FAQs

Propane is a naturally safe energy source and provides many benefits that ensure worry-free comfort. Propane has enviable safety record and history due to the strict regulations and stringent codes developed by the propane industry in association with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Every aspect of installation, storage and tank filling has been evaluated to ensure the highest standards of safety and worry-free operation. 406 PROPANE technicians are leaders in the industry on safety, and are highly trained to install and test propane gas appliances.

Propane is a naturally safe energy source and provides many benefits that ensure worry-free comfort. Propane has enviable safety record and history due to the strict regulations and stringent codes developed by the propane industry in association with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Every aspect of installation, storage and tank filling has been evaluated to ensure the highest standards of safety and worry-free operation. 406 PROPANE technicians are leaders in the industry on safety, and are highly trained to install and test propane gas appliances.

Here are a few tips to ensure a safe environment when using propane:

• Use scratch-n-sniff samples from 406 Propane to become familiar with the chemical odorant of propane, which smells a lot like rotten eggs
• Do not tamper with gas supply lines
• Never attempt a “do-it-yourself” repair on any gas appliance
• Know where any underground or above ground gas service lines are located, especially when doing yard work
• Do not tamper with any safety devices, regulators or storage tank fittings
• Know where your main gas shutoff valve is located

5 Tips for Grilling Safety

1. Always keep the top open when lighting a grill until you are sure that it is lit
2. Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill
3. Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks
4. When finished grilling, turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve
5. Make sure the grill is clean. When finished grilling and the grill is turned off but hot, clean off  the grates. Once the grill cools, clean out the collection tray.

The proper sequence for starting your gas grill:

1. Open the grill lid; never light a gas grill with the lid closed
2. Turn on the gas supply
3. Turn the ignition burner to high
4. Light the ignition
5. Turn on the second, third or fourth burner if needed
6. Adjust burners to desired temperature

By following this sequence, excess gas will not accumulate inside the grill when lighting.

If you are unsure whether your propane gas system is working properly, one of our trained technicians will perform a Gas Safety Check. This important safety and preventative maintenance inspection takes 30–90 minutes and your system will be tested for leaks and checked to ensure it meets all applicable safety standards. It involves your entire propane gas system, including the tank, pipes, regulators, gauges, connectors, valves, vents, thermostats, pilots, burners and appliance controls. When completed, you can be assured that your system is safe and in good working condition.

If you think you smell propane in your home, RV or the area around any gas equipment; or if a gas alarm signals the presence of propane, you should do the following:

• Extinguish all smoking materials and turn off any open flames
• Vacate the building or vehicle immediately
• Do not use any electrical switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones in the affected area
• Turn your main gas shutoff valve to the off position (righty, tighty)
• Call 406 PROPANE and/or your local fire department from a cell phone or neighbor’s phone
• Do no re-enter the building until advised to do so

An odorant is purposely put into the tank to help easily detect leaks or broken pipes. Safety is our #1 priority.

Even if you do not continue to smell propane, do not turn on the supply valve until a qualified 406 Propane service technician or emergency personnel tests for escaped propane. NEVER test for propane using an open flame. Only suitable leak detection devices should be used. Your 406 Propane service technician will check all of your appliances and re-light any gas pilots when the leak situation has been fixed.

• Call 406 Propane customer care team
• Turn off gas at the tank
• Wait for company employee to arrive

• Turn off the appliance
• Get everyone to fresh air immediately
• Open windows and doors to air out the room or building
• Call 911 or call your local fire department to check for CO contamination

Propane is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels. It creates less pollution, providing all of us with cleaner, more breathable air.

• Propane is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as well as the National Energy Policy Act of 1992–making it an ideal energy source for those dedicated to protecting and preserving our planet. By using propane gas instead of electricity, you can cut emissions and help preserve the environment
• 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 than propane.
• Neither the process by which propane is produced nor the combustion of propane gas produces significant acid rain contaminants.
• In contrast, according to the EPA much of the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere, which produces acid rain, can be attributed to coal power plants. Reducing your electricity usage can make a powerful difference to our environment.
• Propane is nontoxic, so it’s not harmful to soil or water.
• Because propane does not endanger the environment, the placement of propane tanks either above or below ground is not restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• New propane-fueled vehicles can meet the very tough Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards, and many models even meet the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards without sacrificing power or performance.
• Propane is called “autogas” when it is used as a vehicle fuel. Autogas is an economical, environmentally friendly vehicle fuel that is easy to use.

Lower utility costs, make your home more comfortable and reduce your impact on the environment all at once. On average, propane costs about half as much per BTU as electricity. Propane gas fireplaces cost 30–60% less per hour of operation than wood burning fireplaces.

By relying on propane for various applications in your home, including heating and power for your appliances, you’re lessening your dependence on the electric grid in the event of an electric power outage. With propane you can still have heat, hot water and hot food during outages even in the worst of weather conditions.

Over 90% of the propane used in America is made in the U.S., reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

On average, a propane heating system is 20 degrees warmer compared to electric heat pumps that dispense cooler air.

With propane you get more hot water from your tankless water heater because it recovers 2.5 times faster than an electric one, and it costs about 30% less to operate. You can reheat a whole tank full of water in just 20 minutes with propane, compared to an hour with electricity!

Convenient and portable, propane is an energy source that can be used virtually anywhere, from the country to the city.

Propane creates far less pollution than the power plants supplying you with electricity, so you help protect the environment by providing cleaner, more breathable air. It is also insoluble in water so it presents no risk to soil and ground water supplies.

Propane gas furnaces last an average of 20 years, while electric heat pumps last an average of 14 years. It also costs less to repair a propane gas furnace than an electric heat pump.