What to know about owning your propane tank
It’s important to know your responsibilities if you choose to own a propane tank
Each year and especially just before the heating season begins, we receive requests from prospective customers regarding the purchase of propane tanks. Many people don’t understand the liability involved with owning your own tank for propane and think this is ideal for shopping around for the best price on propane gas. Here are a few things to take into consideration before you make that purchase:
- For both above ground and underground propane tanks:
- With ownership comes the responsibility of general tank maintenance.
- Propane tank installation, maintenance and repair should only be performed by a qualified service technician. It is recommended that you find a service technician that will take care of your tank BEFORE you purchase one.
- The final locations of the propane is crucial! Local and federal codes set minimum installation requirements from buildings and property lines.
- Keep in mind that a propane delivery truck and personnel need clear access to the propane tank and that the propane delivery truck’s hose has a maximum delivery length.
- The propane tank needs to be in a safe location – avoid areas where vehicles routinely drive or snow is plowed.
- Make sure the tank warranty is transferrable. Many times the manufacturer’s warranty only applies to the original buyer.
- For undergound propane tanks:
- Many states require that undergound propane tanks installed after January 1, 2011, must have a cathodic protection system to help prevent corrosion of the tank. Over time, corrosion can create pits or holes in the tank and lines. Without proper protection, leask can occur, resulting in personal injuries and property damage. As the tank owner, you are reponsible for the installation and periodic testing of the cathodic system.
Finally, and most importantly, before purchasing an above ground or underground propane tank, check with your homeowners insurance. Some insurers may have special conditions or requirements specific to tank ownership.
Combined Energy Services does not sell large propane tanks. Underground tanks are leased for as little as $1 per year and above ground tanks are subject to a minimum use fee. The fee is dependent upon the size of the tank and if the minimum usage is met, there is no yearly charge.
Winter Weather Safety Tips
Prepare for Every Possibility!
Before, during, and after a storm, there are a few key things to consider to keep your family and your home as safe as possible.
Create an emergency plan:
- A flashlight and extra batteries.
- Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
- Extra food and water. High-energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
- Extra medicine and baby items.
- First aid supplies.
- Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. Learn to use properly to prevent a fire, and be sure to have proper ventilation.
- Fire extinguisher and smoke detector. Test your units regularly to ensure they are working properly.
Install a UL-Listed gas detector and CO sensor
You won’t know that you have a carbon monoxide leak without a working alarm. So, test alarms regularly and replace them every five to seven years depending on the manufacturer’s label. For the best protection, have carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
Carbon monoxide alarms are not interchangeable with smoke alarms, and vice versa. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are available. According to the EPA, these need to be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. Many are plug-in and installed directly in receptacles.
Check & Clear out exhaust pipes
While the exhaust vents and pipes should be well above the snow level, please keep exhaust vents are clear of snow and ice. Blocked exhaust vent pipes prevent the burned fuel fumes from exiting your home properly, leading to a backup of carbon monoxide inside your home.
Plan for Communications
Inspect damage cautiously
IF YOU SENSE DANGER, CALL THE EXPERTS
Q & A on Home Heating Fuel Deliveries
Your propane & home heating oil delivery questions answered
We receive a lot of questions regarding deliveries of propane and home heating oil. Here are the answers to the most common questions:
Propane Service
How do I order propane?
Call our office at 800-874-1975.
What are your delivery methods?
CES has two acceptable delivery methods:
1. Automatic Delivery – Deliveries are made on a period schedule or a degree day based system. Automatic Delivery is a free service offered to all customers. The service is merely intended to assist customers from running out of fuel. Being on automatic delivery is not a guarantee of never running out of fuel. There are many variables, such as increased fuel consumption, issues in unattended homes and inclement weather, which make such guarantees impossible. Typically, we try to deliver when you tank is at 30%.
2. Customer Requested Delivery – (will call deliveries) The customer calls for deliveries. CES must be notified 5-7 working days before the desired delivery date. We recommend that you order fuel when your tank gauge reads 30%. If you run out before we are in your area there are delivery fees that will apply. Delivery fees after hours and on weekends are more than during regular working hours.
Is there a minimum delivery?
There is also minimum delivery of 150 gallons or fill tank for those less than 150 gal capacity. Requests for short deliveries are subject to a $75 delivery fee. This does not apply to our automatic delivery customers. We encourage all customers to go on automatic/keep full deliveries and to use our convenient 12-month BUDGET PAYMENT PLAN which will spread your bills out evenly.
What happens if I run out of fuel?
If a customer runs out of gas the system must be pressure tested (leak checked) prior to resuming service. This action is classified as a billable service call and will be charged our prevailing hourly rate during normal business hours and an overtime rate after normal business hours.
Fuel Oil – Home Heating Oil
How do I order fuel oil – home heating oil?
For first time deliveries, call our office at 800-874-1975. If you already are a customer, you can order online or through the CES app.
What are your delivery methods?
