You don’t need to worry about your propane going bad.

As winter gives way to spring in Kent County and throughout the First State, you might have found that you are using less propane at your home. This is almost certainly the case if your home depends on a propane-fired boiler or furnace in the winter. These home heating systems can burn through a lot of fuel when it’s freezing outside, so warmer temperatures bring slower propane consumption.

At Delaware Propane, we talk to many customers about how long they can keep propane in their home tanks before it starts to deteriorate. Is it possible for propane to “go bad” over the summer?

What is the Shelf Life of Propane?

Let’s get this out of the way right now: you don’t have to worry about your propane spoiling, deteriorating or losing combustibility from lack of use. Propane gas has a virtually unlimited shelf life. This makes it especially helpful for essential home equipment that sits idle for months on end. That would include gas-powered heating systems and standby generators. These systems can go without use for years, and you can be certain that the propane powering them will be good when you need it.

How Long do Propane Tanks Last?

We are pleased to report that the stationary propane tank supplying fuel to your home is built to last for a long time. Its lifespan isn’t infinite like the propane it holds, but an aboveground home propane tank can last 30 years or more. Underground tanks last closer to 20 years.

Some factors that will impact how long your tank lasts include its materials, whether it receives regular upkeep from a professional technician and, in the case of underground models, whether your tank installer took precautions to mitigate issues like underground electrical currents.

If you choose to lease a tank from Delaware Propane, we will handle the installation, maintenance, and repair of your tank. And when it’s time to replace your tank, we’ll take care of that, too.

How Much Propane Will You Use in a Year?

If you are trying to determine how much propane you will use in a year, there are some factors you need to consider, including:

• How much propane-fired equipment you own
• The age and efficiency of this equipment
• How large your home is and how well it is insulated
• How warm you generally keep your home in the winter

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) offers some general guidelines about how much fuel each type of propane product will typically use annually. Here are some examples:

• Propane furnace — 550 gallons
• Direct vent fireplace — between 16 and 55 gallons, depending on usage
• Clothes Dryer —28 gallons
• Gas Range — 17 gallons

Need a Propane Fill-Up? Contact Delaware Propane!

Delaware households trust our dependable team to take care of their propane needs 365 days a year (plus one day more for leap years). We offer free Keep-Full automatic delivery service, where we handle all the planning for you. Using your customer profile and current weather conditions, we’ll determine exactly when you’ll need propane and arrange a delivery.

Ready to enjoy total peace of mind from a propane company that truly values your business? Contact us to become a Delaware Propane customer.

Get your propane grill in working order before spring arrives.

We’ve dealt with more than our fair share of frosty winter weather in Sussex County and throughout Delaware, but spring is not too far off.

As you’re making your “spring cleaning” list, consider what needs to be done to get your propane gas grill ready for the warm weather. If you didn’t give the grill a solid cleaning before the winter, now is a good time to scour and wipe your grates and cooking racks, clean your heat plates, empty the grease trap and clear any old food or ash from the grill.

You can also test your grill to make sure it will light without issue. If the burners don’t ignite, there could be a problem with your grill tank. The team at Delaware Propane has some tips that might help.

Why isn’t your grill lighting?

Here are some common reasons why your grill may not light up:

1. There are blockages in the burners. Scrub with the grill off. You can use a toothpick to clear blocked ports.
2. Your ignitor is out of power or broken. If the ignition mechanism uses batteries, put in a fresh set. Otherwise, you may need to repair or replace the mechanism.
3. Your tubing is clogged. Spiders sometimes make homes in your venturi tubes over the winter. You can clear these blockages with a bottle brush.
4. Your grill isn’t receiving propane. Confirm your propane cylinder’s valve is open. If it is, your grill tank may be empty.

Is your grill tank empty?

