Posted: December 16, 2024
Savvy consumers review their receipts, question charges that are unclear and inspect work before signing off. So it’s not uncommon for a customer who is new to propane service will contact us after a delivery to find out why the gauge on their tank indicates that it’s not completely full. It’s a good question—we get it: You called for a propane delivery to fill your tank, but it’s not full. Unless you studied your high school physics well, it might not be obvious but it’s all about safety. Here’s what you need to know.
Propane, which is also called LPG or liquid propane gas, is transported and stored in a liquid form. When liquids are heated, a process called thermal expansion means that they expand. Some liquids expand more than others—one of those is propane, which expands a lot more, and a lot faster. In fact, propane will expand almost 17 times more than water when heated the same amount. As a safety precaution, propane dealers follow the 80% rule when filling tanks: that is, by filling above ground tanks only to 80% creates a cushion against the pressure that builds up inside the tank when propane is heated by the sun. Underground tanks are typically filled to about 85% because they are insulated.
This so-called “80% rule” is especially important in places like here in southern Florida, where warmer weather means liquid propane is prone to expansion year-round.
If you really watch your tank gauge, you may notice that the reading fluctuates slightly during quick temperature swings (hot day, cool night), but don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal. The amount of gas in the tank doesn’t actually change when propane expands or contracts–only its density does.
Remember, although your tank will never be filled to more than 80%, you should always call for a fill-up before your tank falls below 20% so we have time to schedule a delivery. If your tank falls below that level, you could lose pressure, which can lead to problems with equipment. Make sure you know how to read the gauge on your propane tank.
For an above-ground propane storage tank, the gas gauge is right at the top of the tank, under a lid or dome. On an underground tank, the gauge will be near the fill pipe.
Look for a gauge that looks a lot like a speedometer, with numbers going around the edge, and a single pointer. The numbers indicate what percent of gas is in your tank.
Of course, it’s good to know how to check your tank level, but it’s an easy task to forget about. That’s why we give you easier ways to make sure you get propane deliveries when you need them—without having to remember to check your tank and call us for delivery.
For most of our customers, pour automatic delivery service is a great solution that makes it easy to take checking your tank gauge off your to-do list. This proven system is based on your average usage and lets us accurately calculate when you will need a propane delivery. The system also means we can make deliveries more efficiently, too: We’re better able to plan our routes to get to everyone quickly. That saves time and money—savings we can pass on to you.
For seasonal homeowners or part-time residents—and anyone who’s propane use fluctuates a lot—we offer wireless propane monitor service. The device tracks the level of propane in your tank in real time, and transmits your usage via wireless cellular technology. When the tank gauge reaches a pre-set level, the monitor alerts us—and you—directly via a wireless mobile app. That means you can track usage to improve efficiency or to monitor a rental property.
Whether you’re a snowbird or a full-time resident, Miami Gas offers seamless and convenient propane services, including tank installation, delivery services, and equipment installation including backup generators, outdoor appliances and more. Contact us to become a customer today.
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