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.

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.

Diesel, Electric, or Propane Gas Forklift – Which Is the Best Solution for Your Forklift?

Forklifts can be valuable investments for a large storage facility or a warehouse. However, their source of power should be determined to ensure that they are safe to use, they can enhance productivity, and that they can help you save money in the long run. Electric and diesel-powered forklifts may be popular, but you can go for propane for forklifts, too. In fact, a propane-powered forklift may be the best choice for you. Here’s why:

• Safer – Propane forklifts are designed with automatic shut-off systems to stop the fuel from flowing in case of an emergency or an accident. Likewise, they are manufactured to meet national safety standards and specifications.
• Environment-friendly – Propane for forklifts is a good choice if your business is making efforts to go green. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is clean-burning and non-toxic, and it releases lesser amounts of carbon monoxide compared to diesel and gasoline. It will not harm water or soil. Propane itself is an approved clean fuel that is listed in the Clean Air Act and Energy Policy Act, and it was found that propane-fueled vehicles produce around 50 percent less smog-producing emissions and toxins than other fuels.
• Low-cost – As long as you work with a reputable and seasoned LPG supplier, you can have a constant supply of full tanks, and get a ‘never-run-out’ guarantee. Some suppliers offer payment plans that may help businesses save more money on LPG, too.
• Efficient – Propane for forklifts can help improve your productivity as you only need to replace the tank or cylinder in the vehicle instead of charging the forklift, a process that can take a lot of time. On average, a full tank can let the forklift run for up to eight hours of continuous use. Workers can simply replace the tank after every shift.
• Low-maintenance – Propane forklifts have a lengthier service life, as they do not require regular cleaning of engine deposits. With minimal maintenance, you can save money in the long run, too.

Top 5 Ways Propane Gas Consumption Leads to Money Saving

Propane for home and business use has been commonplace for quite some time, yet many people are still only now finding interest on its benefits. If you are one of those late bloomers who have just started considering a switch to propane and wondering about its money saving benefits, read on to find out how propane gas consumption can lead to great cost benefits for both home and commercial users:

• On average, propane costs less than electric power on a per BTU basis. In fact, according to a study conducted by the US Department of Energy, electricity is almost twice as costly, meaning running your water heater, clothes dryer, furnace, or any other applicable appliance on propane can save you almost half of what you pay for electricity.
• Propane for home appliances like electric water heaters and gas fireplaces not only helps reduce energy costs but also produces twice as much energy at a third of the cost. This means paying cheaper for greater efficiency and longer hours of operation.
• Homes that are equipped with propane systems have greater resale value, not to mention being cheaper to run than houses that contain all-electric supplements and appliances.
• Annual fuel contracts shield contractors from fuel price fluctuations. This leads to incredible fuel savings for service providers, which they can, in turn, pass on to consumers who use propane for home and business applications. This kind of saving is almost impossible when you think about the extremely volatile price of other fuel types.
• Finally, propane ensures efficient refueling options, which ultimately leads to great savings in terms of gas conservation. Compared to gasoline, propane has very low spillage tendencies, making it extremely easy to handle, store, transport, and dispense. All of these translate to incredible efficiency and even more incredible cost savings in the long run.

Benefits of Using Propane for Indoor Fireplaces

With the cold months closing in, it’s time to dust off the fireplace and perhaps reassess home heating costs. With talks of propane gas services being a cheaper alternative to other energy sources like electricity, you may be wondering if switching to propane appliances can truly impact your lifestyle and cost of living. It may seem like an appliance you use on a seasonal basis will have minimal effect on your overall quality of life, but a propane powered indoor fireplace might just have tremendous benefits, especially in terms of cost savings. Here are some of them:

• Switching to propane gas services and a propane-powered fireplace can have great comfort benefits as it can provide instant heat at your fingertips. Electric and coal fireplaces take time to warm up, but a propane powered unit can almost instantly bring warmth even on particularly cold days. Propane fireplaces are also designed for greater reach, giving off more heat to larger areas of the home.
• A clean burning fuel, propane is also recognized for being environment- friendly. This makes propane fireplaces a cleaner and greener option for those who want to reduce their home’s carbon footprint. Propane-powered fireplaces are also practically less fussy to maintain than wood burning counterparts that give off smoke and leave a great amount of soot behind for cleaning.
• Propane gas services are cheaper than electricity, wood, and other fuels. Not only are propane fire places cheaper to run, but they are also cheaper to maintain, making them the best option for cost-conscious home owners.
• A propane powered fireplace is also the best choice for an indoor installation as propane burns clean and practically odor-free. This helps maintain the homely ambiance inside the house and prevents common complaints about smoky wood fireplaces and not-quite as ambient electric units.