CES has two acceptable delivery methods:
- Automatic Delivery – Deliveries are made on a period schedule or a degree day based system. Automatic Delivery is a free service offered to all customers. The service is merely intended to assist customers from running out of fuel. Being on automatic delivery is not a guarantee of never running out of fuel. There are many variables, such as increased fuel consumption, issues in unattended homes and inclement weather, which make such guarantees impossible. Typically, we try to deliver when you tank is at 30%.
- Customer Requested Delivery – (will call deliveries) The customer calls for deliveries. CES must be notified 5-7 working days before the desired delivery date. We recommend that you order fuel when your tank gauge reads 30%. If you run out before we are in your area there are delivery fees that will apply. Delivery fees after hours and on weekends are more than during regular working hours.
Is there a minimum delivery?
There is also minimum delivery of 150 gallons or fill tank for those less than 150 gal capacity. Requests for short deliveries are subject to a $75 delivery fee. This does not apply to our automatic delivery customers. We encourage all customers to go on automatic/keep full deliveries and to use our convenient 12-month BUDGET PAYMENT PLAN which will spread your bills out evenly.
What happens if I run out of fuel?
If a customer runs out of heating oil, you may need to have a service tech restart your furnace. This action is classified as a billable service call and will be charged our prevailing hourly rate during normal business hours and an overtime rate after normal business hours.
Is it time to pull the plug
How old is your water heater?
According to the Propane Education Research Council (PERC), a year for you is like 10 for your water heater. So before your hot showers or baths disappear take this quick quiz on Propane.com and find out if it’s time to start shopping for a newer, more efficient propane system – How long Does Your Water Heater Have?
If the quiz told you your water heater’s lifespan is almost over, start shopping now! Here’s a few things you should know 
about switching to propane water heating:
- Most propane powered storage water heaters are smaller than electric with the same capacity;
- Most are Energy Star qualified;
- Save 13 – 16 percent annualy in energy costs; and
- Up to 46 percent fewer green house gas emissions than electric units.
Switch out your water heater…Before it’s too late!
If you already rely on propane in your home for heat, cooking or other appliances, upgrading to a propane water heater is a no-brainer. Watch this video to learn why it may be time to pull the plugh on your electric water heater.
Contact us today at 800-874-1975 to find out more and click the button below to schedule a free quote.
6th Location Opening Soon
Combined Energy Services, AllGas and Tri-State Carbonation Service are excited to announce the opening of a new location at 155 Route 303 in West Nyack New York.
Combined Energy Services is the regions #1 family owned and operated energy company. Providing dependable propane gas to the area, CES will operate the only propane storage facility in Rockland County New York.
Known throughout the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as the most dependable and competitively priced energy supplier, CES looks forward to delivering propane to local homes and businesses throughout Westchester & Rockland counties in New York and Bergen & Passaic Counties in New Jersey.
Our experienced sales representatives will discover your needs, let you know exactly what we can do for you and lay out all your options. Some of the services we offer include:
- Dependable Propane Gas Deliveries
- 24-hour service for your heating equipment
- Complete installations of gas heating & hearth equipment
- Oil tank removal / excavation – gas heating conversions
- Propane Tanks of all sizes & colors installed at no cost
- Buried propane tanks leased for $1 per year when heating with gas
- Propane water heaters, gas fireplaces, space heaters, logs, garage heaters
- Price cap & budget payment plans to smooth out winter heating bills
- Servicing year-round homes, businesses, and seasonal camps
- Convenient office & showroom
- Family owned & operated since 1968
AllGas & Welding Supply will bring a complete welding supply store including all the highest quality industrial and specialty gases, welding equipment and supplies, along with filler metals and safety equipment. Since 1980, AllGas has been the premier welding supply company serving downstate New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey with a state-of-the-art filling plant in Monticello, NY that is also getting a new location.
We look forward to opening in West Nyack and serving the community.
Finally, Tri-State Carbonation Service (TCS) will additionally join the location to round out our service offerings. TCS offers complete, quality-driven carbonation solutions for the restaurant and beverage dispensing industries. Supplying and servicing compressed gas customers for over 35 years, TCS provides a hassle-free affordable alternative to high pressure cylinder tanks through bulk tank systems. Our bulk tank systems provide a continuous reliable supply of CO2, and automatic deliveries, will help minimize waste and maximize profit.
TCS also offers blended gas systems of CO2 and nitrogen that provide three precise gas mixtures to meet your quality kegged product requirements. These systems generate beverage grade nitrogen on site and aid in eliminating over and under carbonation. Using a gas blender, these compact units take up minimal space and produce the quality mixture required by the brewer.
Carbon Dioxide additionally works well for pH control in wastewater and swimming pool systems. They operate with several grow houses provide carbon dioxide for plant health and natural pest control. Their experienced sales professionals look forward to working with you on your specific requirements.
Watch for our grand opening celebration coming spring 2021.
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