Propane FAQ

• FAQ About Propane
• Propane Facts from NPGA
• Energy Saving Tip

FAQ About Propane

1. Is propane dangerous to the environment?
No. Propane is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is one of the cleanest burning of all alternative fuels. Propane is also nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil or water.

2. How do I check to see how much gas is in my tank?
Under the lid on the propane tank is a dial with gallons or percent (5-90%). When your tank indicates 20-30%, call Country Comfort to fill the tank.

3. If the tank was here when I bought the house, do I own it?
Not necessarily, call the propane supplier to verify if it is a leased tank or owned. The majority of tanks are leased.

4. Why don't drivers put 500 gallons in a 500-gallon tank?
Since propane is delivered as a liquid, there must be vapor space for expansion and contraction. Therefore, the tank is filled between 80-85% full.

5. Why are propane prices different in various areas of the country?
Propane prices vary in different parts of the country for two key reasons that are related to supply and demand. First, propane prices are influenced by the proximity of the customer to propane supplies. In an area such as the Gulf Coast, customers are closer to major supplies and therefore may pay less. Prices may be higher in areas farther from major supplies due to transportation costs. Second, unforeseen market swings caused from global demand, terrorism or processing disruptions may cause energy prices to fluctuate.

Source: "Propane Prices: What Consumers Should Know," Energy Information Administration, September 2003

Energy Saving Tips

Follow these energy-saving tips to save energy and money.

• Invest in a thermostat timer. These can save you money by lowering your home's temperature when you are away.
• Clean and replace dirty filters that block the flow of air and cause your system to work harder.
• Eliminate drafts. You can find drafts by holding a tissue up to door and window frames and watching to see if it blows. Seal any leaks between moving parts, such as doors and frames, with weather stripping. Stop drafts by caulking between non-moving parts, such as window frames.
• Install double-pane windows or storm windows. If you have single-pane windows or older windows you can't replace, try winterizing window kits that use plastic sheets.
• Inspect ductwork for any leaking air, especially around joints. If you find any leaks, use silver metal duct tape to seal them. You can save up to 10 percent of your heating costs by eliminating duct leaks.
• If you have a crawl space, inspect it regularly to ensure insulation is dry. When insulation gets wet, it's not effective. Then, be sure to find the source of moisture and replace the damaged insulation.
• Make sure hot water lines in your basement are insulated.

Get the most from your appliances:

• Put a dry towel in the clothes dryer with each load of wet clothes. The dry towel adsorbs dampness and reduces drying time. Try to dry several loads of laundry in a row to take advantage of the heat that's built up in the dryer drum.
• Purchase clothes dryers equipped with moisture sensors that turn off the dryer when the clothes are dry.
• Keep the lint filter on dryers clean. Dirty lint filters restrict airflow and also can be a fire hazard.
• Replace the oven door gasket to ensure a tight fit.
• Put a lid on pans on the stove to reduce cooking time and energy use. Also, match the pot size to the burner size to avoid wasting energy. Use a small ring or low flame on your stove for small pans.