Tips, Safety & FAQs
BENEFITS OF PROPANE
Think of all the comforts your family loves about your home: relaxing by the fireplace; enjoying a long, hot shower; or putting on a favorite sweatshirt fresh out of the dryer. When you use propane appliances you can give your family even greater comfort, from endless hot water to softer clothing and cozier heat on cold winter days.
PROPANE SAVES MONEY
Propane appliances are energy efficient and can cut your energy costs. Everyone wants to save money; propane will help you do it.
PROPANE IS EXTREMELY VERSATILE
Performance is the number one reason most people choose propane. After all, it can efficiently and effectively meet nearly all of your home's major energy needs, inside and out, from space heating and water heating to outdoor lighting and fire pits. Time after time, propane has been found to outperform other fuels in terms of efficiency and power.
PROPANE IS CLEAN
For homeowners interested in protecting the environment, propane is a clean low-carbon alternative fuel that produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most other energy sources. In addition, propane is a nontoxic fuel that won't contaminate soil or groundwater, making it safe to use anywhere.
PROPANE IS READILY AVAILABLE
The United States is the world’s leading producer and exporter of propane. That means it’s abundantly available. It's portable, too, which means it can be used virtually anywhere, including areas beyond the reach of natural gas.
PROPANE IS A RELIABLE CHOICE IN AN EMERGENCY
When the power goes out, a propane-powered generator is a safe and reliable choice that won’t leave you without power when you need it most.
PROPANE IS SAFE
Propane has a strong safety record, and it is stored, transported, and used in accordance with stringent codes and regulations.
Prospective Customers FAQ's
Learn more about working with Superior Energy
What exactly is propane?
What are the benefits of propane?
What is the difference between propane, natural gas & electric?
I’ve never used propane before. What do I need to know?
Do propane prices change?
Is propane an environmentally friendly fuel?
What can I expect as a new customer? Where do I start and what is the process?
How do I know what size tank to get?
I need to set up my propane account to meet my budget. Do you have payment plans?
What is a tank rental charge for?
What exactly is propane?
Propane is an energy-rich gas, C3H8. It is one of the liquefied petroleum gases (LP-Gas or LPGs) that are found mixed with natural gas and oil. Propane and other liquefied gases, including ethane and butane, are separated from natural gas at natural gas processing plants, or from petroleum at refineries. The amount of propane produced from natural gas and from oil is about equal.
Propane naturally occurs as a gas. However, at higher pressure or lower temperatures, it becomes a liquid. Because propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas, it is transported and stored in its liquid state. Propane becomes a gas again when a valve is opened to release it from its pressurized container. When returned to normal pressure, propane becomes a gas so that we can use it.
What are the benefits of propane?
Propane is an approved clean alternative fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act. Propane is a nontoxic fuel that doesn't contaminate aquifers or soil. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude-oil refining. Nearly 97 percent of propane used in the United States is produced in North America.
It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless (an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.) As a safe, clean, versatile energy source, when electric power goes out, propane is often the energy that powers standby generators. Propane tanks are environmentally friendly, require little maintenance, and can last up to 40 years. Propane's portability in liquid form makes it a convenient fuel for grilling, camping, and other uses.
Propane is used safely by millions of Americans — and stored, handled, and transported by thousands of professionals — every day. That safety comes from a combination of stringent codes and regulations and our industry's extensive training and safety awareness programs. In fact, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) operate the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP), through which propane technicians train and get certified in all aspects of delivering propane and installing and servicing propane appliances. We update our training programs frequently to ensure that employees are equipped with the most current procedures and information available
What is the difference between propane, natural gas & electric?
You're going to love the benefits of propane! When natural gas isn’t available, propane fuels your home with the same comfort, reliability and more while offering significant advantages over electricity and oil. The more you discover the more you’ll want to choose propane.
The Benefits of Propane include:
Energy efficient and heats quickly
Less expensive than electricity
Installs safely in any home
Propane gas furnaces last an average of 20 years, six years more than electric.
According to the US Department of Energy it could cost up to twice as much to operate your range, water heater, dryer or furnace with electricity than with propane gas. Propane gas furnaces and heaters provide more consistent warm air throughout your home at a lower cost than electric heat pumps and have a longer average life span of 20 years, compared with electric heat pumps’ 12-year average life span. Propane can be up to 25% less expensive than electricity in most cities. In addition, when tank levels are properly maintained, propane provides a virtually uninterruptible power supply. That is reassuring when “brownouts” or “blackouts” occur when too many users are drawing electricity during high consumption periods, like cold winter months.