Many grills have scales in their storage compartments, which will tell you approximately how much fuel is in your propane cylinder. If yours doesn’t, there are three simple ways to check how much propane you have:

• Weigh the cylinder with a home scale. On the grill tank’s neck is a marking that says TW (Tare Weight) next to a number. This is the cylinder’s weight when empty. You’ll also see a marking that says WC (water capacity), which is how much fuel it can hold. After you weigh the cylinder, deduct the TW and divide the resulting number by the WC for the percentage fill.
• Use hot water. Since propane absorbs heat, you can find the fill line by pouring hot water over the cylinder and feeling for where the metal goes from warm to cool.
• Get an external tank gauge. You can find these products at most hardware stores. They attach to your cylinder’s valve and provide digital or analog readings. Some even tell you how much cooking time you have left.

How do you check for a leak in your grill tank?

When attaching a grill tank to your barbecue, it’s a good idea to do this simple leak test:

1. Mix a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap and put it in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto the propane cylinder valve, your grill’s hose and the regulator.
3. Open the cylinder valve and inspect all the places where you applied the solution. If you see bubbles, gas could be escaping.
4. Close the valve and tighten all your connections.
5. Reopen the valve. If you still see bubbles, there is likely a leak. The cylinder, hose or regulator will need to be replaced.

Why is your grill tank hissing?

Another issue that you might experience while grilling with propane is a strange hissing sound. The most common reason for a grill tank to hiss is that its internal pressure is too high. There is a pressure relief valve on your cylinder that springs open automatically when pressure builds up too high. As pressure is relieved, the tank might hiss.

Turn off the grill immediately if you hear hissing. Once cylinder pressure returns to a safe level, the valve will close, and the hiss will end.

Need to get ready for the start of grilling season? Visit Delaware Propane at 2443 S Dupont Blvd in Smyrna from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a propane cylinder refill. Contact us for details.

Propane furnaces and boilers offer exceptions and efficient heat.

From intimate boutiques and moderately-sized eateries to multi-story office buildings and large manufacturing facilities, there’s a wide variety of commercial buildings that need dependable HVAC solutions.

When temperatures drop in New Castle County and elsewhere in our service region, the commercial propane team at Delaware Propane finds itself delivering bulk fuel to many properties. Without our propane, patrons and employees would not have a warm, safe environment in these commercial buildings.

Here are four reasons that businesses love propane heating.

Propane Heating Equipment is Efficient.

Propane generates a robust 91,452 British thermal units (Btu) of heat per gallon. This allows today’s commercial propane furnaces to have heating capacities ranging from 44,000 to more than 1 million Btu’s per hour. These furnaces can also achieve fuel efficiency ratings of up to 98.5%! That means your commercial property’s fuel dollar is going almost completely to heating your space — not out of a flue.

Converting a building’s old oilheat boiler to propane gas can similarly yield fantastic efficiency savings.

Propane is Affordable.

Almost all the propane used in the U.S. comes from right without our borders. (Our country became a net exporter of propane in 2011.) While this domestic production does not fully insulate propane’s price from global energy markets, it still makes it more stable than many other heating fuels. Additionally, you can be confident that the domestic supplies of propane are reliable.

Propane Works Where You Do.

There’s no need for a utility to power a propane heating system. Many of the Delaware businesses we serve don’t have access to a natural gas connection. Even those who do often prefer heating equipment powered from an on-site propane tank because they don’t need to worry about system-wide utility outages.

Plus, with a propane-powered standby generator, your commercial property is also protected from all-too-common grid blackouts.

Propane is a Versatile Fuel.

Propane can power many efficient, high-performance systems and appliances. The commercial propane tank that powers your building’s furnace or boiler can also power:

• A traditional or tankless water heater system
• Cooktops, stoves and other commercial kitchen/cafeteria equipment
• Commercial-grade clothes dryers
• Standby power generators
• Outdoor and indoor space heating solutions
• Gas fireplaces, stoves, firepits and other appealing fire features

In short, your business enjoys a lot of functionality from one affordable, American-made energy source.

Talk to Delaware Propane Today!

