Summer is underway, and we know you have been busy grilling! You may have been so anxious to fire up the grill, that you forgot to make sure your grill cylinder certification is up-to-date. Or maybe you only recently bought your first propane grill and the process of recertifying a propane tank is completely new to you.
Franger Gas is here to help! We can walk you through the process of recertifying your propane tank, and bring you up to speed on all there is to know.
Why does a Propane Tank need to be recertified?
Portable propane tanks like the 20 and 30 lb tanks on the front of travel trailers or connected to your grill are known as DOT cylinders, or Department of Transportation cylinders – because they are meant to be transported and carried around.
Because propane is a highly flammable liquid and gas that’s stored at a high pressure the Department of Transportation requires all portable propane tanks to be recertified periodically to make sure tanks used out on the road are safe.
So while it might seem like a simple process to take your tank to a local retailer to have it refilled when it runs dry, the process is actually monitored by the United States Department of Transportation. If you try to refill a tank that is due for recertification, you will be turned away until that tank is recertified.
How often does a Propane Tank need to be recertified?
Propane tanks are good for 12 years from the date of manufacture. After that, tanks typically need inspecting and recertification every five years. To check your tank’s status, look at the collar at the top of the tank. You’ll find the date of manufacture stamped into the collar using the typical month and year code. A tank stamped 08 18, for example, was manufactured in August 2018.
When the tank is recertified, the company certifying it will either add a sticker to the tank with the inspection date on it or stamp its own mark into the top of the cylinder. A recertified date code consists of the letter A, B, C, or D as well as a two-digit number. The letter in the code indicates the quarter, and the number signals the year that the tank was recertified. A stamp that reads B 20 indicates certification during the second quarter (April, May, or June) of the year 2020.
There are a few more things to note about the dates/tags listed on your propane tank, and how it indicates the propane inspection type performed on your tank:
Date Only
If your propane tank shows only a date, with no letter following it – this is typically the manufacturing date and indicates you will need to have your propane tank recertified within 12 years of the date on the tank.
Date followed by a Letter
An “S” on the tank after the date indicates an internal hydrostatic method was used for inspection. This means you have 7 years before needing your DOT propane tank checked again.
An “E” following the date listed on your tank means the tank was inspected only visually and externally. This means you will need your propane tank inspected within five years of that date.
The codes are meant to let you and any future technicians who examine the tank know when it was last checked and in which way.
How to Recertify a Propane Tank
Now that you understand the reason and timing behind recertification – we will explain the simple process of having your propane tank recertified. You can follow these quick and easy steps and you will be back to grilling or RVing in no time!
Visit frangergas.com to find the nearest Franger Gas location.
No appointment is necessary!
Bring your tank to one of our refilling locations for recertification. We will inscribe your tank with the inspection date and recertification date. Note: There is a nominal fee for recertification.
Once your tank has been recertified, it’s time to get grilling!
Why Choose Franger Gas?
Recertification is necessary if you want to be able to refill your DOT propane cylinder. When it is time to refill your propane tank, there are many reasons to choose Franger Gas. In fact — you can save money every time you refill your propane tank at Franger Gas.
Exchanging cabinets at a nearby store might seem convenient. But you usually don’t get a full cylinder when you replace your tank at one of those cages.
Refill your grill tank at Franger Gas to guarantee you get a full tank every time. You’ll also avoid flat rate fills. That means you pay only for the gas we put in your cylinder, which we measure by weight.
For more information on re-certifying your propane tank, contact us!
Switching your propane provider to Franger Gas is simple and rewarding. In just three easy steps, you can have the best propane service around:
1. Sign up with Franger Gas.
After choosing to end your existing contract with your old provider, take a minute to enjoy the decision to switch from a company that doesn’t care about its customers to one that does. You’ll need to contact us to let us know exactly what you will need, such as a new tank or lease agreement on one of ours. If you already own your tank, get an online quote for our Guaranteed Pricing Program, or talk to one of our specialists at (574) 266-2118.
2. Schedule propane tank set up and installation.
If you do not already own a tank, your new propane tank will be provided for you. We will schedule a tank set up when you call us. This is the first step when a customer is changing companies. We will unhook the old company propane tank, move it aside to where they can retrieve it and then set our propane tank in its place. Then, the outgoing company can come and remove their equipment. Tank set up is always done before removal to eliminate a gap in service for the the customer.
