Keep Your Propane Tanks Secure and Ready for Grilling Season

grill tank Menasha, WIIf you love grilling, chances are you have more than one propane tank on hand. Maybe you like to keep a backup tank for uninterrupted cookouts. Perhaps you have tanks for a patio grill, a portable grill, and propane for an RV. For one tank, or more, proper storage and organization are key to safety and convenience. Here’s how to store and manage your grill tanks like a pro.

Store Outdoors

Propane tanks should always be stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never keep them inside a house, garage, basement, or shed, as gas leaks in enclosed spaces can be dangerous. Instead, choose a level, shaded area away from direct sunlight and at least 10 feet from open flames, appliances, or ignition sources.

While propane tanks should be stored outdoors, extreme weather can cause wear over time. To prevent rust and corrosion, store them off the ground, for example on a pallet or concrete pad, or a storage cage. Keep tanks covered to shield them from rain, snow, and UV exposure—but avoid using plastic tarps, which can trap moisture and cause rust.

Keep Tanks Upright and Secure

Tanks should always be stored in an upright position to prevent leaks. The safety valve is designed to release pressure safely when the tank is upright, but if the tank is on its side, liquid propane could escape, creating a hazard.

Use cinder blocks to keep a single tank or two upright. If you have multiple tanks, consider a rack or dedicated propane tank holder to keep them from tipping over.

Stock Management

Since most portable propane tanks don’t have gauges, a great way to stay organized and keep track of how much propane you have on hand is to mark them with their purchase or refill dates. Use a permanent marker or sticker to label them, and always use the oldest tank first to ensure none sit for too long. This can be helpful for preventing expired or rusty tanks from being overlooked.

Transport Safely

If you need to move your propane tanks, always keep them upright, and secure them with a bungee cord or ratchet strap in your vehicle. Never leave them in a hot car for long periods, and always check for leaks using a simple soap and water test after they have been stored for a while.

When to Replace

Propane tanks have an expiration date, usually stamped on the collar. If your tank is expired, rusted, or damaged, you should replace it with a new one next time you come to Dale for a refill. We’ll sell you a new tank and handle recycling of your old tank.

We can inspect your portable tank whenever you come in for a refill, and we’ll let you know if it’s time for a new tank.

Ready for a Refill?

Summer is closer than you think. Propane is a versatile fuel that can power all sorts of backyard appliances including grills, deck and patio heaters, pool and spa heaters, insect traps, firepits and fireplaces—and more. Dale Gas makes it easy to keep the good times going with easy grill tank sales and refills. Just come by our store to fill up your tank or pick up a spare.

Contact us today for more information!

3 Ways Propane Is a Climate-Friendly Choice for Business

commercial propane Neenah, WIA lot of our commercial customers opt for propane because it’s a versatile and efficient choice to power a range of equipment and systems—from forklifts to space heating and more. That makes commercial propane a great choice for the bottom line. But propane is also an extremely clean and environmentally friendly fuel—and that can go a long way with customers who are paying attention to your carbon footprint, as well as help your business meet clean energy requirements.

Here are three key ways propane can help your business operate more sustainably while maintaining the power and performance you need.

1. Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

One of propane’s biggest environmental advantages is its lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to other fuels. Propane produces significantly less carbon dioxide (CO₂) than gasoline, diesel, and coal. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, propane generates about 12% less CO₂ than gasoline and 17% less than diesel when burned.

In addition, propane does not release methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is more than 25 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO₂ over a 100-year period. Natural gas, while often touted as a cleaner fuel, is primarily composed of methane. During natural gas extraction, processing, and transportation, methane leaks into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to climate change.

Plus, propane vapor does not contain methane, meaning businesses that choose propane over natural gas can help reduce overall methane emissions.

For businesses operating fleets, forklifts, or backup power generators, switching to propane can result in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the reliability and performance required for daily operations.

2. Reduced Risk of Spills and Contamination

Propane is one of the safest fuels available from an environmental perspective. Unlike diesel and gasoline, which can leak into soil and water sources, propane cannot contaminate groundwater or soil in the event of a leak.

In the rare case of a propane leak, there’s minimal environmental impact. Since propane vaporizes upon release, it does not leave behind residue or require extensive cleanup efforts. This makes it a safer choice for businesses that need to store and transport fuel, especially in industries where environmental compliance and risk management are top priorities.