To enjoy the comfort and savings benefits of having propane in your home, contact us today.
For information on some of the difference between Propane & natural gas, please refer to this website
I’ve never used propane before. What do I need to know?
Propane households operate much like any other home, with a few notable exceptions. Including potential savings on your monthly energy bill and more reliable access to heat, warm water, and even power. The Customer Service Specialists at Superior Energy can answer any questions you might have and discuss a custom plan to help you start enjoying your new propane powered home.
Do propane prices change?
Propane prices respond quickly to any situation that might affect supply and demand. Some examples are unexpectedly cold or warm weather, extreme weather, supply interruptions, or low production. These changes may be reflected in the wholesale price we pay for the propane that we deliver to you, and consequently, in the prices you pay for that propane. We guarantee to always give you a fair, competitive rate coupled with our safety guarantee that you are always receiving the best quality professional service, 24/7.
The price we charge for propane is based on the above changing market conditions, estimated annual usage and what it costs us to deliver it to you. Our cost for the truck, the driver, and other related delivery expenses stay the same, whether we are delivering 40 gallons or 400. That’s why the more propane you use, the lower the price per gallon is. Therefore, the price you pay will be based on the market cost plus your annual consumption; the more propane you use, the better of a rate we can offer you.
Is propane an environmentally friendly fuel?
Propane, one of the cleanest burning fuels available, is the clear choice for our environment. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline and other fossil fuels. It emits lower levels of carbon dioxide and particulates and doesn’t produce sulfur dioxide, a primary cause of the greenhouse effect. Propane is non-toxic and vaporizes quickly, so it won’t contaminate soil or groundwater.
Propane is also a natural by-product of the crude oil or natural gas refining process and is in plentiful supply - there’s enough propane to meet America’s needs in the 21st century. Most of the propane used in the United States is produced right here. All these factors make propane one of the most versatile fuels you can find.
What can I expect as a new customer? Where do I start and what is the process?
When it's time to choose a propane supplier, you'll want the right partner by your side. At Superior Energy, we offer reliable, convenient and efficient propane service to our customers. All businesses have specific energy needs, so the steps to partnering with us may vary based on your specific propane needs.
In addition, many furnaces originally built for natural gas can be converted to propane. Underground storage tanks are a popular option for single-family homes and housing developments. These large tanks can be buried underground because propane is a nontoxic fuel that doesn't contaminate aquifers or soil.
How do I know what size tank to get?
The right tank for your application depends on several factors – including your usage, location, and tank availability. To find what size is right for you, please contact us.
I need to set up my propane account to meet my budget. Do you have payment plans?
Superior Energy offers a number of flexible payment options to fit the needs of our customers. To learn more, please contact us.
What is a tank rental charge for?
Superior Energy assumes responsibility for equipment upkeep and maintenance of the propane system, including tank painting and the replacement of first-stage regulators. A nominal tank rental fee helps us to ensure that your propane system remains in excellent working condition. Learn more here.
Current Customers FAQ's
We're here to help!
What can I do to conserve energy costs?
How can I convert gallons to cubic feet?
How do I read the gauge on my propane tank?
Why isn’t my tank filled to 100 percent capacity?
What do I need to do to maintain my tank?
I’m interested in burying my propane tank. How deep does the hole have to be? How much sand needs to go underneath the tank?
I smell gas, what should I do?
I am considering installing a carbon monoxide detector or a propane gas detector. What kind do you recommend?
I would like to lock my tank dome (cover). Is there a problem with doing this?
Where can I find my account number?
How do I place a delivery order?
What day/time will my driver make my delivery?
When is my payment due?
If I am on Budget Billing, why do I have to pay you even when I don't owe anything?
What is EQ Maintenance?
What can I do to conserve energy costs?
Below please find some of our favorite Energy Saving Tips that could save you money on your next energy bill!
Contact Superior Energy to schedule an appointment for a check-up on your heating system and our FREE in-home energy savings consultation!
Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season.
Replace old, outdated appliances with high-efficiency models.
Close vents and doors in unused rooms and dampers on unused fireplaces.
Lower the thermostat on water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check to see if your attic and basement have the recommended levels of insulation.
