How To Tell When Your Propane Is Running Low

Written on: July 11, 2022

3 Telltale Signs It’s Time for a Propane Delivery

So many variables can affect how much propane you use and how much is in your tank at any given time. It can vary by season, the day-to-day weather conditions, and even by how many people are home.

With a 15- or 20-pound cylinder, it’s easy to tell—if your portable tank because relatively easy to lift, chances are it’s time to exchange it or refill it before too long. And if your grill won’t light altogether, you’re effectively empty. But you can’t pick up a full-size propane storage tank. So how do you know when it’s time for a propane delivery?

1. Check the gauge on your tank. You’ll find the gauge under the lid, near the fill pipe and shut-off valve. Because propane expands and contracts with temperature, your tank will never read 100% full. To best avoid a runout, call us when the level reaches between around 30% full so that we can get your delivery scheduled in an appropriate timeframe. We always try to schedule and route deliveries efficiently. Emergency fill-ups mean special trips, which incur an added cost.
2. The flame on your appliances is not steady. If the flame on your cooktop is sputtering, rather than steady, it’s a sure sign you need a propane delivery ASAP. The same is true for other propane appliances, like gas hearths or log sets, or the pilot for most water heaters.
3. You can’t remember the last time you ordered propane. Depending on what you use propane for, your usage levels can vary. If you use it to heat your home, you likely use more in winter than you do in the summer. Similarly, a stretch of rainy weather may mean you’re grilling less, so a cylinder will last longer than when you’re spending more time outdoors. Seasonal reminders—like when you check smoke alarm batteries—should also trigger a reminder to check your propane gauge and schedule a delivery so you have your fuel before you need it most.

Keep-Full Automatic Delivery Makes Things Easy!

No matter how much propane you use, when you’re enrolled in our Keep-Full automatic delivery service, you can eliminate the worry, hassle, and expense of running out of propane. We’ll calculate your needs using an algorithm based on the weather and your household’s typical propane usage. It allows us to accurately predict when you will need fuel and provide convenient and reliable automatic delivery before you run low.

In addition to eliminating the hassle of watching your tank, this convenient option saves time and money. There’s no need to schedule and wait for propane deliveries, and you avoid the expense and hassle of pressure testing and relighting due to empty tanks.

Wireless Tank Monitoring is Great, Too!

Some customers prefer even more precise visibility of their tank levels. Our convenient Tank Monitoring service is perfect for exactly that! It’s ideal for when your propane use is not predictable, or if you need to monitor multiple homes. How does it work? Our wireless monitor—attached right to your propane tank—works with a mobile app so you’ll get an alert when it’s time to order fuel. You can check in 24/7/365 to see exactly how much fuel is in your tank.

Does your portable tank feel light? Just stop by one of our convenient refill and exchange locations and you be ready to grill again in no time. Need more information about our convenient and reliable propane services in Texas and New Mexico? Contact us today. We’ll be happy to help.