly payment plan for the whole upcoming year.
Explore the delivery options – Make sure there is automatic delivery to keep your tank always full. This way, the supplier will keep track of your usage and your tank, and they will schedule the delivery themselves, so you can save time and effort for worry-free LPG usage in the long run. If you do not want that, make sure the supplier offers as-needed services, too. That way, you can monitor your own supply and call the company when you need a refill.
Find out what comes with the service – Reputable LPG suppliers will not just let you buy propane gas from them. They offer round-the-clock emergency services, repair, and installation. They can give you advice if you want to upgrade our appliances to run on LPG, too.
Read reviews – Customer testimonials can say a lot about the reliability of their online delivery service.

Propane Fire Pits: A Great Option for Your Home

As outdoor living spaces become a popular home feature, more and more homeowners are seeking out elements that can make their outdoor extensions more comfortable and enjoyable. In addition to your choice of furniture and hardscaping, another way to add character and enhance the ambiance of your outdoor living space is the addition of a propane fire pit. From a Mendota fireplace inside your home to an outdoor fire pit, fire features create great focal points to any space because they add a unique and practical feature that will allow you to better enjoy the comfort of indoor and outdoor spaces as you gather with your family or perhaps a company of friends. Not only do fire pits and fireplaces add a nice decorative feature to your living space, they also add warmth and function.

One of the main considerations you should make when deciding to mount a Mendota fireplace or install a fire pit in your property is the type of fuel source for the appliance. Typically, fire pits and fireplaces can be categorized into wood-burning and gas-powered types. Wood-burning fire pits make use of coal, wood, and other organic fuels for heating, while gas fire pits use natural gas or LPG/propane. There are many benefits to choosing gas fire pits, particularly propane-powered ones, not the least of which is the greater availability of propane services and suppliers everywhere in the country.

When choosing gas power, make sure that you have a propane service close by so you can have a constant supply of gas and easy access to maintenance as needed. Other benefits to choosing gas-powered fire pits include greater safety, as gas power is a lot easier to manage and regulate with a turn of a knob as opposed to feeding the right amount of wood or coal to a wood-burning pit. Gas fire pits and fireplaces also leaves far less residue than wood-burning alternatives, requiring less cleanup and maintenance.

Advantages of Propane Gas as Fuel

If you are still using electricity or another type of fuel to run your home, you might be noticing a few disadvantages such as higher costs and the high impact to the environment. You do not have to worry about those issues with home propane. In fact, there are many benefits to using propane in the home. Also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the product is used in many applications, such as heating, cooking, clothes drying, fuel for vehicles, and BBQ grills. Here are the advantages that you need to know about it:

It is cost effective for your home – The Department of Energy stated that you could pay twice as much to run your water heater, furnace, dryer, or range with electricity rather than propane gas. Appliances that run on LPG tend to have a longer lifespan, too, and they are easier to maintain and service than their electric counterparts.

Cleaner – Another reason to use home propane is the cleanliness of the fuel. It is acknowledged as an alternative clean fuel in the 1990 Clean Air Act, and it is approved in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The US Environmental Protection Agency tested LPG in vehicles and found that it produced 30 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline. Toxins and smog emissions are reduced, too. Moreover, propane is a nontoxic substance that will not harm water or soil.

Readily available – Propane gas for the home is supplied by local service providers, some of which offer automatic delivery with a ‘never-run-out-of-gas’ guarantee. The fuel itself is made from natural components, as it is produced from crude oil refining and natural gas processing, and with more than 90 percent of propane in the US domestically produced, you can be sure that it will be delivered to your home when you need it.

Easy to store – Propane gas is stored in regulated tanks installed in the home, with pipes connected to your property to deliver the fuel wherever it is needed.

Propane Gas is an Ideal Choice for Your Fire Pit

A fire pit is an incredible addition to any outdoor living space, especially when you enjoy entertaining company at home. Your fire pit can easily serve as a focal point to your courtyard, terrace, or veranda, providing you a nice place to gather with friends, while adding warmth to the space during especially chilly evenings. While traditional wood-burning fire pits do add a classic edge to your outdoor living area, modern fire pits powered by home heating propane systems offer a more practical choice as they require less maintenance, and are generally safer and cheaper to run. While you don’t necessarily get the same wood smoke aroma that comes with a wood-burning pit, propane home heating systems are a lot less of a hassle to set-up, light, and keep burning, as they don’t require you to constantly feed the flames with coal or wood.

Home heating propane fire pits are also safer to use as flame levels can easily be controlled with knobs, much like a gas stove. They are also cleaner burning than traditional fire pits as they don’t produce excessive smoke and fumes that wood-burning does. Propane fire pits are also a lot easier to turn on or off and flames can be more tightly contained, making them less of a fire risk, even when left alone for brief periods of time.

Another advantage of propane home heating fire pits is that they don’t leave piles of soot and ash to clean up, nor do they produce smoke that leaves hard to remove residue on the fire pit material or construction. The fact that propane is a clean-burning fuel also makes propane powered fire pits a safer choice for those with allergies and respiratory issues. Lastly, propane fire pits don’t take up as much space as wood-burning pits, which call for additional storage for fresh wood or coal piles. Fuel can easily be stored in convenient, portable canisters, which preserve propane’s shelf life.