If your First State commercial property uses propane heating, then the Delaware Propane team can ensure you always have the fuel you need. We are a locally-based retailer with deep ties to the communities we serve. Unlike the national chains, our team is personally committed to your business’s success. We will work closely with you to develop a commercial propane delivery plan tailored to your needs and budget. We are always available to our customers. Our responsive employees will promptly address your last-minute fuel needs to keep your operations moving.

Get in touch with Delaware Propane today to start reliable fuel delivery service.

Delaware Propane takes the stress out of installing and maintaining your tank.

Have you recently added propane heating equipment or other gas appliances to your home that requires a propane tank? Are you looking to make a change from a fuel provider that left you hanging when you needed a propane delivery?

Many homeowners worry about adding propane service or switching propane companies because of the stress of securing a new propane tank.

Luckily, there is a low-cost, low-stress option for homeowners in Kent County and throughout Delaware Propane’s service region: a propane tank lease.

How do you lease a propane tank?

Propane tank leases are a convenient alternative to owning your tank. In essence, you rent a tank from the company that delivers your fuel for a small fee. As long as you’re a customer, the company will handle all the upkeep of that tank, including repairs and replacement if your propane needs increase.

What are the pros of a propane tank lease?

Much like leasing a car, leasing a propane tank is typically more affordable and limits your exposure to the disruptions and sudden expenses that maintaining a tank can bring. Propane tanks can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the amount of fuel storage you need. An established propane supplier like ours has a range of tanks and can help you choose the best tank size.

We also install, connect and safety-test the tank for you. We handle all ongoing maintenance and are there for you if you need an emergency repair. Plus, we can replace your tank if you add more propane appliances.

Are there cons to a propane tank lease?

Most Delaware Propane customers prefer leasing a tank from us, but there are trade-offs involved in leasing versus owning a tank.

The biggest potential downside to a tank lease is that only one propane supplier can fill the tank for you. If you change propane companies, you could potentially face a termination fee and will likely need to get a new tank. Owning a tank means you can choose any propane company you like (though they will probably need to inspect your tank and see proof of ownership). You can also hire any licensed propane technician to maintain and repair your tank. It’s crucial that you do not attempt to service your propane tank yourself. This can lead to gas leaks and other significant safety risks.

Lease a tank with Delaware Propane.

When you choose Delaware Propane as your full-service home comfort provider, you enjoy not only dependable propane delivery but also affordable, no-stress tank leasing. We have tanks in the following sizes:

• 100 pounds
• 200 pounds
• 250 gallons
• 330 gallons
• 500 gallons

We’ll work with you to choose a propane tank that matches your fuel usage needs. Then, we’ll install it and make sure it serves your home for years to come. We also offer wireless propane tank monitoring, so you and Delaware Propane can track your fuel usage and ensure you never run out.

Reach out to our team to make the switch to a better propane tank and world-class fuel delivery.

Making sense of the gas stove debate.

In the last year, you might have heard that gas stoves can be dangerous, negatively impacting indoor air quality. This issue has prompted some state governments to discuss banning certain cooking appliances from new construction. Other states are passing “preemption laws” to prevent bans.

Where did this sudden debate over gas staves originate?

Earlier in 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sought public input on hazards associated with gas stoves. The CPSC is the government agency tasked with reducing the risk of injuries and deaths related to faulty consumer products. This is the extent of federal action on gas stoves. You don’t need to worry about the U.S. government confiscating your stove.

Let’s take a moment to consider some of the studies that have drawn links between cooking with gas and respiratory issues — and separate fact from conjecture.

”Gas Stoves” and Propane Stoves

In December 2022, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a study that concluded that “12.7% of current childhood asthma nationwide is attributed to gas stove use.”

Like many such studies, this one confines its description to “gas stoves.” But a natural gas stove is much different from one fueled by propane.

Methane Leaks and Other Concerns

An earlier study from researchers at Stanford focused on 53 natural gas stoves, all of which leaked methane, even when turned off. It also noted, “In addition to methane emissions, co-emitted health-damaging air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into home air and can trigger respiratory diseases.”

