Propane offers an environmentally friendly option for powering appliances and heating your home. Forward Energy provides home propane deliveries so your tank doesn’t run low. Here is more information about optimizing your propane delivery:
Scheduling Installation
If you have not used propane as a fuel source before, or if you are switching providers, find a propane delivery company that offers tank sets. Companies like Forward Energy will disconnect old systems and install a new tank. This includes adding:
- The tank
- Two regulators
- Concrete blocks
- 25 feet of line
- A hook-up
Scheduling tank sets in the spring or summer verifies proper operation before high fuel demand in the winter months. It also prevents frozen connections, which extend the installation process. Warmer conditions make setup quicker for the technicians. During the tank set, the company follows safety requirements by conducting an initial site examination and a full-system check of the new tank. This includes examining the piping and flexible connectors. A reliable company makes sure that the system is operational, so you can safely heat your home.
Choosing an Energy Program
Propane providers offer various delivery and payment plans. Choose a program that fits your fuel usage patterns and needs. Delivery options include will-call and courtesy fills.
Will-call allows you to schedule your own deliveries, so you can plan around vacations or work schedules. This option may be appropriate if you have low fuel usage. To prevent system shut-offs, schedule a refill when the fuel reaches 20% capacity in the summer. In the winter, plan refills when the tank is at 30%. This verifies that your system remains operational in case delays occur due to high demand.
Courtesy fills offer a convenient delivery option because they do not require self-scheduling. The company tracks your propane levels and uses a forecasting system to schedule automatic deliveries. This helps prevent you from running low on fuel. Forward Energy offers a 10-cent-per-gallon discount to members who select this option.
Payment Plan
Propane payment plans offer a variety of pricing methods and payment dates. Capped pricing secures the price for the fuel in advance, allowing you to purchase fuel at the same rate throughout the year. Market-rate offers flexibility; you can buy propane at current market prices throughout the season. This allows you to purchase fuel according to your current usage. With a monthly program, you make 11 monthly payments with capped pricing.
If you have a predictable fuel consumption rate, a pre-buy plan is an appropriate option. This allows you to buy your fuel for the season at a locked price. This saves time by eliminating the need to make multiple fuel purchases. If needed, you can buy more fuel at the market price.
Monitoring Propane Levels
Knowing how to monitor the propane levels in your tank allows you to schedule deliveries at appropriate times. A fuel gauge is typically located near the gas valve, and it indicates how much propane is in the tank. Some gauges use numbers, while others have colors and words. Green means the tank is full, and red indicates you need to refill it. Deliveries may take up to five business days, so closely monitoring your system makes it easier to plan timely deliveries during the winter months.
For added convenience, you can have your propane monitored remotely with a wireless sensor. This sensor monitors your tank with WiFi or cellular networks, sending readings to your phone via an app. The system also works in extreme weather conditions. With this system, the propane company is able to make its automatic deliveries.
Preparing for Delivery
To streamline delivery, verify your address in advance and include detailed instructions on how to reach your property and the location of your tank. Preparing the area for the technicians makes it easier for them to access the tank. Open the gate to your property or provide an access code in the instructions. Make sure to keep pets inside during deliveries. During the winter, clear away snow and ice that surrounds the tank. These pre-delivery steps support the technician’s safety.
Receiving Inspections and Repairs
To keep your tank in good condition, find a company that performs tank inspections. During refills, technicians check for leaks and identify issues that require repair. We offer annual tank inspections and perform line and regulator checks. Technicians will identify potential safety issues and review repair options with you. This prevents safety hazards, protects your home, and keeps your system running correctly.
Schedule Your Propane Delivery
Planning fuel usage and simplifying the delivery process helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature and allows your appliances to run without interruption. Forward Energy offers propane for residential, agricultural, and commercial use. A propane safety guide is available on our website, offering additional information about gas leaks and weather prep. To learn more about propane delivery, contact us today.