Expert Answers To Our Most Frequently Asked Propane Questions.
General FAQs:
What makes Anderson Propane different from other propane companies?
We make it easy and affordable to power your home and business with clean, green propane. Total customer satisfaction is always top of mind for our team and conveniences like online account management and remote tank monitoring streamline your everyday needs to make life easier!
In fact, we not only make your life easier with our customer conveniences, but we truly are a one-stop shop. When you purchase an appliance from Anderson Propane, we will install gas lines, pull permits for the work, schedule safety inspections, and install and maintenance almost all of the items we sell. How convenient is that?!
Why should I choose propane over electricity?
This is one of our favorite questions because we have so many good answers!
Switching to propane is an immediate and effective way to make a positive impact on the environment because it is a low-carbon alternative fuel that produces 43% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the grid. In 2020, 60% of all electrical power generation in the United States came from burning coal or natural gas. By replacing heavy carbon engines and appliances, clean and renewable energy like propane can accelerate decarbonization today. Learn more about the benefits of propane!
How can I switch to Anderson Propane from another provider?
All you have to do is contact our office to start the process. We’ll guide you through your options and schedule our technicians to visit your home.
What do I need to know if I own my propane tank?
While you are the owner of your propane tank, you are required to test the tank’s cathodic protection system every three years. This test must be conducted by a trained technician at your expense. You must also maintain all the outside piping and regulators at your expense. In addition, be sure to contact your homeowner’s insurance to ensure you are able to own your own propane tank.
Contact our team with any additional questions or to schedule those services.
How do I know when my tank needs a refill?
We recommend you sign-up for our Automatic Delivery program or choose remote tank monitoring to ensure you never run out of propane. We use advanced, weather-based monitoring to estimate tank levels for our customers on the Automatic Delivery program. This innovative tool allows us to schedule delivery when we estimate your tank is low. For those of you with remote tank monitoring, we’ll send out a technician when you need a refill!
Customers keeping an eye on their fuel levels as part of our will-call program should contact us when the tank reaches 30%. We do not recommend establishing your account as a will-call account. While we typically can guarantee delivery within 5-7 business days, bad weather can extend that time frame due to unsafe driving conditions and the volume of requests.
How do I know how much propane is in my tank?
Each propane tank has a gauge that shows how much fuel is currently in the tank. When we fill a propane tank, we only fill it to 80% capacity to allow for the natural expansion that can happen in warm weather. Please keep in mind that weather conditions and your lifestyle can impact the amount of propane you use. If you have company over the winter and the weather is extremely cold, we recommend you take a look at your gauge and contact us when it gets close to 30%.
Are you going to top off my tank?
No. We believe in over-delivering on SERVICE, not gallons. We never top off a tank just because it’s convenient for us. Using our sophisticated forecasting modeling, we’ll monitor your propane usage and route a truck to your location when your levels are low (usually at about 30% full) or when we identify a significant need due to changes in local weather.
Can I pay my propane bill online?
Yes! With online account management, you can handle most of your propane needs:
- View account history and statements
- Sign-up for a propane payment plan
- Request delivery or a service call
- Pay bills and set up automatic payments
- Request paper copies of your invoices and statements
- View estimated tank levels and sign up for Automatic Delivery
Does Anderson Propane work on gas appliances?
We service most brands we sell out of Anderson Propane and Anderson Hearth & Home. To find out if we can service your appliance, contact our team to get a list of brands!
I’m having some work done in my yard. Do I need to do anything about my propane tank?
If you’re planning an outdoor project or home addition that stretches into your yard, you need to make two calls:
- Call Us: Propane gas lines are privately owned, meaning Virginia 811 will not mark their location. We’ll come out and mark the location of your underground tank and gas lines at no charge when you’re planning your project.
- Call Virginia 811: Other underground utilities could be in your yard. Contact Virginia 811 at least three business days before beginning any digging.
I’m putting my home on the market. Do I need to do anything with my propane account?
The health and safety of our community are paramount to Anderson Propane. That’s why it is our policy to perform a FREE Gas Safety System Check when occupancy changes in a home that currently has one of our leased tanks. We will verify the connection and document any previous or new appliances and units that are within the home. Service is disconnected on the day of closing to properly close your propane account. To avoid any delay in closing your account or interruption in service for the new owners, please contact us and ask the new homeowners to contact our propane offices immediately:
- Fredericksburg: 540-373-9096
- Richmond: 804-784-6041
Why should I buy a generator from Anderson?
We are a one stop shop! We work with a licensed and insured electrical company who will install your generator for you.
Will you install a generator if I purchase it somewhere else?
Unfortunately no, for warranty purposes we can only install units we sell.
Will you install just the propane tank and gas line if I purchase a generator from someone else?
We sure will, but we hope you will give us a chance to impress you with our great service!
Can I replace my tanked water heater with a tankless gas water heater?
In most cases, yes. However, sometimes due to the current location of your existing water heater we may not be able to properly and safely vent the new one. To be 100% sure, give us a call!
Will a tankless water heater give me instant hot water?
The water in your home still has to travel the same distance as it did with your tank water heater. You can expect the water to stay hot the entire time you use it without going cold.
Will I save money with a tankless water heater?
Yes you will. The upfront cost may be more expensive, but you will save money on your fuel bill right away and over time, you’ll recoup your initial investment.
How do I terminate service?
If you would like to terminate service please contact our office. We will put your account on hold so no further deliveries can be made and work with you to schedule a date for tank pick-up.
Propane Safety FAQs:
How Can I Tell If Propane Is Leaking?
Propane is naturally odorless so distributors add ethyl mercaptan to create a rotten egg or sulfur smell. If you smell that, you may have a leak. Contact us asap and we’ll send a representative to inspect your set-up.
How Do I Store Propane For My Grill?
If it’s possible, we recommend storing propane away from the house, like in a shed. You can store propane in your garage, as long as it’s well ventilated. Most importantly, do not store propane under your grill and keep it out of direct sunlight.
I’m Digging In My Backyard. What Should I Do About My Propane Tank?
If you’re planning any projects that involve digging near or around your underground propane tank, give us a call. We’ll come out to your home and mark the tank and gas line locations for free so you can avoid them while working on your project.
Do You Own Your Own Tank?
Although most homeowners lease their propane tanks from the company that provides them with fuel, some people may own their own tanks. Here are two useful publications about customer-owned tanks.
What Should I Do If I Smell Propane?
Propane is naturally odorless so distributors add ethyl mercaptan to make it smell like rotten eggs or sulfur. If you smell propane in or around your home or building, follow these procedures and guidelines:
- Do not turn on or use anything that initiates a spark, such as: light switches, flashlights, electrical devices or phones.
- Evacuate the building and property
- Call 911
- Call Anderson Propane:
- Fredericksburg Area: 540-373-9096
- Richmond Area: 804-784-6041
- If you are comfortable doing so, turn off the supply of propane to the cylinder or tank.
If you or someone in your home has a limited sense of smell, we recommend purchasing a propane gas alarm.