Step 3. Enjoy the switch to Franger Gas.
You’ll get exceptional customer service that you can’t find at big companies. You’ll talk to a real person. We understand that when it comes to your home, you want personal service from a local business you can trust. With Franger Gas, you’ll always have someone there to help you with your needs. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re dealing with a company that’s been in business for over 75 years. You won’t regret your choice to switch propane companies to Franger Gas!
Franger Gas is a family-owned propane company that provides top-quality service to residential, commercial, and wholesale customers in the Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan areas. We are committed to providing our customers with outstanding customer service from a team of experts who care about you. We strive to live up to our motto: Large Enough To Serve, Small Enough To Care.
Franger Gas offers budget-billing and referral programs, tank monitoring and refilling, as well as many other programs and services such as tank refilling, annual inspections/safety checks, bulk propane orders, and more. Call us today at (574) 266-2118 or send us an email for more information!
Energy prices are skyrocketing – and for our Franger Gas customers, this means an impact on your finances. You aren’t alone. Millions of households are facing rising energy bills. Across the board, energy prices are rising in ways we have not seen previously. No source is immune — gasoline, propane, natural gas, and heating oil are all reaching record costs.
We encourage every one of our customers to take advantage of our Guaranteed Price Program now. We want to give you peace of mind and predictability. When you pay for propane gas as it is delivered, that can be hard on the budget and difficult to forecast.
Guaranteed Price Program is available now! GPP runs May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023.
What is GPP? It is our budget billing program that allows you to get a predictable energy bill. There is no cost to join and allows you to make the same payment every month. GPP is designed to offer a capped price and break down your total season’s heating bill into monthly payments. As a GPP customer, you are automatically enrolled in our worry-free Automatic Fill Service.
How does Guaranteed Price work?
We estimate your propane gas usage for the next 11 months, based on your past usage and tank size as well as factoring in weather and propane price forecasts. Prices will vary based on individual residential customer accounts.
We divide that amount by 11 to determine your monthly payment amount.
We review your plan throughout the year to make sure your budget amount is keeping pace with your actual usage. Guaranteed Price is settled in April and recalculated for the new plan year that starts on May 1.
The Enrollment Period is extended this year until June 15.
This is a free service for residential customers whose accounts are up to date, and you can discontinue it at any time
What are the benefits of the program?
Benefits to our Guaranteed Price Program include:
A Guaranteed Price (No higher than $2.599 for 250+ gallon tanks, and $2.999 for 100-gallon tanks, from May 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.)
Equal Monthly Payments (you can also make payments in advance)
Automatic Fill Guarantee (No extra cost for this great service)
Use our GPP payment calculator to determine if you qualify. You will receive an estimate of your monthly payment plan, and your estimated payment will be sent to a Franger Gas specialist who will be in touch to finalize your plan.
The rising cost of energy is currently one of the hottest topics in the country. Millions of households now face an even greater struggle to manage their finances as their energy bills skyrocket. Across the board, energy prices are rising in ways we have not seen before – from gasoline to propane to natural gas and heating oil. The change in price is significant, unpredictable, and impacting all of us.
Following a winter in which families experienced even higher costs than in recent years due to price hikes across the energy market and cold temperatures, the cost of home heating is on the minds of homeowners. Issues with home heating and related residential energy consumption will continue for years to come. Now is the moment to take control of the situation.
A quick look at the energy market
It’s fair to say that the current state of the energy market makes for pessimistic reading. The EIA report shows that residential electricity rose by 4.3% in 2021 to a cost of 13.72 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). While this is in line with the general rate of inflation on the Consumer Price Index, it does signal the biggest year-on-year increase since 2008.
Home heating costs climbed by over 50% for many households this past winter. Propane gas supply contracts for both summer and winter have already increased dramatically in cost.
Whether you’re in the 40% of households who face financial difficulties or not, there is no time to waste in the battle to get home heating and energy costs under control. There are three main areas to focus on – the energy source, the home’s efficiency, and how you use the property.
Select the right energy source
Perhaps the most important step in the battle to control your energy cost is to choose the right energy source. While the above-mentioned studies show households that are primarily heated by propane have been the biggest losers during the price hikes, it is still the most efficient solution compared to natural gas heating and other heating choices.