Methane may be a significant concern with natural gas stoves since natural gas primarily comprises methane. But there is no methane in propane, so you don’t need to worry about it with a propane range or oven.

Nitrogen dioxide has been shown to contribute to breathing problems like asthma. A 2016 study at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab found that boiling water on a natural gas stove produces nearly twice the amount of nitrogen dioxide than the outdoor standard established by the EPA. Again, this is a serious concern for natural gas stoves, which are used in roughly one-third of U.S. homes.

It’s also worth noting that the research on this topic is far from closed. A Lancet Respiratory Medicine abstract found “no evidence of an association between the use of gas as a cooking fuel and either asthma symptoms or asthma diagnosis.”

The Issue of Particulate Matter (and Ventilation)

Another worry is particulate matter, microscopic solids or liquid droplets that can be inhaled and cause health problems. Particulate matter exists with all cooking, whether you’re talking about a gas range or an electric stove. Even a toaster oven can produce particulate matter.

That’s why it’s crucial that you properly ventilate your cooking area with a stove hood or, at minimum, an open window.

The Question of Electric Stoves

Homes and professional chefs alike tend to prefer the high performance and efficiency of propane stoves. Propane flames quickly generate a lot of heat, and you can adjust a propane stove’s temperature with incredible precision. Once you’re done cooking, your range will cool quickly after the flame goes out.

That is not the case with electric stoves, which can remain extremely hot long after you’re through cooking. Moreover, a National Fire Protection Association study found that electric ranges cause household fires at a rate 2.6 times greater than gas ranges, civilian injuries at a rate 4.8 times higher, and civilian deaths at a rate 3.4 times higher.

Whether you cook with gas, electricity or any other safe energy source should be your decision. Feel free to reach out to Delaware Propane with any questions about your propane appliances.

Global factors can make propane gas’s price fluctuate.

It has been increasingly challenging to manage a home budget. In only the last couple of years, we have seen supply chain woes, surging inflation, fuel embargos and other international dynamics that have affected prices on almost everything. At various times, prices of chicken wings, car parts, gasoline and other commodities skyrocketed. Some have yet to return to earth.

Propane is a commodity like all the other items listed above, but it has a unique set of factors that can make its price increase or drop. In Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties, Delaware Propane provides the fuel that keeps First State households warm and comfortable. Our propane delivery ensures the uninterrupted operation of gas ranges, water heaters and clothes dryers — not to mention a range of home amenities.

It’s worth noting upfront that propane has been remarkably affordable in 2023. This summer, propane commodity market rates were over 50 percent lower than in 2022. Here are some factors that cause propane rates to fluctuate and programs we offer to stabilize your fuel billing.

Local and International Demand for Propane

As with any commodity, propane is vulnerable to price changes related to supply and demand. Residential and commercial demand increases in our part of the country during the winter. Propane consumers across the U.S. and abroad can substantially impact the price, too. Farms increasingly rely on propane for crop drying, and petrochemical producers need it to create plastic, paper, adhesives and detergents. This demand impacts pricing considerably.

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Markets

Propane is predominantly a co-product of natural gas extraction and crude oil refining. The good news for U.S. consumers is that almost all the propane we use in this country is produced domestically. That’s a big reason why propane’s per-gallon price tends to be lower than heating oil, diesel or gasoline. But as a co-product of natural gas and crude oil, propane’s price also tracks those fuels.

Several global issues in recent years have had severe implications for those fuels. They included COVID-related refinery disruptions, international conflicts and OPEC production cuts. We’ve also contended with the unfortunate influence of energy speculators looking to make a quick buck when price uncertainty happened in the market.

Production, Storage and Transportation Costs

America’s largest propane storage hubs are in Kansas and Texas. Getting that fuel to the East Coast can be costly — more so when roads are icy. Locally, storage and delivery costs can impact propane’s per-gallon rate. At Delaware Propane, we work hard to keep our costs low and pass the savings on to you.

