There are few things more frustrating than running out of propane, and it never seems to happen at a convenient time. The Wildhorse Propane & Appliances team, which delivers propane to Salinas, has some tips to help you avoid running out.
The first three tips are to sign up for scheduled deliveries, learn how to read the gauge, and ask your propane team about modern technologies that notify you when the fuel level drops below a certain level.
- Scheduled deliveries are established based on your propane usage and the capacity of your propane tank. The Wildhorse team helps you determine how much propane you use in a specified period of time, such as a month, and then calculates how frequently to make a delivery. Based on your usage and the size of the tank, the team might also recommend that you get a larger tank. A larger tank has more capacity and reduces the risk of running out.
- Reading the gauge at least once a week helps you stay on top of the amount of propane you are using. Most of the time, there is minimal variance, but there are situations when more propane than normal is used. Extra hot summers or cold winters mean the HVAC is run more often. A family member spending more time at home recovering from an illness or injury can also mean more propane is used. Out of town company, especially during the holidays, when more cooking than normal burns up more propane, is another example. Making it a habit to read the gauge weekly helps you keep an eye on unusual use, and you can place an order if needed. See “How to read the gauge” below.
- Updated notification technologies for propane tanks monitor propane levels and notify you when the fuel drops below a specified threshold. Check with your propane delivery service to see if they offer this option.
Five more ways to tell your tank is getting low
- You smell propane, especially in the kitchen. You aren’t actually smelling propane because propane is odorless. The chemical, ethyl mercaptan, is added to propane to give it that sulphury, rotten egg smell as a warning about a potential leak. This odorant is heavier than propane and concentrates near the bottom of the tank, and the lower the fuel, the more odorant is released. Always take the smell seriously. Check your tank gauge and if it is low, turn off the valve, call your Salinas propane supplier for a delivery and also report that you smell rotten eggs and you may have a leak.
- The flame is weak or sputters: A low, weak, or sputtering flame usually indicates diminishing propane supply.
- If the appliance won’t light at all, and all of the connections are tight, you may be out of propane.
- Your propane appliances aren’t running at their peak performance can also indicate a low fuel supply.
- You don’t hear a hiss when turning on the stove or when testing a valve. That hiss means gas is flowing. If you don’t listen to it, the tank might be empty.
The Salinas propane delivery team advises never to take that rotten egg smell, or any dysfunction of propane appliances, lightly. Leaks can happen anywhere in the system for any number of reasons. Call your service anytime you smell propane or if an appliance is not working at peak performance. Shut off the main valve at the tank to stop the flow of propane to the house.
Become familiar with the propane safety features provided on the Wildhorse Propane & Appliance website.
How to read the gauge
The propane tank gauge is located under the dome on top of your tank. The number the needle points to indicates how much propane is in the tank. When the needle points to 80%, the tank is full. Propane tanks are filled to 80% to allow for expansion inside the tank.
If the gauge reads 20% or below, it’s time for a delivery.
Local, reliable service
Wildhorse Propane & Appliance is a local, family-owned service, supporting the propane needs of Salinas and every community in Monterey County. Other service areas include North San Luis Obispo County communities of Paso Robles and nearby communities and communities near Hollister and San Juan Bautista in San Benito County.
Wildhorse has been a leading supplier of propane gas and propane tanks since 1980. We are dedicated to the safety of your tank and gas supply. Our full services include:
- Propane delivery for residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural needs.
- Delivering and installing propane tanks and leading brands of appliances.
- Online bill pay.
- Installing propane and natural gas lines.