3. High Efficiency and Renewable Potential

What does efficiency have to do with the environment? Propane generates more Btus than an equivalent amount of electricity, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. High-efficiency propane appliances, such as commercial water heaters, space heaters, and industrial equipment, use less fuel while delivering the same or better performance than electric or oil-powered alternatives—with lower emissions.

Beyond its efficiency, propane is also gaining traction as a renewable energy source. Renewable propane, which is produced from sustainable feedstocks like animal fats, plant oils, and biomass, offers the same low-emission benefits as traditional propane but with an even smaller carbon footprint. As renewable propane production scales up, businesses that already use propane will be well-positioned to transition to an even greener energy source.

The Bottom Line

As businesses look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing efficiency or reliability, propane has emerged as a cleaner, more sustainable fuel option. Whether you’re fueling vehicles, heating spaces, or running a commercial kitchen, propane offers a cleaner-burning, cost-effective alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Talk to the pros at Dale Gas. We can show you how incorporating propane into your operations can help your business take a meaningful step toward sustainability without compromising performance. Contact us for more information today.

Find Out All the Ways Propane Adds Value, Boosts Comfort

propane Appleton, WIMost people hear “propane” and think camping or backyard barbecues. If you’ve never lived in a propane-fueled home before, you might be surprised to know all the benefits.

Propane can provide steady, reliable heat energy at an affordable price. But propane also offers exceptional performance and efficiency in a wide range of home appliances at a much lower cost than electricity. Plus, propane heats quickly and burns cleanly, for a smaller carbon footprint and great value.

If you’re looking to enhance your home’s value and improve efficiency, updating or adding propane appliances is a savvy move. Here’s just a few of the ways propane makes the living easy—indoors or out.

Water Heaters

Water heating is a big percentage of home energy bills—especially when you consider how much hot water a household uses: bathing, laundry, dishwashing. An energy-efficient propane water heater can help you reduce your energy costs, and perform better too. Tankless water heaters save energy by instantly heating water when you need it, rather than keeping a large tank hot all the time. As a result, you can enjoy virtually unlimited hot water—while seeing savings of up to 40%!

Cooking and Grilling

Nothing beats the precision and control you get cooking with gas. That’s why it’s the first choice of professional chefs in the kitchen—and on the patio. Recent stories about gas stoves and indoor air quality are a bit misleading: While natural gas stoves can potentially emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, propane contains no methane. And, cooking of any kind creates particulate matter and affects indoor air quality, no matter what fuel is used.

Outdoor Living

Adding safe and efficient propane patio heaters can let you enjoy your outdoor spaces earlier in the spring and later into the autumn. fire pits and fire bowls become an attractive focal point and gathering space for entertaining friends and family. And propane fueled pool and spa heaters will warm up the water much faster than an electric heater, and maintain the temperature better once the water is warm. As a result, propane pool heaters help you keep heating costs under control, while letting you enjoy your pool or spa more.

Indoor Fireplaces

A propane fireplace brings all the ambiance and warmth of a wood-burning fireplace to any room, without the mess, smoke and ash. And unlike a traditional fireplace, you can install a propane-fueled fireplace just about anywhere: living room, dining room, bedroom, even the kitchen. Imagine the luxe, spa-like glamour of a fireplace in your master bath!

Backup Power

A propane standby generator runs on the same propane you use to power other appliances and equipment in your home. Because it’s directly wired to your home’s systems, it will come on within seconds of a power failure to keep your lights on and your refrigerator and furnace running until the utilities get the lines back up. Propane generators are also quiet, extremely efficient and clean-burning, with low emissions. Having a backup generator can even lower insurance premiums.

Ready for Propane?

Whether you are shopping for a new home, building your dream house, or just looking for ways to reduce your fuel bills, it’s good to understand all the value propane provides. The experts at Dale Gas have the experience and knowledge to answer all your questions and help make adding propane to your northeastern Wisconsin home easy. We’ll make sure you have the right size propane storage tank for your needs, and provide with great propane services like automatic delivery, smart payment plans to help keep costs manageable and so much more.

Contact us to become a customer today.

Let Dale’s On-site Fueling Service Streamline Your Operation

diesel Neenah, WIWhen it comes to fueling heavy-duty construction equipment, it’s all about power. Gasoline just doesn’t deliver the torque that’s needed to handle all that hauling, pushing, and pulling power: Think dump trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, forklifts, and concrete mixers. Those jobs require the power of diesel fuel. But when meeting deadlines counts, you can’t afford to take equipment off the site for refueling.