Let Delaware Propane Take the Stress Out of Propane Delivery.

While propane prices may go up and down, your monthly fuel bills don’t need to. Delaware Propane can take the uncertainty out of the equation with our pricing and payment programs :

• Budget Plan — Instead of paying for your propane in full on delivery, you can spread your expenses over 11 even monthly payments. You’ll pay the same amount each month, and your winter expenses will drop!
• PreBuy — You can buy your full winter’s propane (minimum 300 gallons) before temperatures drop and lock in your rate.

Contact Delaware Propane for more information about these pricing programs .

Delaware Propane offers customized commercial propane solutions.

Whether you run a restaurant, hotel, manufacturing center, farm, construction site or other commercial enterprise in Delaware, you need to know that you have sufficient energy to keep your business operating.

Running out of propane could mean lost work hours, ruined crops or customers left in the cold. At Delaware Propane, we develop customized bulk propane delivery plans for commercial clients in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. Here are some essential functions our commercial customers use bulk propane for.

Permanent and Temporary Heat

Propane generates a significant amount of heat — 91,452 Btu per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A propane furnace can reliably heat air to 140 degrees, and propane-powered temporary heating provides dependable and mobile warmth.

Bulk fuel from Delaware Propane will:

• Power commercial-grade furnaces and boilers for schools, hospitals, hotels and other public and private spaces.
• Warm up construction crews during Delaware’s frigid winter months.
• Ensure stable overnight temperatures on building sites and keep cement, paint, join compound and other materials from drying incorrectly.
• Warm outdoor spaces at restaurants and other hospitality businesses by up to 25 degrees with powerful patio heating.
• Heat outbuildings and greenhouses in agricultural settings.

Agricultural Uses

Beyond its heating capacity, propane offers efficient farm-specific power with lower emissions than diesel and gasoline. Propane’s agricultural roles include:

• Clearing weeds without the use of harmful chemicals.
• Quickly and safely drying crops.
• Powering irrigation pumps.
• Fueling commercial mowers.

Commercial Forklifts

Propane-powered forklifts offer an excellent balance of power and adaptability.

Unlike diesel and gasoline-powered forklifts, propane forklifts can operate indoors safely because of their low carbon monoxide, sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. Unlike electric forklifts, they can also work outdoors in rainy conditions.

Propane forklifts have major advantages over electric counterparts. They lose no lifting or moving capacity as their fuel runs low. One propane cylinder can power an entire shift, and there’s no extended charging time. Just attach a new fuel cylinder and get moving!

Propane Appliances and Amenities

So many First State businesses use propane to power a wide range of products, including:

• Commercial-grade propane water heaters
• Propane clothes dryers
• Fire features like gas logs and fire pits
• Commercial kitchens

These products ensure the comfort and enjoyment of so many Delaware consumers. Their customer experience would not be the same without them.

Standby Generator Power

When the grid goes down in our part of the country — a too-common occurrence these days — many buildings can’t lose power, including hospitals, nursing homes, emergency response centers and schools.

Propane standby generators are the gold standard for power generation in these circumstances. With its unlimited shelf life, propane outpaces diesel and gasoline for dependability. Propane is there when you need to keep lights, heat, and life-saving equipment running during a blackout.

Let Delaware Propane be your bulk propane provider.

We don’t want you to settle for unreliable fuel delivery for your commercial venture. Delaware Propane has reliable relationships with fuel suppliers, the best delivery team around and an intimate knowledge of Delaware’s roads, climate and economy. We’ll work with you to create a bulk propane plan that works — and we’ll always be here when you call!

Don’t wait for an emergency propane runout at your business! Become a customer today.

We have propane cylinders for grilling, RVs and outdoor amenities.