Keep the lint filter on your dryer clean. Dirty lint filters restrict air flow and can also be a fire hazard.
Lower your thermostats when you’re away from house for more than a few hours.
Install an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.
Want even more tips? Visit the Home Energy Saver website.
How can I convert gallons to cubic feet?
This conversion may vary depending on altitude, temperature, and meter type. Please check with a Superior Energy customer service agent for assistance.
How do I read the gauge on my propane tank?
Not all tanks have gauges. If your tank does have a gauge, it is located on the top of the tank, usually under a hood that can be lifted. (Note: Please be careful when you lift the hood—insects sometimes nest there.)
For your convenience and comfort, please contact Superior Energy if your gauge reading measures 20 percent or less. If you don’t have a gauge on your tank, or if you have questions, please call us.
Why isn’t my tank filled to 100 percent capacity?
Your propane is delivered and stored in liquid form. Propane liquid, for example, will expand (become a gas) nearly 17 times more than water, as compared with the same temperature increase. As a result, tanks and cylinders are never completely filled with propane liquid. Tanks are filled to about 80 to 85 percent of their capacity. This leaves a space above the liquid, which allows the propane liquid to safely expand freely due to changes in temperature.
Heat is added to, or taken from, propane stored in a tank or cylinder by transfer directly based on the air surrounding the container. Hot days, cool nights, rain and snow are a few of the many factors that affect the temperature of the liquid. Because of these ambient temperature changes, you may see fluctuations in your container gauge.
What do I need to do to maintain my tank?
If you lease a tank from Superior Energy we keep the tank and propane system in working order with regular maintenance visits. Learn more here. For your safety, and to provide your Superior Energy driver with ready access to your tank, we ask that you keep grass and brush from growing up around your tank, and that you refrain from using the area immediately around your tank for storage.
I’m interested in burying my propane tank. How deep does the hole have to be? How much sand needs to go underneath the tank?
There are a number of factors to be considered in any underground installation. As such, installation of an underground propane tank should only be undertaken by Superior Energy’s trained installation technicians. Learn more here.
Please contact Superior Energy for more details.
I smell gas, what should I do?
If you smell gas inside or outside of your home:
NO FLAMES OR SPARKS. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
SHUT OFF THE GAS. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak, call Superior Energy right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.
GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.
I am considering installing a carbon monoxide detector or a propane gas detector. What kind do you recommend?
There are several excellent detectors available in a number of price ranges. We recommend that a carbon monoxide (CO) detector listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) be installed on every level of your home. Be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.
Propane gas detectors provide an additional measure of security. It is recommended that you consider installing one or more propane gas detectors listed by UL in your home. As with CO detectors, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.
I would like to lock my tank dome (cover). Is there a problem with doing this?
Dome covers should NEVER be locked as the valve used to shut off the entire system in an emergency is located under the dome cover. Dome covers are designed simply to protect various valves and fittings from the elements.
Where can I find my account number?
Your account number can be found on any of the statements Superior Energy has mailed to you. If you cannot locate a statement, you can call Superior Energy, and one of your customer service agents would be pleased to help you.
How do I place a delivery order?
You can request delivery by calling Superior Energy or online HERE.
What day/time will my driver make my delivery?
Superior Energy is the most efficient propane provider in the business, and we strive to accommodate the delivery needs of every customer. A Superior Energy customer service agent can give you an approximate date of delivery, but please understand that sometimes there are situations that require our drivers to deviate from a planned schedule.
If you are a Superior Energy Will Call Customer: In order to avoid running out of gas, please schedule a delivery when your tank reaches 30%
When is my payment due?
Your payment is due upon receipt of your statement. We encourage all customers to submit payment as soon as the statement is received to allow time for a 5 to 7-day mailing window.
If I am on Budget Billing, why do I have to pay you even when I don't owe anything?
Budget Billing is designed to evenly spread your propane costs throughout the year. Rather than allowing a large balance to build up in the colder months, when budgets might already be stretched thin, Superior Energy helps you balance your propane budget. Billing this way helps you build up credit in those months when your usage is lower, and then use that credit in higher usage months.
What is EQ Maintenance?
Visual tank inspection at time of delivery.
Swap out and/or painting of the tank (as needed)
Regulator*
Labor to repair and/or replace regulator
*additional charge may apply for the regulator if owned by the customer.