Discover how our fleet-fueling services deliver the power of diesel to your construction site.

What Is On-Site Fueling?

On-site fueling is the process of delivering fuel directly to your job site so construction equipment and vehicles can refuel without traveling to a fueling station. Trucks designed for fueling other vehicles or equipment can bring on- and off-road diesel depending on what your fleet requires.

Right Fuel for the Right Job

If you’re currently buying on-road diesel from a gas station for your off-road equipment, you are paying unnecessary taxes. From a chemical perspective, both fuels are identical. However, on-road diesel is clear, while off-road diesel is dyed a red color. That’s because off-road diesel is only for use in farm vehicles, construction equipment and vehicles that do not operate on public roads. Fuel for those types of vehicles is not taxed, so the cost is lower. The red dye identifies off-road diesel as untaxed fuel—and the fines are hefty if you get caught using it on an on-road vehicle. We’ll make sure you’re fueling your vehicles with the right fuel.

Delivery You Can Count On

Dale’s on-site fueling service is designed to be flexible and work on your schedule, so you can refuel fleets overnight or during downtime, and avoid delays and disruptions. And working with a single dealer you can trust means you can count on high-fuel quality, reducing equipment problems that result from inferior discount fuel.

Our experienced team will work with you to customize a delivery schedule based on your current and future needs. Our staff has fuel management expertise that takes the stress and guesswork out of commercial fuel deliveries. We provide easy ordering and on-time deliveries so you can keep your focus on your business and your fleets on the road.

We know how important it is for you to get your diesel fuel on time. And if unexpected problems arise, we can usually handle same-day emergency deliveries.

The Bottom Line

If you think your construction operation can benefit from on-site fueling, or you have questions about how on-site fueling can work for you, the team at Dale Gas & Oil is here for you. We deliver on- and off-road diesel as well as gasoline to commercial customers across Outagamie, Waupaca, Winnebago, Waushara and Shawano Counties, and we can tailor a fleet fueling program for your operation

Our commercial and business partnerships are important to us, and we provide the same superb and attentive service to our commercial accounts as to our residential clients. We’re committed to delivering real value that goes beyond competitive prices.

Contact us for more information about commercial on- and off-road diesel fuel delivery now to become a customer today.

7 Ways This Versatile Fuel Can Raise Your Scores

propane Appleton, WI If you are a facilities manager for a school or university, you know that costs are rising, and you need to fight for every dollar and justify every operating expense. Whether it’s a public or private institution, your school board needs has to answer to a range of stakeholders, and providing real value is essential. That’s where schools and universities can take a lesson from other businesses that use propane.

Propane is a clean, efficient and versatile fuel that can be used in a wide range of applications from heating to food service, and beyond. What’s more, is propane not only better for the environment—it’s also great for the bottom line, especially for educational institutions, where dollars are scarce. Here are seven smart ways propane can take you to the head of the class.

1. Green

Compared to other heating fuels—including electricity—propane leaves a much smaller carbon footprint. It heats quickly and burns cleanly, and costs on average 2.5 times less per Btu than heating with electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Propane is also extremely safe, with a very narrow range of flammability.

2. Superior Heating

Propane is great for heating spaces—it delivers twice the heating energy than natural gas, and heats spaces more quickly and evenly than electricity. Also, propane equipment runs more efficiently than heating oil equipment, and requires less maintenance and lasts longer. Whether you need to heat classrooms or dorms, propane offers clean, efficient and effective heat.

3. Hot Water

Everything that makes propane great at creating heat makes it just as efficient at heating water Propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon. That makes them ideal for commercial dishwashers in cafeteria kitchens, as well as for water heating for bathrooms and laundry rooms. Compact tankless propane water heaters can provide hot water to handwashing sinks in bathrooms and dorm kitchenettes on demand, rather than keeping huge tanks of water hot.

4. Food Service

Whether your campus is serving three-plus meals a day to thousands of hungry college students or nourishing breakfasts and lunches to school children, any professional chef will tell you cooking with gas is the key to turning out consistently great food, cost-effectively. Propane allows for the temperature control you don’t get with electric cooktops, which improves cooking time, and reduces scorching and the resulting food waste.