Questions to Ask Prior To Hiring A New Propane Gas Company

The process of choosing a new propane gas company can be overwhelming, since you need to compare experience, dependability, and the cost of their service. As much as possible, you want to hire only the best propane companies in your area. Asking the right questions can help you discern which service provider is right for you. The answers can reveal certain details that will help you make an informed decision. Here are the things that you should ask:

Do you have incentives or fees for new customers? – Learn about tank rental, installation, and delivery fees. An LPG supplier may provide some services for free, which can help you save money. Some propane companies offer incentives that may offset on-boarding costs. So, be sure to ask about them, especially if you are switching from one company to another. They may be willing to beat the price of your old provider and give you a lower payment plan for each month.
What are your budget and payment plans? – LPG is price-based, but it is not practical to hire propane companies based solely on that factor. You could end up buying cheap fuel from a low-quality provider. So, instead of asking for the prices, ask what the company can do to make payments easier in the long run. Some companies offer a good monthly payment plan that can be adjusted based on your actual usage and propane prices.
Do you offer other services – Propane companies will not only deliver propane. The best ones offer 24/7 emergency services, repair, and maintenance. That way, you don’t have to look further for other service providers when it comes to issues related to your LPG appliances and tanks. Consider a propane company that can help monitor your usage as well.

Top 5 Reasons for Propane Inspections

Propane gas distributors perform regular gas safety inspections to ensure that your propane tanks and system are working properly. These tests are basic precautionary measures for the proper maintenance of your gas system. In a propane inspection, professionals make arrangements to look at your propane tank’s meter, emergency control valve, and all other system components to make sure they are in good working condition. All points where gas leaves and enters are also inspected to make sure they are free from damage and do not pose any danger to users.

It is important that you choose propane gas distributors that provide comprehensive inspection services on a regular basis. This is especially true for customers that use underground tanks. Leased tanks that constantly go in and out of propane gas distributor facilities are regularly checked for quality and safety. But, customer owned tanks and underground installations, keeping a close eye on the quality of these facilities will not be possible without regular inspections. Propane tank inspections are important not only to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations that require to have propane tanks checked and periodically re-qualified by certified professionals, but also to ensure the general safety of the system. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should subscribe to regular propane inspections by propane gas distributors:

To check for leaks and damages that may cause dangerous propane leakage.
To check for corrosion along with electrical conductivity on the propane tank surface, valves, regulator, and other tank fittings. Left unchecked, tank corrosion may cause your tank to fail, which can lead to more safety concerns.
To check for gouges and dents that may compromise the tank’s structural integrity.
To perform pressure checks to maintain appropriate gauge levels.
To replace relief valve and other components like the regulator to ensure top performance and safety.

What to Ask a Propane Gas Dealer Before Buying Gas

Shopping for the right propane dealer to provide you with regular service is something that should be done with great thought. With propane ads all promising the best quality service, how do you know which supplier is right for your needs and will give you the greatest bang for your buck? While price per gallon is a good yardstick to compare suppliers through, it doesn’t offer a very accurate picture of what service will be like, especially since propane prices tend to fluctuate over time. If you intend to start a long-term partnership with a propane dealer, here are some critical questions you should be asking your prospect suppliers:

Do you provide automatic delivery? Propane delivery is often based on two systems, a fixed delivery schedule to keep clients from ever running out of gas, or a “wait for your call” approach, where it is your responsibility to keep up with your supply and call for delivery when you need a refill. A propane dealer will give you either options and let you decide which will be more convenient for your usage cycle. If you want the best value and the assurance of never running out of propane when you most need it, an automatic delivery system is recommended.

Do you charge for tank rental? Some companies will charge minimal rental charge or fee for propane tanks. This is to cover service and maintenance of equipment. Others incorporate the cost into the price of the propane itself. Regardless of the pricing scheme that your prospect propane dealer uses, these extra charges are a good indication of how much they care about providing you with the best service and the safest equipment possible.

What payment options do you offer? Ask about payment schemes that can help you keep your costs manageable. Most companies offer credit or cash on delivery options.

Safety Precautions for Using Propane for Forklifts

Propane-fueled forklifts are constantly present in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution facilities in the US, and for a good reason. Propane for forklifts is cost-effective and ensures full power throughout operation. It helps reduce a company’s carbon footprint, too. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that a propane-fueled vehicle generates 30 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and approximately 50 percent fewer toxins and other emissions that can produce smog compared to gasoline engines. The fuel is nontoxic, too, but there are certain safety precautions operators and businesses must practice when using propane forklifts. Here are some of them:

Wear appropriate clothing – Qualified forklift operators must wear the right clothing, such as a hard hat, hi-visibility jackets, safety shoes, and clothes that fit well, as loose garments could get caught on the vehicle.
Check the forklift before use – Equipment must be checked routinely before use. Check for problems on the brakes, warning devices, controls, steering, tires, and the mast.
Be responsible – Never operate the propane forklift past its speed limit, slowly turn on corners to prevent tipping, and stop or maneuver slowly and gradually.
Replacing a cylinder must be performed only by a qualified professional – Propane for forklifts is stored in tanks or cylinders that are attached to the vehicle. According to the Propane Education and Research Council, changing the cylinder should only be done by properly trained professionals who know all the safety procedures. This person should wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, as contact with liquid propane could result in frostbite. Safety glasses must be worn, too.

Check the manual – Forklift manufacturers recommend reading the manual they provide with their vehicles for model-specific safety precautions and handling tips.

Follow proper protocol for empty cylinder removal – Make sure the forklift is parked and properly braked in a safe area and that the engine is switched off. Shut the service valve of the propane cylinder by turning it clockwise. Turn the female quick-connect fitting counter-clockwise to disconnect it from the male quick-connect. Disconnect the toggle clamp securing the propane cylinder to the vehicle, and lift the cylinder properly off the forklift.
Be conscious of the smell of rotten eggs – Propane is a colorless and odorless gas, but manufacturers who make propane for forklifts add a distinct smell for easy leak detection. The smell is similar to rotten eggs, a dead animal, or skunk spray.

Shut all propane valves when not in use – After a day’s shift, make sure that the forklift’s engine is off and that the fuel valves are closed.