This propane efficiency checklist walks through practical steps homeowners can take to manage propane usage, maintain their system, and work effectively with a propane supplier.

• Check Your Propane Tank Level – A quick look at your tank gauge can help you plan and manage propane use with confidence.
• Maintain Your Propane System and Tank – Simple maintenance steps help your system operate efficiently and stay accessible for safe service.
• Improve Home Energy Habits – Small changes in everyday routines can help you spend energy more wisely throughout your home.
• Consider Upgrading Your Propane Equipment – Learn when upgrading or adding propane appliances may support better efficiency and flexibility.

Why Propane Efficiency Matters Year-Round

Efficient propane use helps support comfort, reliable appliance performance, and safe operation across seasons. When systems are properly maintained and used as intended, propane can deliver steady performance for heating, hot water, cooking, and outdoor living.

Efficiency is not just about equipment. It also includes everyday habits, routine system care, and knowing when to check your propane level or contact your propane company for support.

Check Your Propane Tank Level Regularly 

Most propane tanks have a gauge located under the tank dome that displays the percentage of propane remaining. For example, a reading of 40% means your tank is 40% full. Because propane expands when heated, your tank will never be filled to 100% for safety reasons. Tanks are instead filled safely to maximum capacity, which is at around 80%. A 500-gallon tank, for example, can safely hold up to 400 gallons of propane. 

Because propane naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes, gauge readings may vary slightly based on weather conditions. Keeping an eye on your propane tank level is one of the simplest ways to understand your usage and plan accordingly. 

This is especially important for those self-managing propane orders or Ferrellgas customers with Will Call delivery service. Will Call customers should order propane when their tank level reaches 30% or at least 7 business days before needing propane. To place an order, customers can text ORDER to 573-207-5975**, log in to MyFerrellgas.com, or call 888-337-7355. 

For greater peace of mind, customers can enroll in our Auto Fill delivery service,* which takes the guesswork out of ordering propane. Ferrellgas uses local weather data and your unique usage patterns to estimate when you're ready for a fill, then automatically schedules it for you. This service can also be paired with a digital tank monitor,* giving you confidence and convenience with our most precise delivery planning. 

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

Keep Your Propane System in Good Working Condition 

Properly maintaining your propane system supports performance and dependable comfort throughout the year. Regular attention to your propane tank, connected equipment, and surrounding area helps ensure your system operates safely and efficiently. 

Caring for Your Propane Tank 

Becoming familiar with the key parts of your propane system and knowing how to properly care for your tank can help identify and prevent potential issues. Propane is stored in pressurized tanks designed for safe outdoor use, either above ground or underground. No matter where your tank is located, routine upkeep helps support both safety and efficiency.  

Key propane tank maintenance tips include:

• Keep a clear safety perimeter: Remove dry leaves, grass, brush, wood, and debris from at least 10 feet around the tank to reduce fire risk and allow safe access for deliveries and inspections.
• Maintain clear access year-round: Clear snow, ice, debris, and overgrown vegetation so Delivery Drivers can safely and efficiently complete deliveries in any season.
• Visually check the tank: Regularly check for signs of rust, dents, or visible damage. If you see anything, schedule a tank inspection with a Ferrellgas Service Technician or other qualified professional.
• Keep your tank in good condition: Regular tune-ups of your propane tank are crucial for safe and efficient operation. Tank maintenance typically includes routine inspections, cleaning, and necessary repairs, and is often covered by propane providers for customers who lease their tanks. Customers who own their tanks should schedule this maintenance with a qualified professional.
• Call before you dig: Before landscaping or construction projects, contact 811 to help you locate underground utility lines such as electricity, water, and sewer. A local professional service or your propane provider can identify where propane lines are buried. These steps help avoid accidental damage.
• Store smaller tanks properly: Propane cylinders belong outside and should never be used or stored in enclosed spaces. Proper ventilation is necessary for safe operation. You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, so always keep them outside and in well-ventilated areas away from windows and doors. 

Cleaning and Maintaining Propane-Powered Appliances 

Propane-powered appliances — including heating systems, water heaters, ovens, ranges, dryers, fireplaces, and outdoor equipment — also contribute to overall system efficiency. Appliances that are clean and properly maintained tend to operate more smoothly and consistently.