5. Groundskeeping

Clean-burning propane can power much of the landscaping equipment you use to keep school grounds and athletic fields manicured. It will also power snowblowers in winter, reducing reliance on diesel-powered plowing. Propane also puts less wear on equipment, meaning less downtime for repairs out of the shop and keeping your groundskeepers working.

6. Fleet Fueling

Propane autogas is a clean, green option for school busses and vans. It’s rapidly becoming the approved choice because it offers students an emission-free ride, while providing a cost-effective fueling option.

7. Backup Generation

Wisconsin saw a record number of tornadoes in 2024. As weather patterns continue to change and storms get more powerful, we could see that level of weather activity becoming the norm—or extending beyond the summer peak into the fall or earlier in the spring. Reliable backup power is essential, particularly for colleges and universities with students living on campus. Propane-powered standby generators will come on automatically when the electricity goes down to keep essential buildings powered up.

Ready to Learn More?

Schools and universities have a different mission, but from an operating perspective, they share many of the same need as hotels, hospitals and nursing facilities—which all get great value from the versatility of propane. As the region’s leading provider of commercial propane services, Dale Gas & Oil can work with you to show you how propane can benefit your school and create a customized program.

Contact us today for more information.

Here’s How Our Cold Winters Effect Propane

propane tank Outagamie, WI If you’ve spent even one winter in northeastern Wisconsin, you probably know how the cold can affect heating oil. But you may not have given much thought to how our frigid temperatures could affect propane—which is a gas.

You might be surprised to learn that propane is stored as a liquid in your tank—whether it’s a 150 gallon tank that provides fuel for heating your home, or the portable 15 gallon cylinders that you use to fire up your grill. However, unlike liquids like water that freeze at 32°F, propane is not affected by cold temperatures until it reaches -44°F. That’s below our average lows, which can get to -10°F and lower in January in these parts (though you could argue it feels -44°F).

Nevertheless, cold weather can still cause problems for the propane in your tank, particularly if your storage tank is above ground.

How Cold Affects Propane

When it’s extremely cold outside, the volume of propane inside your aboveground propane tank will contract, resulting in a loss of pressure. The problem is, if the pressure becomes too low, the propane inside your tank will not be able to reach your gas burner. That means you may not be able to run your propane appliances, including your furnace or boiler. In addition to no heat, you need to worry about pipes freezing.

3 Ways to Avoid Low Pressure Problems

  1. Fill your tank. The best way to prevent pressure problems in your propane tank is to keep your tank at least 30% full. The more propane is in your tank, the more positive pressure there will be. When the forecast is predicting a stretch of low temps, check the gauge on your tank, and call us for a propane delivery. Or, sign up for our convenient automatic delivery service. We factor the weather into our deliveries, so we’ll make sure you never run low. (But, we ask that you factor in the weather too—please keep driveways plowed and sanded, and clear a path to your tank so we can deliver your fuel safely.)
  2. Keep the snow off. If you notice snow accumulating on your propane tank, brush it off. When sunlight can reach your tank, it keeps the propane inside warmer and slows contraction.
  3. Turn down the heat. It may seem counterintuitive, but another way to reduce pressure problems is to turn down your thermostat. Your propane-fueled furnace or boiler won’t run as often, so it won’t try to draw propane from the tank, allowing the pressure inside your propane tank to rebuild.

What About Portable Cylinders?

If you have a portable cylinder for your grill, it’s perfectly fine to leave it outside in the winter. By the time you’re ready to grill, any contraction from colder temps will have reversed. You should still store your tank safely in the winter. Never keep a propane tank indoors—even in a garage or shed. Propane tanks should always be kept in an open, well-ventilated, space, ideally out of the direct sun and at least 10 feet from your home. You should also make sure it’s in a secure, level, and upright position. Keeping your tank upright protects against damage that could lead to leaks.

Have More Questions About Propane?

The team at Dale Gas has the knowledge and resources to answer all your questions about the benefits of propane for your northeast Wisconsin home. And we can get you started, with the right size propane tank for your needs, reliable propane delivery, convenient pricing and billing options, and more.

Contact us for more information today.

Have Questions About Propane? Dale Gas Has Answers!

propane Oshkosh, WI For a lot of people, propane is the gas you use to fire up your grill, run appliances in your RV or maybe fuel a patio heater. When they learn it’s an efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile option for heating and other appliances in their homes, they have questions. If you’re looking for more information about propane gas, and all the ways you can use it to keep your family comfortable and manage energy costs, the team at Dale Gas has the intel.

