Uses For Propane

Facts About Propane

What does propane cost per gallon? (top)

The cost per gallon of propane is determined by the user's annual consumption. Simply put, the more you use the less it cost.

How do I know if I have a leak? (top)

Propane in its natural state is colorless and odorless. Therefore a commercial odorant is added to help detect the presence of propane in air. The best way to describe the smell would be to compare it to a rotten egg, it smells very sulfuric.

Do you charge a tank rental fee? (top)

No, we do not charge a monthly fee for tank rental, or any other monthly rental fee. Although many companies charge a monthly fee for the use of the tank, usually ranging from $3 to $5, we do not. We own the tanks and the regulators and you own everything else. Merrill Gas does not have any hidden costs!

Can I buy my own tank? (top)

Yes you can buy your own tank. In fact if a customer owns there own tank they get a 15 cent discount per gallon.

Can I pre-buy my gas? (top)

Depending on economic and other considerations Merrill Gas will make a yearly decision regarding whether or not to offer pre-buying. The decision is usually made by July 1st of each year. If our pre-buying program is offered the details are as follows: The amount must be determined and paid in full by September 1st. The price per gallon will be a determined amount lower than your normal price. Any amount of gallons used throughout the year over the pre-bought amount will be billed at the current price for the date in which they are delivered. There is a minimum amount of 500 gallons. Each year we also determine how many total gallons we will make available. Therefore pre-buying is offered on a first come first serve basis. When the available gallons are used we will no longer be able to offer the discount.

How does a budget plan work? (top)

At the beginning of the budget season in June we examine your past years annual consumption and divide it by 10 to determine your average monthly payment. For the next 10 months you will receive a statement in the predetermined amount, which will also include any other charges not covered under the Budget Plan such as service or parts. This statement must be paid by the 10th of each month. In March when the budget plan ends you will receive a final statement for the remaining balance. This amount will reflect the difference between the actual amount due and what you have previously paid during the plan period.

Facts About Propane

What Propane Is (top)

  • Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas or LPG. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.

Propane is a Safe Fuel (top)

  • Propane won't ignite when combined with air unless the source of ignition reaches at least 940 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, gasoline will ignite when the source of ignition reaches only 430 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If liquid propane leaks, it doesn't puddle but instead vaporizes and dissipates into air.
  • Because propane is virtually odorless and colorless in its natural state, a commercial odorant is added so propane can be detected if it leaks from its container.

Propane is Environmentally Friendly (top)

  • Propane is one of the lightest, simplest hydrocarbons in existence, and as a result, is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels.
  • Burning coal to generate electricity releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Per pound of fuel burned, coal emits more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide as does propane. By using propane gas instead of electricity, consumers can cut emissions and help preserve the environment.
  • Propane gas in nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil and water. Because propane does not endanger the environment, the placement of propane tanks either above or below ground is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • According to the EPA, much of the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere, which produces acid rain, is attributable to coal-fired, electricity-generating facilities. In contrast, neither the process by which propane is produced nor the combustion of propane gas produce significant acid rain contaminants.
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