Propane is used as a power source for homes, businesses, and farms. It can power appliances like ovens and water heaters or fuel large vehicles and machinery like forklifts, buses, and farm irrigation systems. Propane tanks need to be monitored and refilled when their levels are low. A propane supplier like Forward Energy offers remote monitoring and timely refill services.
Why Propane Levels Need To Be Monitored
Tanks can only hold a certain amount of propane at once, so the level needs to be monitored to prevent full depletion. Propane-powered home appliances will be unusable until the tank is refilled, which interferes with heating, cooling, and cooking needs. Farm equipment left without fuel can lead to delays in production, which could be detrimental to crop health and animal safety. When propane tanks are properly monitored and refilled, these problems are easier to avoid.
Ways to Monitor Propane Levels
Propane tanks have a gauge that shows the level of fuel left in the tank. Technology advancements have provided other ways to monitor propane levels without physically traveling to and reading the tank gauge. Here is more information about the ways you can monitor propane levels:
Read the Tank Gauge
Most propane tanks have a gauge installed on top of the tank near the gas valve. This fuel monitor may display numbers starting around 0 or 10 and reaching 90 or 100. Different types of gauges will vary in the number range. Some gauges will use words and colors to indicate the fuel level. Green may indicate the tank is full, while yellow indicates low levels, and red indicates a refill is needed. The type of gauge depends on the tank’s brand, size, and whether it is above or below ground.
When you want to check the fuel level, walk to the tank and visually check the reading. This is an ideal option if you don’t have cellular service or Wi-Fi to support a wireless monitor. You can also check the tank and its surroundings for damage or leaks at this time. A downside to physically reading the gauge is that you may be exposed to poor weather conditions.
Use Wireless Sensors
Technicians install a wireless sensor on the propane tank that will read the fuel level and send the data to an app on your phone or computer. It can use Wi-Fi or cellular networks to gather accurate readings, even during extreme weather and temperatures. Wireless sensors are useful if you have more than one tank, as the readings from each tank will be sent to one app. This type of monitoring may also be used by propane supplier services to remotely monitor the propane levels for their clients. They can read the levels and schedule well-timed deliveries.
When To Schedule Propane Refill Deliveries
Propane tanks aren’t filled completely to allow room for exapansion and vapor space. When first delivered, they are filled at 80 percent capacity. When the gauge or monitor shows the tank is at 20 percent capacity, the tank needs to be refilled. If you are reading the gauge manually, you will need to contact your propane supplier to schedule a refill. If you are using a wireless sensor that your propane supplier is monitoring, they may automatically schedule a refill delivery when they are alerted that the tank is at 20 percent capacity. Propane suppliers refill tanks at 20 percent because that allows enough time for the supplier to arrive at your property and refill or switch tanks before fuel runs out.
Energy Programs With Forward Energy
Forward Energy distributes propane and other types of fuel to homes, businesses, and farms. We offer a few energy programs to meet the different needs of our customers. Here are some of our delivery programs:
Courtesy Fill
If you sign up for an energy program that includes a courtesy fill, we monitor your propane tank levels and automatically schedule deliveries to your property. We use an advanced forecasting system that allows us to time deliveries so you won’t run out of fuel. We offer this program with different pricing options, including capped, budget, pre-buy, and market rate.
Will Call
If you sign up for an energy program with the will-call option, you must monitor the propane tank fuel levels yourself. You should schedule a delivery with us when it reaches 20 percent capacity. Delivery takes one to five business days, so make sure you account for that timeframe when you schedule your delivery. Our will-call program also has different pricing options, including capped, pre-buy, and market rates.
Sign up With a Propane Supplier
Propane is a useful and versatile fuel source for many homes and businesses. Forward Energy has been a trusted propane supplier since 1925, distributing propane across Northeast Michigan to thousands of customers. While you can choose to check tank levels yourself, we recommend letting our team of professionals monitor fuel levels and schedule automatic refills. Contact us today to sign up for a delivery program.