How Can I Use Propane in My Home?

People are often surprised at how versatile propane is. Because it can be stored in portable tanks, people see it primarily as the fuel they use when they’re camping. But propane can be used for heating, water heating, and running appliances that use heat and hot water, like laundry equipment. Propane is ideal for cooking, and is the top choice of professional chefs, because a gas range offers more precise control than you can get with an electric range.
Ever wished for a fireplace but don’t have a chimney? Propane lets you add a hearth that delivers loads of cozy charm without the soot, ash or mess—no chimney needed.

Propane will also power a backup generator that will automatically go on when the power goes down. That means you’ll have heat, lights, security systems and more without waiting for the utility trucks to come make repairs.

How Is Propane Different from Natural Gas?

Good question! When it comes to using propane, it’s not very different from natural gas. That is, any way you can use natural gas in your home, you can use propane. But propane has some distinct differences—and benefits.

Propane is a byproduct of natural gas. As natural gas is processed, the liquid components are recovered, to prevent condensation from forming in natural gas pipelines. One of those components is propane gas.

Also, propane is delivered to your home and stored in a tank. You can select the dealer you choose, based on price alone, or based on the quality and reliability of the service.

To use natural gas, you need to live close enough to the infrastructure and be able to connect to the underground system of pipes that deliver gas to your home. You have to deal with a utility company, and don’t get a choice in where you order your fuel.

Is Propane a Liquid?

It’s another question that we get a lot—because on your invoice, we bill you per gallon. And the fact is, when we deliver it to you, propane is in its liquid form. To make propane easier to store and transport, it is compressed, which converts the gas to a liquid state. As it is released into the gas lines in your home, it expands into a gas. That’s why propane is also often referred to as Liquid Petroleum Gas, or LPG.

Is Propane Efficient?

Propane generates more Btus of heat energy than an equivalent amount of electricity, and it delivers more than twice the Btus of natural gas, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. Propane appliances are also very efficient, meaning they waste very little fuel in the combustion process. (On the other hand, about two-thirds of the energy used by a power plant to generate and transmit electricity is wasted.)

Propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174.

How Green Is Propane?

Propane is one of the cleanest fuels around. It produces minimal emissions. Propane also doesn’t harm soil or groundwater – an important factor when it comes to determining whether a fuel is “green.” Additionally, propane is a domestically sourced alternative fuel that can provide steady, reliable heat for a range of appliances at an affordable price.

Is Propane Safe?

Propane is very safe. Propane has very low combustibility, which means when it’s combined with air, the source of ignition must be at least 940°— twice as hot as what is required to ignite gasoline. While it’s a highly flammable gas under certain conditions, leaks are rare. Propane also has a distinct rotten-egg smell to help you quickly notice leaking gas. And, propane is nontoxic, posing no threat to soil and water, so installing propane tanks (above or below ground) is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Have More Questions?

The team at Dale Gas has the knowledge and resources to answer all your questions about the benefits of propane for your northeast Wisconsin home. Converting a home to propane is a straightforward, easy process that will leave you with lower energy bills and support a cleaner environment. The average conversion takes about two days, with little disruption to your life or comfort.

And, we can get you started, with the right size propane tank for your needs, reliable propane delivery, convenient pricing and billing options, and more. Contact us for more information today.

5 Smart Ways to Control Fuel Costs

diesel fuel Menasha, WI When you operate a fuel of diesel trucks, you have to budget for diesel fuel costs. It’s a nonnegotiable cost of doing business, and yet it can be extremely volatile. That can hit your bottom line, and it can affect your customers, too. We get it: We’ve been operating a fleet of diesel trucks for 75 years. One thing we’ve learned is that fuel efficiency can go a long way to helping keep costs under control, particularly when so much about the cost of fuel is out of your control. Taking a few easy measures to ensure your fleet is running efficiently can be a game changer.

1. Practice Good Maintenance

Regularly scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and engine tune-ups, can help ensure that your vehicles are running at their peak performance levels. Keeping your vehicles in good shape is not only good for fuel efficiency, but it reduces costly breakdowns and downtime for repairs.

Maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring wheel alignment will also improve performance, because vehicles won’t have to work as hard; that translates into fuel savings over the long term.

Another easy change is switching to synthetic oil. Synthetic oil has lower viscosity and helps reduce friction, which can optimize vehicle performance and enhance efficiency.

2. Reduce Drag

Improved aerodynamics isn’t just for racecars. It plays a significant role in the fuel efficiency of commercial vehicles, too. It’s particularly true if your fleet is driving at highway speeds. You can reduce drag—that is, anything that creates resistance as a vehicle is moving through air—with some simple adjustments. Consider adding aerodynamic fairings, side skirts, and trailer tails to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.

3. Good Driving

Teach your drivers efficient driving techniques. Simply practicing proper acceleration and braking, maintaining steady speeds, and avoiding excessive idling will significantly improve fuel efficiency. Consider developing an incentive program for your drivers based on fuel-efficient performance to encourage more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient driving habits.

4. Optimize Routes

If you don’t already do this, you will be surprised at the difference efficient route planning and vehicle utilization can make when it comes to maximizing fuel efficiency. GPS technology and route optimization software can help identify the most fuel-efficient routes and reduce unnecessary mileage. Optimizing vehicle load capacity and reducing empty trips can further improve fuel efficiency by ensuring that each vehicle is operating at maximum efficiency.

5. Fleet Fueling

If you’re fueling your fleet at retail gas stations, you can probably save money—and improve efficiency—by switching to fleet fueling.

For starters, you get to take advantage of wholesale pricing and bulk fuel discounts, but fleet fueling also delivers savings on mileage and miles-per-gallon. When you consider the cost per mile to operate each of your fleet vehicles, the cost to send them just a few miles out of the way to fuel up really add up! Onsite delivery removes those costs.

You’ll also receive detailed invoices (instead of gas station receipts that can get lost) so you can more accurately track your fuel usage to reduce waste.

Ready to Learn More?

Our team understands the importance of fuel efficiency—and we know how it affects your bottom line just like it does our own. Dale Gas delivers gasoline as well as on- and off-road diesel to commercial customers across Outagamie, Waupaca, Winnebago, Waushara and Shawano Counties, and we can tailor a fleet fueling program for your operation to get you on the road to savings. Contact us for details today.

5 Common Problems and Easy Solutions to Keep You Cooking

gas grill Neenah, WI The gang’s all here! You’ve got pile of chicken, burgers or bbq ready to go to only to discover your grill won’t light, the flames are low, or there’s an unexpected hissing sound coming from your grill tank. Never fear: We’ve got solutions to help you troubleshoot these common gas grill problems. Just put out an extra bowl of chips while you make repairs.

1. Yellow or Orange Flames

The flame in a propane gas grill should always be blue. Orange or yellow flames are a sign that there’s something obstructing the burner. This is a particularly common problem if your grill has been unused for a while. Insects like spiders love to make a home in your burner tubes, and leaves, dust and other debris can find their way in and block burners if you’re not covering the unit properly between uses. To fix the problem, wait until your grill is at a cool temperature and clean the burners. Then run the grill on high for about 15 minutes to burn off any remaining debris.

2. Low or Sparse Flames

The most common cause of low flames is the fuel regulator. They can get stuck, and thus limit the amount of gas being sent from your propane cylinder to your grill. That means sparse flames and a lower grill temperature. To fix the problem, you need to “unstick” it by releasing the pressure on the regulator. Don’t panic—it’s easy. Start by opening the grill hood and leave it open. Turn off everything on the grill, including the gas flow and the propane cylinder, then disconnect the regulator from the cylinder. Wait about five minutes and then reconnect the regulator to the cylinder. Open the propane cylinder supply valve very slowly. Wait for one minute, then light the grill.

3. Grill Won’t Light

If the grill won’t light, you have an igniter problem. The two most common types of propane grill igniters are piezo, which do not require batteries or electricity, and battery-powered or push-button igniters.

If you have a battery-powered igniter, replace the batteries.

If you have a piezo igniter, try lighting the burners with a match or lighter. Inspect the grill for cracks in the ceramic tube and breaks in the metal tip. Make sure wires are plugged into the spark generator. If these tips do not work, you’ll need to contact a professional to properly diagnose and correct the problem.