Fall is around the corner in Delaware, but grill season remains in full force. Outdoor chefs from Kenton to Milton prefer propane to fuel their barbecues. There are countless advantages to having a propane grill:

• Are you planning an impromptu cookout? There’s no need to spend time lighting charcoal and waiting for it to heat up. Just turn on your grill and toss on some burgers.
• You won’t ruin your perfectly seasoned trout or marinaded pork loin with lighter fluid tastes. Propane has no chemical taste or smell.
• Need to cook chicken at high heat and ribs at lower heat? You can set precise burner flames on either side of a propane grill.
• Don’t worry about messing up your outfit cleaning up ashes. Just turn off your propane grill and brush off the grates. No muss, no fuss!

To enjoy all this convenience and ease of use, you need a reliable supply of premium fuel. That’s where Delaware Propane comes in. We’re the most trusted propane provider in the First State.

What kind of tank does your grill use?

By and large, freestanding propane grills are designed for 20-pound propane cylinders. You can attach a larger portable tank to most grills, but the storage compartment is typically meant for a 20-pound cylinder. This size is commonly available at grill tank exchanges at hardware stores, gas stations and other businesses.

A 20-pound propane cylinder will provide about 18 to 20 hours of cooking on a medium-size grill.

What else are portable propane cylinders used for?

Grilling is certainly not the only use for a portable propane tank. These cylinders also power:

• Gas firepits
• Patio heaters and other outdoor heating products
• Recreational vehicles
• Camping stoves
• Propane bug traps

In addition to these residential uses, many manufacturing centers, warehouses, construction sites and distribution centers use forklifts powered by propane cylinders.

What should you do when your propane cylinder runs out?

When you need more propane for your grill, there are two options: refill your cylinder or exchange it for a full tank.

In pretty much every scenario, refilling your cylinder is more affordable than exchanging it. You avoid restocking fees and other charges, and Delaware Propane makes it even easier and more affordable.

You can visit our office at 2443 S. DuPont Blvd. in Smyrna, DE, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for the most affordable grill tank refill in the area. Refills cost $20 Monday through Thursday, and on Friday, they’re only $15! *

Delaware Propane is a full-service home comfort provider.

If you use propane for multiple systems and appliances in your home — including home heating, hot water, cooking and drying clothes — then Delaware Propane can keep you supplied with premium fuel. We offer affordable tank leasing (with no charge for swapping out) and no-fee Keep-Full automatic propane delivery. You’ll enjoy total peace of mind in your home fuel supply.

Reach out to our team today to join the family of Delaware Propane customers.

*Special rate is subject to change. Contact Us for details and restrictions.

Everything you need to know to start cooking with your gas-fired barbecue.

Why do so many backyard chefs prefer grilling with a propane gas grill? It has many advantages over charcoal:

• There’s no lugging bags of coals, struggling to light them or waiting for them to warm up. All you need to do is turn on the grill and light the burner.
• Propane is typically cheaper than buying bags of charcoal.
• Propane’s temperature control is far superior.
• With charcoal, you get lots of smoke and a lingering lighter-fluid taste. Not with propane, though. You can be confident that the flavors of your steaks, burgers, fish and veggies will take center stage.
• Done cooking? Propane grills require minimal cleanup.

If you just purchased your first propane grill, congratulations! The team at Delaware Propane is here to supply you with fuel and provide answers to your grilling questions.

What kind of propane tank should I get?

Almost all freestanding grills use a 20-pound cylinder. This is the tank size you see at virtually all grill tank exchanges. At Delaware Propane, we offer affordable grill tank refill services that are less expensive than the typical exchange at a home store or gas station. Come down to our office at 2443 S. DuPont Blvd in Smyrna, DE (Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.).

We can also offer advice on attaching your propane cylinder and checking for leaks.

What should I do if my new propane grill doesn’t light?