Helpful appliance maintenance steps include:

• Regularly clean or replace filters as recommended and visually inspect appliance connections for signs of wear.
• Ensure all propane appliances are well-ventilated, especially when used in enclosed spaces. Remember to follow guidelines for safe propane use indoors, such as never using a grill or stove for space heating. This also applies to propane heaters unless they are approved for indoor use.
• If you have a propane generator, schedule maintenance to inspect fuel lines, change the oil, and replace filters as needed. Always double-check that you have enough fuel supply for emergencies.
• If you have a propane-powered pool heater, fire pit, grill, or other outdoor appliance, perform a maintenance check to inspect for damage or wear. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to clean your equipment.Contact a licensed professional about repairs; do not attempt them yourself.
• If appliances have not been used for an extended period or if usage changes seasonally, scheduling a professional inspection may be a good option. Qualified professionals can inspect your equipment to confirm it is operating as intended. 

Including propane appliances as part of your home care routine can help support efficient operation across every season. Regular maintenance also plays an important role in safety, helping ensure propane systems and appliances continue operating as intended throughout the year, as outlined in propane industry safety guidance. 

Important Safety Reminders 

Thanks to an added chemical called ethyl mercaptan, propane has a strong “rotten egg” smell, which makes identifying leaks easier. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, act immediately. Leave the area right away, ensuring that everyone else does the same. Once you are at a safe distance, call 911 and Ferrellgas at 888-337-7355. Our team will respond as quickly and safely as possible. If it is safe to do so, turn off the main gas supply valve on your tank by turning the hand wheel clockwise until it stops. Do not return to the area until a professional has confirmed it is safe.  

For more information about propane safety, visit our resources page and review this Propane Safety Brochure. 

Improve Home Energy Habits

Optimize Your Thermostat and Appliance Settings 

Thermostat settings have a direct impact on energy use. Guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows homeowners can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting the thermostat 7°–10°F for about eight hours a day, such as when sleeping or away from home. Using a programmable or smart thermostat can help manage these adjustments automatically without sacrificing comfort. Other helpful thermostat and appliance tips from the DOE include:

• Set winter temperatures around 68°F to 70°F when awake and lower them overnight or when away.
• Raising thermostat settings during warmer months when the home is unoccupied and cooling to the highest comfortable setting when the house is occupied.
• Making gradual adjustments instead of frequent large changes, which helps systems operate more smoothly.
• Keeping in mind that setting the thermostat significantly higher or lower won’t speed up heating or cooling and may increase energy use. 

Propane-powered appliances also benefit from proper settings. For example, water heaters often operate efficiently at 120°F, which is typically sufficient for household needs and may reduce energy use compared to higher default settings. Scheduling professional service for heating systems also helps ensure appliances continue operating efficiently. 

Spend Your Energy Wisely 

Daily routines play an important role in overall energy efficiency. Spending energy wisely means being mindful of how and when it is used throughout your home. Simple habits that support efficiency include turning off lights when leaving a room or using natural light when possible, unplugging electronics and chargers when they are not in use, and keeping heating vents clear so air circulates freely.

​​​​Another example is water use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports the average shower lasts about eight minutes and uses more than 16 gallons of water. Shorter showers can help reduce the energy needed to heat water without affecting comfort. 

These small adjustments to your everyday routine can add up over time, helping lower energy bills and supporting a more efficient propane-powered home.  

Consider Upgrading to More Efficient Propane Equipment 

Propane can support a wide range of household needs, including heating systems, water heaters, kitchen ranges, fireplaces, backup generators, and outdoor appliances. This makes it a flexible choice as homes evolve.  

Newer propane appliances often include efficiency improvements and updated safety features that support dependable performance. For homeowners who already use propane for heating, upgrading or adding more propane appliances can help streamline energy use across the home. To make these upgrades more affordable, some state, regional, and local programs offer propane appliance rebates to offset the cost of installing new furnaces, water heaters, and other eligible appliances.  

For guidance on propane tank installation, sizing, delivery options, and service plans that align with your household’s usage, Ferrellgas Customer Service Professionals are here to help.  

Getting Started With Your Efficiency Checklist 

Using propane efficiently starts with small, practical steps. Reviewing appliance settings, monitoring your tank level, and choosing delivery options that fit your needs can help create a smoother propane experience. If you have questions or need support, our team is ready to assist.  

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