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Your propane gas gauge is located under the dome at the top of the tank. Reading your propane gas gauge is not complicated. You’ll see bold black numbers encircling the gauge and a single pointer needle. The pointer will indicate a number that represents a percentage.
Due to the physical properties of propane, your tank is considered full at 80% (allowing for the expansion of propane vapor). A propane tank is in IMMEDIATE NEED of refilling at 20%. For your safety and protection, it is best to fill your tank BEFORE the gauge goes below 20%.
Look at the gauge attached to the tank with numbers from 5 to 95. The numbers indicate the percentage of gas in the tank. If your tank has a gauge that ranges 0-300 that is pressure not percentage.
This chart shows how many gallons of propane you have in your tank at a given percentage.
Explore some common myths about propane – and the truth behind them.
Fact: Propane is a liquid when stored, and when released into the air, it vaporizes and dissipates with no ozone-harming effects. This means it cannot contaminate groundwater, drinking water, marine ecosystems or sensitive habitat if released.
Fact: In the U.S., the largest primary energy sources used for electricity generation are natural gas and coal. Once electricity is generated by a primary energy source, it must be immediately transmitted through power lines. As it travels from its generation source, the electrons flowing through the power lines encounter resistance and lose energy.
Fact: Thanks to the Propane Education & Research Council commitment to manufacture propane from renewable sources, bio-diesel refineries can produce renewable propane from animal fats and cooking oils before they are made into bio-diesel.
Fact: When it comes to carbon emissions, propane is one of the cleanest. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that in comparison to a few other widely used fuels, propane is one of the lowest in carbon emissions per million BTUs.
Fact: Liquid propane has a higher energy density than ethanol, methanol and liquefied natural gas. This means propane vehicles go farther on a tank of fuel than most other liquid alternative fuels.
Fact: Just like conventional vehicles, propane vehicles must comply with all applicable regulations, including Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Compared to gasoline and diesel, propane has a higher autoignition temperature (the point at which a gas or vapor can ignite in air without a spark or flame being present), making unintentional autoignition much less likely.
Fact: According to the Argonne National Laboratory GREET model, vehicles running on propane reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 10%. More than that, propane autogas vehicles can emit up to 36% fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel vehicles, and propane autogas passenger cars can emit 70% fewer sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions and up to 45% less particulate matter than electric passenger cars throughout the full fuel cycle.
Fact: Propane fuel has a lower carbon content than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel. That’s why propane was listed as an approved clean alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act of 1990.
Fact: You might be surprised to know that propane, made when methane is purified for commercial use, takes its place on the carbon continuum close to the renewables, which is why the EPA has designated propane a clean energy alternative and why propane is designated a clean energy alternative under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Fact: Propane is a versatile alternative fuel classified as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. It is used in nearly 12 million U.S. households for residential purposes, and by millions of Americans for transportation, commercial, industrial and agricultural applications.
Download Propane Myths
Thunderstorms can pose a serious threat to people and property in all parts of the country. In the U.S., over 100,000 thunderstorms occur each year. These storms, which can be accompanied by high winds, hail, and tornadoes, can cause power outages, fires, and flooding.
All thunderstorms produce lightning and should be considered dangerous. Lightning is responsible for over 80 fatalities and 300 injuries per year in the U.S.
If your home uses propane, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your family safe and avoid potential dangers.
Contact your Piatt County Service Company Propane Specialist for additional information on preparing for thunderstorms and other severe weather conditions.
Tornadoes can occur during any season of the year. In some cases, they can occur with little or no warning, bringing with them winds that can exceed 250 miles per hour. Every year, there are approximately 70 fatalities and 1,500 injuries from tornadoes.
Before, during, and after a storm, there are a few key things to consider to keep your family and your home as safe as possible.
Contact your Piatt County Service Company Propane Specialist for additional information on preparing for tornadoes and other severe weather conditions.
Power outages can occur during any season and can range from being a simple inconvenience to, in some cases, a life threatening situation. Almost any type of weather-related event can cause a power outage, ranging from snow and ice storms to thunderstorms, hurricanes, and extreme heat.
Contact your Piatt County Service Company Propane Specialist for additional information on preparing for power outages and severe weather conditions.
Know what’s below and call before you dig! 811 will not locate propane lines. Please call your local FS Propane Specialist at least 48 hours before you plan to dig to allow us to locate your propane line.
Burn barrels, fire pits and other open flames should be kept away from all propane containers.
Mowing too close to a propane tank could cause a tank to be knocked off the concrete blocks, which could lead to gas line damage. Maintain a distance that prevents tires or other parts of mowers from coming in contact with a tank.
Tank color should reflect sunlight to prevent over pressurizing. We think a bright white tank with a light gray dome is the best look for a propane tank!
Grill cylinders should have the new style Overfill Protection Valve in them. You can tell if it is an OPD valve by the shape of the handwheel. OPD valves will be a triangle shaped valve wheel.
Do your children know what propane smells like? Do they know what to do if they smell it? Refer to the propane safety pamphlet “scratch and sniff” and communicate a plan with your family members.
Do not smoke a minimum of 25 feet away from propane containers or regulators.
A system safety check will need to be completed to ensure your system is free of leaks and safe for you and your family. If adding a new appliance, some new appliances could qualify for a Safe Propane Appliance Rebate through your State Propane Gas Association.
Climbing and playing on top of a propane tank could look like fun, but can be dangerous. A pressure relief valve opens and releases high pressure gas, this could result in serious injury should it open with someone looking over the top of the valve. Also, tampering with the gas line could result in a propane leak.
Transport propane cylinders safely in your vehicle by storing them securely and upright so they can’t fall, shift, or roll in transit.
Some propane containers are made for liquid withdrawal and some for vapor. It is important to make sure you are only using containers that are designed for your specific application needs. Failure to follow this guideline could result in property damage or injury.
Full propane tanks will float, anchoring down your tank prevents it from floating off.
Bushes and plants should be cleared out around propane tanks. Also, tanks should not be used to hang hoses, rugs, horse saddles, etc. on.
Pressure relief valves must be in an open space to operate properly should it have to evacuate pressure.
When transporting propane cylinders in any type of vehicle, do not smoke!
Propane regulators need open space to properly vent should there be a system failure. Make sure plants and shrubs are not touching regulators on your home or building.
Each year our energy drivers brave the weather to deliver fuel and propane to our customers. It isn't always easy. For your safety, and theirs, we ask that you follow these simple tips.
Tanks can easily be buried in snow during the course of the winter. Mark your tank with an indicator. This makes it easier for your delivery driver to find and fill your tank.
If your tank reaches 30%, call us and schedule a delivery immediately. Even on an automatic scheduled delivery program, we need you to keep an eye on your levels, unless you have a tank monitor.
Don't let snow cover your regulator. Make sure it is clear of blowing and accumulating snow. Packed snow will impact the tank readings and can be a safety concern.
Your delivery driver can make up to 30-40 deliveries per day. Imagine all that cardio! Shovel or snow blow a path to your tank to ensure your tank is filled in a timely manner.
In order for our trucks to service you, you must plow and salt or sand driveways so your driver can safely access your property. If the truck can't safely enter, your delivery can't happen. Also, salting sidewalks ensure your safety and the safety of others. If you are looking for a provider, you can order salt directly from your local FS Member Company.
We proudly support our customers and do everything in our power to provide the best service in our market. Please take a moment to follow these tips to help us serve you better.
Download Tips for Safer Winter Fuel Delivery