Month: May 2017

How to Choose the Best Propane Gas Supplier Near You

To save money and time, it is recommended that you buy propane only from a single supplier. Once you find the right propane gas supplier near you, you can stop worrying about running out of fuel when you need it most, and you can save money in the long run with reasonably priced fuel. It is recommended that you buy propane from a provider nearest to you to avoid high delivery fees and to make sure that they can easily reach you when you need their help. Certain factors should help you decide which propane supplier is best for you. Here are some of them:

  • The reputation of the propane gas supplier – Find out how long the company has been supplying propane in your area and identify its customers. Established suppliers are more than two decades old, and both residential and commercial clients alike trust them. Be sure to verify that reputation by looking up reviews and testimonials, and by going over their company history at the Better Business Bureau.
  • The company’s safety records and programs – The propane gas supplier should be able to provide references, like regulatory agencies, which can prove their safety programs and record. Keep in mind that every state has a regulatory agency, which is responsible for regulating and overseeing the activities in the local propane industry. Verify the supplier’s safety programs and records with that agency.
  • Payment and billing options – The best propane gas supplier understands that every customer will have unique requirements. Hence, they offer flexible billing and payment programs to suit every customer’s individual requirements. Go over their offers, such as budget plan that ensures equal monthly payments to eliminate market spikes, and an adjustable monthly payment plan that is based on your actual usage and the prices of propane.
  • 24/7 emergency service – Make sure that the propane supplier is someone you can count on for any LPG-related matter, including repairs and emergencies. That way, you do not have to look further for another service provider in case your propane appliances break down or you suspect a leak.

Find Some Important Factors Which Effect Current Propane Prices

Propane is the byproduct of natural gas and crude oil production, and it is used by millions of Americans every day for household, commercial, and industrial purposes. It may sound simple and easy to figure out, but its pricing structure tends to be complicated, as there are certain factors that can affect and change them from time to time. You might be surprised the propane prices for residential customers are different from the prices meant for businesses. Hence, it makes good sense to compare the prices and services at least between two propane suppliers before settling for the cheapest and reliable provider. It helps to be familiar with the factors that affect current propane prices, too. Here are some of them:

  • Crude oil prices – Propane’s prices may rise or go down depending on the price of crude oil, as the fuel is a byproduct of its production.
  • The services and extra fees from the propane supplier – Some of the most common services and factors that can make the propane prices vary among different providers include automatic delivery, the budget payment plan, and fixed prices for a given period of time. For instance, some companies may charge per gallon if automatic delivery is part of your plan, but you order propane when your tank level has reached below 20 to 30 percent of the minimum. In that case, you should ask the provider the price per gallon for the delivery, while making sure that it is reasonable compared to national or state averages.

    The price of propane may be affected by factors like regulatory fees, tank rent, restocking fees, forklift minimum delivery, installation or diagnostic fees, late charges, and special delivery or emergency fees, too.

  • Region, season, and climate – Propane prices tend to be higher in the cold season, particularly winter when more customers need propane for heating. LPG may be expensive in the summer or during special holidays like Independence Day or Thanksgiving when more people are cooking. You need to consider how far you are from the propane provider, too. The further you are from the source the higher the price of delivery will be. Hence, it is advisable to buy propane from a local or a nearby provider.