Month: January 2019

If you are a keen observer (of course you are – you’re an Irish Propane customer!), you have probably noticed that your outdoor propane tank is never 100 percent full. The question is, why is that the case?

The answer is that not filling your propane tank to the brim is a safety feature that is required by law.

You see, propane expands in the presence of heat – just like water. The difference between water and propane is that propane increases in volume much more quickly than water, expanding to nearly seventeen times the volume of water over the same rise in temperature.

Because they are exposed to the elements, aboveground propane tanks are typically filled to only about 80 percent of their capacity to allow a little wiggle room for the gas to expand (underground tanks can safely hold a bit more because they are not subject to big temperature swings, since the ground acts as an insulator). The extra space is left in the tank to guard against pressure build-up when the temperature rises.

To calculate the working capacity of your propane tank, simply multiply the total tank capacity by 0.8. For example,

Tank size (in gallons)	80 percent capacity (in gallons)
120	96
150	120
200	160
250	200
500	400

When we deliver propane you your home, our drivers use special overfill prevention equipment to make sure we do not add too much gas to your propane tank – one of the many things we do to keep your family safe during our propane deliveries.

For safe and reliable propane delivery to your Rochester or Buffalo-area home, no one does it better than Irish Propane. Contact us to schedule your propane fill-up, or to become an Irish Propane customer today!

The New Year has arrived here in Buffalo and Rochester (and everywhere else, for that matter), and with it come this year’s round of resolutions. Why not make a few that will make your home life easier, safer, and more comfortable?

Here are six home comfort resolutions to make and keep for 2019:

1. Buy with your conscience and values – When it comes to finding a propane supplier in Western NY State, you have many options – but only one is a certified Women and Minority Business Enterprise: Irish Propane.
2. Treat yourself – There is nothing better than sitting by a cozy propane hearth – except possibly soaking in your propane-heated pool or spa. If you dream of making your home a comfy, cozy castle, propane can make it happen in 2019.
3. Recycle – Has your property become a graveyard for old propane cylinders? Contact us for propane tank disposal and reclaim your yard space.
4. Get energy smart – Commit to simple lifestyle changes that will make a big difference in your home energy bills. A few ideas:
   • Swap your incandescent light bulbs for LEDs
   • Use your programmable thermostat to drop temps six to eight degrees at night, or when no one is home; this could save you more than 10 percent on your energy bills.
   • Install low-flow showerheads – Did you know that water heating accounts for about one-fifth of your energy use? Installing low flow fixtures could cut hot water use in half in your showers, bath, and sinks.
   • Invest in insulation for your unconditioned spaces (attics, crawl spaces, etc.) and weatherization measures (caulking, weather stripping, and door sweeps) for your windows and doors.
5. Commit to safety – If you don’t have carbon monoxide detectors installed at every level of your home, do it right away – these inexpensive fail-safes provide peace of mind, and could even save a life. Also consider installing propane leak detectors to prevent risks associated with propane odor loss – and be sure to review safety procedures with loved ones if you power your home with propane.

Save money and enjoy more peace of mind in 2019 – contact Irish Propane today for reliable propane deliveries for your home or business – always at fair and honest prices!