Q. What's that smell?
A. When produced, propane is colorless and odorless. A smell is added so, in the event of a leak, you can detect the gas by a strong distinct odor (like rotten eggs or boiling cabbage).

Q. What influences propane prices?
A. Propane is a product of crude and natural gas - Therefore, when the price of either of these energy sources rises, so does the cost of both gasoline, and propane. Although propane is produced from both crude oil and natural gas processing, its price is influenced mainly by the cost of crude oil. This is because propane competes mostly with crude oil-based fuels.

Supply / Demand Balance - propane supply and demand is subject to change in domestic production, weather, and inventory levels, among other factors. While propane production is not seasonal, residential demand is highly seasonal. This imbalance causes inventories to be built up in the summer months when consumption is higher. When inventories of propane at the start of the winter heating season are low, chances are that propane prices will be high during winter season. Colder than normal weather can put extra pressure on the price during the high demand winter season because there are no available sources of increased supply except for imports. In addition, imports may take several weeks to arrive, during which time larger than normal withdrawals from inventories may occur, sending prices upward. Cold weather early in the heating season can cause higher process sooner, since early inventory withdrawals affect supply availability for the rest of the winter.

Q. Why isn't my tank filled to 100% capacity?
A. Your propane is delivered and stored in a liquid form. Liquid propane will expand nearly 17 times as much as water over the same temperature increase. As a result, tanks and cylinders are never completely filled with propane. Tanks are filled to 80% of their maximum capacity. This leaves a space above the liquid which allows the LP-gases to expand freely with temperature changes.

Air temperatures are transferred directly into the container. So, hot days, cool nights, rain and snow all can affect the temperature of the liquid. Because of these changes, you may see fluctuations in your container gauge.

Q. How do I store and transport my cylinder?
A. Cylinders must be secured in an upright position in a well ventilated area while in transport, stored and used. They must be stored or used outdoors and must be kept away from open flame, direct heat, or any other sources of ignition.
It is best not to haul cylinders in the passenger compartment of your vehicle. If you must, ensure that the cylinder is wedged firmly upright and that windows are open for ventilation. Take your cylinder home immediately after filling. Do not leave it in the vehicle for a prolonged time.

Q. How do I use my cylinder safely?
A. After connecting it to the appliance, open the valve slowly and apply a sudsy soapy water mixture around the fitting to check for leaks. Bubbles appear if there is a leak. If you can't stop the leak by tightening the fitting then turn it off and call a service person.

If a burner does not ignite after a few attempts, turn off the gas and wait a few minutes to let the gas dissipate fully before trying again.

Q. What is cylinder re-certification?
A. Propane attendants must give all cylinders a visual inspection every time they are filled to ensure they are in safe condition. Additionally, cylinders must be re-certified and stamped by personnel at ten year intervals from date of manufacture, otherwise they CAN NOT BE REFILLED.

The process includes relief valve replacement. Cylinders which are structurally jeopardized by dents, gouges, bulges, excessive rust or broken welds, or which show evidence of fire are neither allowed to be refilled or re-certified.