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FAQs

What impacts the price of propane for consumers?

In recent years, virtually every fuel source has experienced an increase in price. Three main factors contribute to higher propane prices:

• Higher Crude Oil and Natural Gas Prices−Because propane is derived from both crude oil and natural gas, its price tracks the prices of those energy sources – particularly the cost of crude oil, since propane competes mostly with crude oil-based fuels for heating.

• Seasonal Weather Conditions−Colder temperatures during the winter months increase the demand for propane, particularly for home heating. This, in turn, reduces supplies and leads to higher prices. Propane retailers are prepared to meet the demand, but predictions of long-term weather trends are difficult.

• International Influences−The global propane market is constantly changing. New customers all over the world are turning to propane as a home energy source. As a result, there is increased competition for propane, which means higher prices.

Do retailers make more profit during sudden price increases?

No. When wholesale propane prices rise, retailers don’t see larger profits. The effect is similar to what happens to orange juice prices after an early season frost. The grocery stores don’t make any extra money because they’re paying more for the product too.

Why can't Mallory's warn me before prices go up?

Because we know of price changes when you do. Unfortunately, we aren't psychic, so price changes are determined by our gas supplier daily, with no long-term predictions given to us.

Are there steps I can take to lower my winter energy bill?

Yes. While the factors that contribute to higher fuel prices cannot be controlled by propane retailers or consumers, there are some simple steps customers can take to lower their energy bill year-round:

• Mallory's offers customers who qualify for credit the ability to establish a "budget" account. With this type of payment system, the seasonally high bills are balanced over the course of a year, so budget customers can pay for the gas they use in the winter incrementally during the summer months.

• Mallory customers can also establish themselves as "route-fill" customers. As a route customer, your driver will monitor the tank levels himself and keep you full, thereby eliminating the need to keep an eye on your tank level.

• Customers who anticipate using a lot of gas during cold weather should have their tanks filled before the start of the cold season to alleviate the increased fuel bills during cold months.

• Switch to a propane water heater, which provides significant energy efficiency over an electric water heater. Over time, propane water heaters can cost one-third less to operate and recover hot water twice as quickly as electric water heaters.

• The federal government is offering a tax credit of up to $500 per home for qualifying improvements made during the 2006, 2007, and 2008 calendar years.  Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements including high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment such as propane water heaters and furnaces. For more information visit www.energytaxincentives.org

Are there state or federal government energy assistance programs available?

Yes. The U.S. Department of Energy sponsors a weatherization assistance program to help eligible households permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Application information is available on the Internet at www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/apply.html  

Additionally, the federal government sponsors the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Administered for consumers by state governments, this program can help qualified low-income households meet their energy needs. For more information about LIHEAP, call toll-free at 1-866-674-6327, send an email to energyassistance@ncat.org, or go to www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap.

What is propane?

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, in roughly equal amounts from each source. Most propane used in the United States is produced domestically, with about 15 percent imported from overseas. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.

Is propane dangerous to the environment?

No. Propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane also is nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil or water.

Is propane is a safe fuel?

Yes. The propane industry has developed numerous methods to make the transport and use of propane safe:

• Propane equipment and appliances are manufactured to rigorous safety standards.
  Propane has a narrow range of flammability when compared with other petroleum products and has the lowest flammability range of any fossil fuel.
• Propane will not 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 the air.
  Because it is released from a pressured container as a vapor, propane can’t be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels. Propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn't contaminate aquifers or soil.
  
• 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.
• New propane cylinders are manufactured with an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) that shuts off the filling process when the tank reaches 80 percent of its liquid capacity. This allows for changes in fuel volume caused by temperature variations without any release of gas from the tank. This is especially important during hot Texas summers, when the liquid propane in a tank will boil faster than in cold weather, therefore creating more pressure in the tank.

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Propane Cylinders

The most common type of LP Gas container is the propane cylinder, commonly known as a bottle. Cylinders range widely in size and use. Most people are familiar with propane bottles as the source of fuel for their gas grills. Industrial LP Gas consumers are also familiar as forklifts are commonly powered by propane and use cylinders as a portable gas supply source. Shown below are the most commonly used propane cylinders that Mallory's keeps in stock for residential and commercial applications.

Vertical Propane Bottles (Cylinders)

	20# Bottle OPD is required	Capacity (gallons) Weight (empty) Weight (full) Overall Height Diameter BTU Capacity	4.7 gal 18 lbs 38 lbs 18 inches 12.5 inches 430,270
	30# Bottle OPD is required	Capacity (gallons) Weight (empty) Weight (full) Overall Height Diameter BTU Capacity	7.1 gal 24 lbs 54 lbs 24 inches 12.5 inches 649,980
	40# Bottle OPD is required	Capacity (gallons) Weight (empty) Weight (full) Overall Height Diameter BTU Capacity	9.4 gal 29 lbs 70 lbs 29 inches 12.5 inches 860,542
	100# Bottle OPD is not required	Capacity (gallons) Weight (empty) Weight (full) Overall Height Diameter BTU Capacity	23.6 gal 68 lbs 170 lbs 48 inches 14.5 inches 2,160,509

Industrial Propane Cylinder Dimensions

The table of dimensions below consists of average industrial propane cylinder measurements. These dimensions are not precise cylinder measurements but rather approximate measurements of both steel and aluminum industrial gas bottles. Contact Mallory's for exact dimensions and measurements.

	20# Steel	20# Alum	33# Steel	33# Alum	43# Steel	43# Alum
Capacity (gallons)	4.7gal	4.7 gal	7.9 gal	7.9 gal	10.3 gal	10.3 gal
Weight (empty)	26.5 lbs	19.5 lbs	35 lbs	23 lbs	40 lbs	27 lbs
Weight (full)	46 lbs	40 lbs	69 lbs	56 lbs	83.5	70.5 lbs
Overall Height	19.5 inches	20.5 inches	27 inches	28.5 inches	33 inches	34 inches
Diameter	12.5 inches	12.5 inches	12.5 inches	12.5 inches	12.5 inches	12.5 inches

Cylinder Transportation Safety Tips

• ALWAYS transport and store a cylinder in a secure and upright position so it will not fall, shift, or roll.
  
• ALWAYS close the cylinder valve and, if required, seal with a plug, even if the cylinder is empty.
  
• NEVER keep a filled cylinder inside a hot vehicle or transport it inside a closed trunk.
  
• ALWAYS place the cylinder in a well ventilated area of the vehicle.
  
• ALWAYS proceed directly to your destination and immediately remove the cylinder from your vehicle.
  
• The law places limits on the number of cylinders and the amount of propane that can be transported in closed-bodied vehicles such as passenger cars and vans. Please ask a Mallory's technician any safety questions you may have.