Considered a greener fuel than natural gas both before and after, Propane gas is the perfect choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners. Storing the fuel in tanks rather than relying on pipework can have benefits too.
While it remains cheaper than the alternatives, anyone using propane (or upgrading to it) must acknowledge the price hikes if they want to avoid financial strains. Therefore, it is essential to get your propane from the right supplier and find a residential plan that gives you the best value for money.
Guaranteed Price Payment Calculator
Do you qualify? What will your Guaranteed Price Payments be?
Use our Guaranteed Price Program calculator to find out what your budget billing payments will be.
Franger Gas delivers quality propane to residential and commercial properties throughout Indiana. We also offer wholesale fuel solutions, although the most effective option for controlling your energy cost is our Guaranteed Price Program service.
The program runs from May 1 to April 30 each year. We offer GPP to residential customers who are up to date with their current plan payments. What does this mean for you? You pay a set fee for your energy each month while your actual energy usage is calculated at the end of the year – Franger Gas then uses those figures to set your pricing plan for the month ahead. Franger’s GPP actively saves our customers money, up to 20c per gallon and it protects you against further price hikes over the year. Other benefits gained from this program include;
No nasty surprises, making it far easier to manage your home heating costs.
Pay the same amount each month, removing the seasonal winter increase.
Get your fuel automatically refilled through our Auto-Fill service.
In short, this solution saves time and money throughout the year. Despite the increase in propane costs, budget billing programs such as our Guaranteed Price Program help you manage your heating costs.
Make the necessary home upgrades
Getting the right fuel source is a great starting point that will ensure that the propane gas used costs less money. However, you should additionally try to overcome the current challenges of the energy market by using less energy.
Some home upgrades will require an initial expense but can save money in the long run while others are very affordable, to begin with. Try these ideas to see big improvements;
Invest in thicker windows and better roofing insulation to cut energy loss.
Invest in an efficient boiler and cover any radiator pipes to reduce heat loss.
Choose a smart thermostat that can deliver automated savings.
Clean the filters on HVACs and furnaces at least once per month.
Insulate the walls and floors and use ceiling fans to circulate heat.
Some of the jobs will additionally add value to the property as well as boosting your levels of comfort.
Change your Energy-Use Habits
Habitual changes have always been important in the effort to lower energy costs. However, families have become more accustomed to spending time at home throughout the pandemic, which makes our daily habits even more important to consider.
With the average home spending in excess of $2,000 per year on household utilities, the following checklist is helpful;
Always close the doors of any room that you are heating to prevent energy loss and drafts.
Always turn electronic items like TVs off at night rather than putting them on standby.
Save up to 15% of your home heating bill by reducing the daytime thermostat temperature by 10 degrees.
Keep drapes on south-facing windows open in the day to let heat in, and closed at night to keep it in.
Monitor the time you spend in the shower or use shallow baths.
While most of the steps focus on home heating, it is wise to think about water and electricity usage too. When you do, the savings will be much larger.
The final word on energy costs
There is very little you can do to stop the overall cost of energy from rising. However, switching to the right heating source and delivery program can help you minimize financial uncertainty. When supported by household changes and adjustments to our daily habits, you can make your energy work harder for you.
At Franger Gas, we are constantly monitoring the energy market and how it is impacting our customers.
We encourage every one of our customers to take advantage of our Guaranteed Price Program for peace of mind and predictability. Contact Franger Gas to enroll today!
Choosing the right heating source for your home is a big decision. Did you know that heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home – typically making up as much as 29 percent of your overall energy bill? And, depending on the heating system you choose, it can last upwards of 20 years. All of this makes it vital to take the time to investigate your home’s heating options.
This quick guide will help you choose the right home heating solution for your family as well as your finances. Let’s get started.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a heating source for your family?
It’s impossible to choose a suitable residential heating supply if you don’t first know what you are looking for. Statistics show that around 96% of the country is hooked up to a source of heating, with 47% relying on natural gas while 36% use electricity and 11% use other gas sources like propane gas.
One thing the percentages don’t reflect – is that most homeowners don’t consider the fact that they can change heating sources. Instead, they simply remain on whatever energy source was in place when they moved into their home.