4. Tank Hissing

If you hear a hissing coming from the propane cylinder connected to your grill, immediately extinguish all flames and turn off the gas—it may be a small leak. The good news, especially if it’s a hot, sunny day, is that the hissing sound you are hearing is because the pressure-relief valve is open.

Propane expands as it heats up. This is why propane storage tanks of any size are filled to 80% capacity, ensuring there is room for expansion. That’s also why every propane storage tank—including the small portable cylinders you use with your grill, as well as the bigger tanks for your home—have a pressure-relief valve that opens as soon as the pressure reaches a specific point. The result is some hissing as the pressure is slowly released, preventing your tank from rupturing.

If the pressure-relief valve is open, do not try to close it. It will close automatically when the pressure returns to a safe level. You can help cool your tank by spraying it with cool water from a hose.

If the hissing continues, or it’s not a particularly hot or sunny day, you may have a leak. Disconnect the tank, place it in a well-ventilated area and let it empty out. Once it’s empty, you can return it. Never transport a leaking propane cylinder.

5. Out of Propane?

This is the easiest problem to fix: Dale gas offers safe and convenient tank refills at our Dale, WI location. It’s always smart to have a spare cylinder on hand. And ask about cylinder refill specials!

For cylinder refills or propane deliveries for your home, find out why families and businesses in Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano Counties, WI, trust Dale Gas for all their propane service needs. Contact us for more information and hours.

Learn More About Commercial Uses for Propane

commercial propane Appleton, WI No matter what type of business you are in these days, you are always walking a tightrope, delivering a great product or service and while keeping your eye on efficiency, cost and value. That’s why you should know all the benefits of commercial propane. Commercial propane is used in manufacturing, construction, warehousing, agriculture, landscaping, hospitality, and a broad range of other industries. And whether you need bulk propane for your business, or a cylinder exchange program, Dale Gas can help you make the most of propane for your business.

Propane Is Versatile

You may know how great propane is for heat, hot water and cooking at home. But when it comes to commercial, industrial and agricultural uses, propane can do even more. It can be used for heating, for operating machinery, and running vehicles. What’s more, propane is better for the environment—and your bottom line. Compared to other heating fuels, including electricity, propane has a lot to offer:

  • Heats quickly and burns cleanly
  • Leaves a smaller carbon footprint
  • Costs on average 2.5 times less per Btu than heating with electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy
  • Is extremely safe, with a very narrow range of flammability

Propane for Farming

Propane delivers consistent heat ideal for warming livestock barns, hatcheries, greenhouses, and it’s nontoxic, and can’t harm soil or groundwater. Clean-burning propane can power much of your landscaping and agricultural equipment, from commercial mowers to irrigation engines. Propane puts less wear on equipment, keeping it out of the shop and keeping your operations running smoothly.

  • Commercial mowers and landscaping equipment
  • Irrigation equipment
  • Flame-weeders
  • Crop drying
  • Greenhouse and barn heating

Forklifts

Warehouse management, construction, and industrial facilities rely on forklifts. Let our team show you why propane fueled forklifts will keep your operation running smoothly with less downtime. Here are just a few of the advantages:

  • Propane-fueled forklifts can be used outdoors in wet conditions, unlike electric-powered forklifts.
  • Propane-powered forklifts will operate at 100% power as long as there’s propane in the cylinder. An electric forklift loses power as the battery drains.
  • Refueling is quick and easy with replaceable cylinders. Recharging an electric forklift takes equipment out of service for hours, slowing down operations.
  • Propane-powered forklifts also handle heavy loads better and are more capable when it comes to inclines.

Industrial Needs

Propane’s versatility is a plus for your business or job site. In addition to forklifts, propane can be used to power a wide range of equipment, including:

  • welding equipment
  • asphalt heaters
  • concrete grinders, saws, polishers, trowels, and dust extractors
  • pressure washers
  • small cranes
  • water pumps
  • floor buffers
  • and more

Hospitality & Food Service

Professional chefs prefer gas for cooking. Hotels, hospitals, nursing facilities all benefit from propane for cooking, water heating and space heating, as well as for industrial washers and clothes dryers, just to name a few.

  • Food trucks
  • Restaurants
  • Laundromats
  • Hotels

The Bottom Line

If you’re already a Dale customer, you know we provide the same superb and attentive service to our commercial accounts as to our residential clients. We value our commercial partnerships and we’re proud to support businesses large and small all over northeastern Wisconsin.

Contact us today to learn more.