Propane questions and answers

Propane is sometimes called liquefied petroleum gas, LP gas or LPG. It is produced from natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless, so an odorant is added for your protection so a leak can be detected easily.

Guide: Propane vs natural gas vs electric in the Sierra foothills

Propane itself has no smell. An odorant, ethyl mercaptan, is added so a leak smells like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray or a dead animal. If you smell it, leave the building first, then call 911 and (530) 888-7438 from outside.

The odorant added to propane is ethyl mercaptan. It has a strong smell similar to garlic or rotten eggs; some people describe it as a skunk's spray or a dead animal.

Get everyone out of the building or vehicle first, and do not light anything or use electrical switches, appliances, thermostats or phones in the area. If it is safe and the smell is not coming from the tank itself, turn the main gas valve on the tank to off (to the right). From outside, call 911 and American River Gas. Do not go back in until you are told it is safe. Do not turn the gas back on yourself, even if the smell is gone, and never test for a leak with a flame; our technician checks the system and relights the pilots.

Safety codes and our insurance require a pressure check and leak test any time there is an interruption in service, and running out of gas counts. When the system loses pressure, pipe joints and gas valve seals can relax and create a leak. The leak test finds any leak in the system. The homeowner must be present, and there is an additional charge for the check.

Guide: Ran out of propane? Why a leak check is required before relighting

120 feet. Remember that some of that length is used every time the hose is pulled around an obstacle.

No, the gauge shows the percentage. We fill tanks to about 86% in winter and 80% in summer.

Guide: How to read your propane tank gauge

Call us once your gauge reads about 30%. That gives us enough notice to deliver within about a week, before you run out. Our trucks serve a particular part of the delivery area each day of the week; call to find out which day we are in your area. Special arrangements can be made in emergencies.

Guide: How long does a 500-gallon propane tank last in the foothills?

Not if it has been powder coated, because the paint will not stick. A tank that was originally painted can be repainted after it is cleaned of dirt and rust, using an industrial oil-based primer and an oil-based alkyd paint in a light, heat-reflective color. Dark colors make the propane expand more and can open the relief valve. Please call our office to talk to a service technician before painting your tank.

On Keep Full, we fill your tank automatically on a schedule calculated from outdoor temperatures and your prior use, so you do not have to watch the gauge. If you prefer to order your own deliveries, call when your gauge reads about 30% and tell us how much to deliver.

Guide: Winter prep: driveway access and snow for delivery trucks

If a Keep Full tank runs completely out, you are not responsible for the leak test or the special trip as long as the account is in good standing. Certain restrictions apply.

Yes. We deliver to leased tanks and to customer-owned tanks. New customer set-ups include a leak test before the first fill.

Guide: Leasing vs owning a propane tank

Propane dealers operate in a competitive marketplace and prices vary. Transportation costs cause some geographic differences. American River Gas is a full-service company with trained service technicians, consumer safety programs and 24-hour, seven-day service, and those services carry costs. Some companies only sell propane. Choose the level of service that suits your needs.

Guide: What goes into the price of propane, and why full-service dealers differ

Your monthly payment is based on your gallon use during the prior heating season and propane's current price, balanced over 11 months, with the 12th month used to reconcile the account. It is billed to your card on the 10th, and the budget year runs May through April.

Online through My Account, by cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover, by autopay, or on the Budget Plan. Terms are Net 10.

Yes. We fill 20 lb barbecue and RV cylinders at our dispenser at 10290 Ophir Road in Newcastle during business hours.

Guide: Propane cylinder refill vs exchange

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, closed noon to 1:00 PM for lunch. After hours, on weekends and on holidays, calls are routed to a member of our staff through our answering service.