Propane can be used to power different residential appliances, such as stoves and heaters. Forward Energy is a propane supplier that offers home propane delivery services; this allows for safe transportation and greater convenience. Here are the logistics behind effective propane delivery:
Tank Leases and Sets
A propane supplier will help you lease and set up your tank safely and correctly. If you do not own a propane tank, you can choose to lease one. Knowing how much propane you use for household or agricultural purposes helps you choose the right size. If you have a tank from a different supplier, the new company will remove it when it runs out of fuel. New tank sets may require a mechanical permit, and your delivery company can submit the information for you.
During installation, the technician will perform a site inspection to determine whether there are any safety issues. If the area is safe, the team will set up the tank with two concrete blocks, two regulators, and 25 feet of gas line. We make sure to follow all safety requirements when setting up the gas line, placing it three feet or more away from vents and 24 inches above ground level. Other safety requirements include:
- Avoiding the use of compression fittings
- Placing shut-off valves within six feet
- Making sure propane appliances are vented
Following tank placement guidelines allows for easy delivery access. This includes keeping tanks within 75 feet of your driveway; larger tanks should be at least 10 feet away from the house. Having tanks be visible from the road makes it easier for technicians to find them during propane deliveries.
Automatic Tank Monitoring and Delivery
A propane delivery company that provides automatic monitoring and delivery supports greater efficiency. With the courtesy fill program, our company tracks your propane levels and schedules a delivery when they are low. This prevents complete depletion, and it helps you avoid system shut-offs. A courtesy fill program offers alternatives to having to monitor and schedule deliveries yourself.
Some companies use remote monitoring systems to check propane levels; these utilize smart technology. A wireless sensor is added to the propane tank, and this reads the fuel level and sends the information to a monitoring system. It uses WiFi or cell networks to complete readings. The information is sent to an app you can access on your phone or computer, allowing both you and the company to see the propane levels. The monitoring system sends out alerts when the propane levels are getting low, notifying you and the company when they reach 29%. Our delivery company can check your propane levels on a daily basis.
Energy Program
Choose an energy program, or an ordering and payment plan, that corresponds to how much fuel you use. This helps reduce the need for additional trips for unexpected depletions, and it prompts an effective delivery system. If you do not use a high amount of propane or are out of town regularly, choosing a will-call option may be appropriate. This allows you to monitor your own tank and call the company when your levels are between 25 to 30%.
If your propane usage is fairly regular, you can choose to purchase it ahead of time through the pre-buy program; this offers a locked-in price. Other price protection options include the capped price and budget programs. Capped price keeps the pricing the same across the season, while budget programs allow you to pay a regular monthly rate. You also have the option to buy your propane as you need it at the current market rate. This option is beneficial for households that use varying levels of propane. We offer will-call and courtesy delivery options for most of these programs.
Delivery Preparation
Clearing away any ice or snow around the tank makes it easier for the technicians to access the area and deliver the propane, preventing delays. Make sure your provider has access to the information they need to get to your tank; this includes the address, tank location, and the entrance methods to your yard, such as a gate. Before delivery, either leave the gate open or provide the company with the code. Remove larger objects or vehicles that block the path to the tank before the visit, so the technicians can have direct access.
Contact a Propane Supplier
Scheduling propane deliveries according to your fuel needs allows you to have enough fuel for your equipment or household to run smoothly. Refills can be completed between one and five business days. Our team at Forward Energy helps you choose an appropriate tank size, and our technicians perform a safety check during tank installation. We check your tank for potential issues during delivery. To meet with a propane supplier and learn more about our delivery services, we invite you to contact us today.