However, switching to the best home heating solution offers a wide range of rewards when you prioritize the following features;
Cost – keeping your energy bill to a manageable level is the main goal for most homeowners, especially after recent price hikes. It is vital to know the cost of your heating per KwH and how it translates to the home heating cost.
Safety – every homeowner needs to know that their property is safe and choosing the proper residential heating will make a difference. Furthermore, making the right choice will put your mind at ease.
Environmental impact – reducing your carbon emissions is an increasingly important goal for families, and home heating is the perfect place to start.
Switching from one energy source to another may seem complicated, but it is a one-time change that can have a significant impact on your home. Given that it can save time, money, and the environment, it is a home upgrade that all families should consider.
Which heating source is best for your home?
As well as looking at the correct heating source, you will need the right heating system. The choice between a furnace, heating pump, and boiler, for example, can have a considerable impact. However, finding the best heating source should be your first goal.
No Heating Source
Some homes do not have any heating source. Southwestern territories show up to 15% of households have no heating source, which reflects the natural climate in those states. However, when living in Indiana (or most parts of the country), a heating source of some kind is necessary for cold winter months.
Natural gas
Natural gas is the most popular choice because it is often the source already in place. If the heating systems are in place, you may take the “don’t fix what isn’t broken” philosophy. Like any gas, it is deemed more reliable than electricity as it won’t drop out during a storm or power outage. Moreover, natural gas is cleaner than fossil fuels and easier to store. The supply across the Midwest and the rest of the United States is very good. However, natural gas is combustible and is not a renewable energy source.
Electric heating
Electric heating as a home heating source is also quite popular. Firstly, it is a solution that requires minimal initial cost as electric heaters are very cheap to purchase. It also offers a convenient option as the installation doesn’t require any changes to the property. However, it is an expensive choice – with electricity costing more than twice that of natural gas and propane. The costs are even higher once the heater becomes inefficient. It is also slower to heat your home and can be unreliable in power outages.
Propane gas
Propane gas for residential heating isn’t always a homeowners’ first thought for heating their home – mainly because it’s not the solution they inherit. The main disadvantage is that it requires an initial expense to make the switch. Meanwhile, it should be noted that it burns at a lower temperature, which does mean you will need to burn more if you want the same room temperatures as fossil fuels. For most people, though, this is not an issue.
Propane gas offers a multitude of benefits for those who want to heat their home and stay warm in the colder months. Those benefits include:
Propane is Environmentally friendly. The 1990 Clean Air Act lists propane as a green energy source. As well as low carbon content, it does not contaminate groundwater. If you are looking for ways to help the environment, switching to propane is a great way to do so.
Propane Gas saves money. It saves money compared to natural gas, even if the energy price has increased significantly in recent times. The Franger Gas Guaranteed Price Program schedule helps you cut the costs further.
Propane Gas is safe. It is a safe solution for your family as the storage tanks are far less likely to encounter punctures. Likewise, propane gas doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals. Propane gas produces heat, vapor, water, and carbon dioxide. It also has a remarkable safety record – due in part to codes and regulations put in place by the propane industry and National Fire Protection Association.
Propane Gas is reliable. Like natural gas, propane will continue to provide reliability when you have an electric power outage. When coupled with the fact it can be used for grills, furnaces, and more, it is a fantastic solution.
The verdict
Whether moving into a new property or upgrading the heating source in your current property doesn’t matter; propane is the best choice for your home. It’s safe, affordable, and reliable. It also signifies a huge step to reducing your carbon footprint.
And for our existing Franger Gas customers, you can further reduce your costs for heating your home with our Refer A Friend program at Franger Gas. Using this service can help a friend attain the benefits of heating their homes with propane gas and see a reduction in your bills with account credit.
Uses far beyond heating the home
Did you know propane can be used for so much more than heating? You can use Propane for:
Home Heating
Water Heating
Emergency backup generators
Gas logs, fireplaces and stoves
Clothes drying
Space heaters for three-season rooms and garages
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
Gas grills
Pool heaters
Hot tub heaters
Excellent Customer Service with Franger Gas
At Franger Gas, we deliver exceptional energy and exceptional service. We are a locally owned and operated family company that understands the community because it is our home as well. With over 75 years of propane experience, we know what it takes to get the job done. We offer several Residential Programs to help keep your cost down and your propane tank filled!