Today’s propane grills typically have a push-button ignitor, which you hold down while slowly turning the knobs on your grill. You should hear the ignitor click, and your burner will fire up with a row of blue flames. If this doesn’t happen, turn off the burner knob and wait two minutes for the gas to dissipate. If the grill doesn’t light when you try again, there could be issues to address:

1. Make sure the valve on your propane cylinder is open.
2. Ensure your cylinder is attached correctly and there are no leaks.
3. Wipe off any moisture from the burners.
4. If the ignitor isn’t clicking when you push the button, it might need a new battery.

If addressing these concerns doesn’t fix the problem, consult the vendor who supplied the grill to you.

How often should I clean my propane grill?

After each cooking session, you should clean your grates and racks. Use a stainless steel brush to scrape off any burnt food or other mess after the cooking surface has cooled down.

It’s also a good idea to do a thorough cleaning every six months to prevent the accumulation of grease and other debris that can cause fires. In these cleaning sessions, you should empty the grease trap, remove ashes, and wipe down all grates, racks, burners, heat deflectors and other components.

How long can I grill with one propane cylinder?

With a medium-sized grill, one 20-pound propane cylinder supplies about 18 to 20 hours of cooking time. Larger grills may burn through an entire cylinder in 10 hours.

When the time comes to replenish your grill fuel, come down to Delware Propane for a cylinder refill. And if you have any questions about propane, don’t hesitate to contact our responsive team!

Step-by-step instructions for changing a propane cylinder and checking for gas leaks.

Over 60 percent of American grillers use gas to cook their food, and propane is the overwhelmingly popular choice. Propane is efficient and creates a powerful, easily adjustable flame. You get minimal smoke and no chemical taste from propane, so the delectable flavors of perfectly seasoned steaks and marinated shrimp kabobs shine through.

Most freestanding propane grills use portable cylinders. When it’s time to change out a spent cylinder, the team at Delaware Propane can refill your cylinder and offer some tips on safely connecting it to your barbecue.

How do you change out the propane cylinder on your grill?

Here’s a step-by-step guide for swapping out the cylinder on a propane grill. But before you do any of these steps, ensure that your grill is turned off and your current cylinder’s valve is fully closed.

1. Generally, a freestanding propane grill’s cylinder is located behind a door on a lower compartment. To disconnect the current cylinder, unscrew the threaded pressure regulator by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Some propane grills have a restraining bolt that holds propane cylinders in place. If yours does, then loosen it to remove the tank.
3. To connect the new propane cylinder, reverse the process: ensure the valve is fully closed, place it in the grill compartment, tighten the restraining bolt (if applicable) and reconnect the pressure regulator.

Replacement propane cylinders often have a plastic safety cap over the tank valve assembly. So be sure to remove that first.

How can you ensure no leaks in your new propane cylinder?

There is a simple, do-it-yourself test to identify propane leaks on a grill cylinder. This test also checks for leaks on your pressure regulator and hose. Do this test right after connecting your new cylinder.

1. Mix a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Spray this solution onto the cylinder’s valve and the grill’s hose and regulator.
3. Open the cylinder valve and inspect all the places where the solution was applied. If you see bubbling, there could be a leak.
4. Close the valve and tighten all your connections.
5. Reopen the valve. If you still see bubbling, there is likely a leak. The cylinder, hose or regulator will need to be replaced.

Is it better to refill or exchange a propane cylinder?

In pretty much every circumstance, refilling your propane cylinder is a better deal than exchanging it at a home store, gas station or hardware store. Most people don’t let their propane cylinder run out entirely, and if you take a cylinder with a little bit of propane to a tank exchange, you’re effectively forfeiting that fuel.

At a cylinder refill station, you only pay for the fuel going in, plus you avoid the overhead and restocking fees associated with tank exchanges.

And customers in Delaware get an even better deal by refilling their propane cylinders at our office at 2443 S. DuPont Blvd in Smyrna, DE. (Open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.)

We’ll refill your propane cylinder for only $20 Monday through Thursday, and on Fridays, you get a special rate of only $15 per fill!*

Reach out to Delaware Propane with any of your gas-powered grilling questions.

*Special rate is subject to change. Contact us for details and restrictions.