Common Propane Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Most propane homeowners are doing the basics right. The tank gets filled, the appliances do their job, and life moves on. But after years of running deliveries, setting up tanks, and answering customer questions, we have seen a handful of common propane mistakes pop up again and again. 

Use this checklist to see how your propane habits stack up and how to get more out of your propane system with fewer surprises. 

• Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long to Order – Waiting until your tank is nearly empty to place an order can leave you scrambling for propane. Customers managing their own propane orders should reorder when the tank percentage reaches the minimum level required for delivery. This is typically when the tank level nears 30% or at least 7 business days before you anticipate needing propane. 
• Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Size Tank for Your Usage – As homeowners add propane appliances over time, the original tank size may become too small to support fuel needs. A propane supplier can help reassess the right setup for your home and appliance load. 
• Mistake 3: Skipping the Tank Level Check – A few quick checks of a tank’s propane level help you stay prepared and avoid potential runouts.  
• Mistake 4: Storing the Tank in the Wrong Place – Propane tanks should always be used and stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area — never in garages, sheds, or enclosed spaces. 
• Mistake 5: Letting the Tank Run Empty – Allowing a propane tank to run out completely doesn’t just leave you without fuel. It can also lead to additional fees, as the tank must be fully inspected before it can be refilled and used again.  

Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long to Order 

This is the most common and most preventable propane mistake. Waiting until the tank is nearly empty creates real problems: scheduling constraints, potential runouts, and the added inconvenience of being without fuel when you need it. It is also easy to fix with a simple rule of thumb. 

If you self-manage your propane delivery planning, check your propane tank level on a regular basis and schedule a delivery well before you anticipate needing fuel. Ferrellgas customers with Will Call delivery service should place orders prior to tank levels getting low. Waiting too long can leave you scrambling, especially in the event of severe weather or an early cold front.  

If you prefer a less hands-on approach to managing your propane, our Auto Fill delivery service* takes the guesswork off your plate. Ferrellgas analyzes your household usage patterns and local weather data to estimate when you are ready for a fill, then schedules propane delivery automatically.  

*Qualification and active credit status are required for Auto Fill delivery service. 

Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Size Tank for Your Usage 

Propane homes tend to grow over time. A homeowner adds a fireplace one year, swaps an electric water heater for a propane one the next, and before long, their original tank is working harder than it was sized for. The result? More frequent deliveries, a greater risk of running low, and a system that does not feel as efficient as it should. 

A few signs your tank may be undersized for your current setup: 

• You are scheduling deliveries more frequently than you used to. 
• You have added propane appliances without revisiting your tank size. 

If either of those sounds familiar, it is worth a quick conversation with your propane supplier. Ferrellgas can help you assess the right tank size for your home and walk you through propane tank installation options if a larger tank is the right call. An experienced propane provider like Ferrellgas can help you size everything correctly for the long haul. 

Mistake 3: Skipping the Tank Level Check  

A surprising number of homeowners go weeks or months without looking at their tank level. For anyone self-managing their propane orders, this habit can lead to runouts that could have easily been avoided. The same goes for portable grill cylinders, which typically do not have a gauge at all. Either way, the fix is a five-second check. 

How to Read Your Propane Tank Gauge 

Your residential propane tank gauge is usually located under the dome or lid on top of your tank. It shows the percentage of propane remaining, not the number of gallons. For example, a reading of 40% means your tank is 40% full.

However, your tank will never be filled to 100% for safety reasons. Propane expands when heated, so tanks are filled to a maximum of about 80% capacity, leaving room for that expansion. For example, a 500-gallon propane tank can safely hold up to 400 gallons of propane.  

It is also normal to see your tank level fluctuate slightly with temperature swings. For example, readings may drop on cold mornings and tick back up on warmer afternoons. The actual amount of propane has not changed.

Stay Ahead With a Digital Tank Monitor 

If walking out to check the tank is not your favorite chore, a digital tank monitor* offers a convenient way to remotely view your propane level in real time. Monitors attach directly to your tank, track usage, and send data to your MyFerrellgas.com account. They work especially well paired with Auto Fill delivery service*, helping us schedule deliveries with even greater precision.  

*Availability and cost of digital tank monitors may vary by location. Qualification and active credit status are required for Auto Fill delivery service. 

Checking a 20-lb Grill Cylinder Without a Gauge 

Portable 20-lb cylinders used for grilling do not come with a traditional gauge, which leads many homeowners to assume the tank is fine until the burner sputters out mid-barbecue. A quick check before a big gathering takes only a moment and saves the day. You can estimate how much propane is left using the warm-water method or by weighing the tank.

The simplest tip is to plan a refill or exchange before a big cookout, not after the grill goes cold. If your cylinder feels light or you cannot remember the last time you refilled it, top off in advance. Need a refill or exchange? Find a participating Ferrellgas location near you, or stop by a Blue Rhino retailer for a quick tank exchange. 

Mistake 4: Storing the Tank in the Wrong Place 

This one comes up most often with portable grill cylinders. Many homeowners stash them in the garage, shed, or basement during the off-season without realizing the safety risk. Storing a propane tank correctly is simple, and it makes a real difference. 

A few storage basics to follow: 

• Store propane tanks upright on a flat surface, outdoors in a well-ventilated area, and away from direct sunlight. 
• Keep your tank at least 10 feet from your home, other structures, and any source of heat, flame, or sparks. 
• Do not use or store propane tanks indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, sheds, basements, patios, and storage units. 
• If using a Blue Rhino tank, please ensure you read, understand, and follow the instructions for safe use on the tank sleeve. 

The reason behind these guidelines comes down to ventilation. Operating propane appliances in enclosed spaces can potentially lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide, which is why outdoor, open-air storage is the rule. Ferrellgas adheres to industry-wide safety standards, such as those from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58 requirements. For more on safe handling and storage, explore How to Safely Transport a Propane Tank.

Mistake 5: Letting the Tank Run Empty 

Running a propane tank completely empty is more than an inconvenience. National safety codes typically require a qualified professional, such as your propane supplier, to perform a safety inspection before the tank can be filled and put back into service. The inspection checks for air intrusion, confirms there are no leaks, and verifies that the propane system is safe to operate after a runout. Depending on the supplier, this inspection may result in an additional fee, so the takeaway is to make a habit of ordering propane before your tank reaches critical levels.

Why Choose Ferrellgas?  

Ferrellgas is one of the largest propane suppliers in the country, with employee-owners and a nationwide supply network dedicated to keeping your home fueled. Our Delivery Drivers, Service Technicians, and Customer Service Professionals have experience helping homeowners just like you get more out of their propane system. Whether you need a delivery, tank installation, or a way to talk through your options, we are here to help. Sign up for Ferrellgas to get started with a trusted propane company.