Schools and universities here in Montana, as well as nationwide, need a reliable fuel source to stay up and running. For many, this reliable fuel source happens to be commercial propane.
Not only can commercial propane handle a long list of jobs on a campus, but there are also plenty of advantages that come along with using the fuel.
Valley Propane is happy to provide the commercial propane your school needs so operations can keep moving. We’re more than just a fuel provider – we’re a fuel cooperative that is deeply invested in the success of local businesses in the area. Valley Propane customers can rely on us to provide propane at competitive prices all year round. You can even count on us to come through when other fuel providers in the area aren’t able to.
So what exactly can commercial propane help with in an educational setting, you ask? Valley Propane has the answer! Keep on reading to learn more about how the fuel is used on a campus and how these campuses are benefiting from making the energy source their go to fuel.
Just like any building, a campus needs heat and hot water in classrooms, gyms, locker rooms and dorms.
Using propane to power a water heater is an effective way to get hot water. In fact, propane water heaters have double the hot water recovery rates of electric models. Additionally, they require less fuel and resources while providing superior hot water generation.
A propane-powered heater is the same way. Whether you are using propane to power a central heating system or a space heater, the fuel helps equipment heat up a room at a faster speed than the alternatives.
Students, teachers and faculty members all need to be fed while they are on campus. Propane can power a long list of commercial kitchen equipment, including grills, cook tops, cooking ranges, ovens, broilers, fryers, griddles, steam cookers and warming stations. Not only that, but propane also provides precise temperature and even heat distribution, helping to ensure a seamless cooking experience.
The buses and shuttles that go to and from and around campuses can count on propane autogas to get from point A to point B.
Vehicles that use propane autogas produce 60% less carbon monoxide compared to vehicles that run on traditional gasoline. Propane’s carbon intensity is 14% lower than both gasoline and diesel fuel.
Therefore, a bus or a shuttle that is fueled with propane autogas is improving the air quality on a campus and combating climate change.
The landscaping equipment that is used on a campus lawn or athletic field can also be powered with commercial propane. Switching your landscaping equipment over to propane reduces wear and tear and the frequency of necessary repairs. You will also find that your propane-powered landscaping equipment is quieter than gas-fueled equipment.
Schools, universities and other businesses here in Montana have a reliable commercial propane partner in Valley Propane.
Contact Valley Propane today to become a commercial propane customer.
In its natural state, propane is both odorless and colorless. However, as the energy source is being manufactured a chemical called ethyl mercaptan is added to it. This ends up giving the fuel a very distinctive odor. This is done intentionally so that a propane leak is easy to detect for any home or business owner who uses it.
Being able to detect a propane leak and knowing what to do in the event of a propane leak are important pieces of using the fuel safely. This is what will ultimately help you stay out of harm’s way.
So let’s review some key components of propane safety so that you can have peace of mind about making it your choice of fuel.
If your propane tank or propane cylinder is leaking you will very likely smell something like rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray. If you use propane and smell this, you should take action immediately.
A propane leak can also be indicated by a hissing sound near your gas line, propane tank or propane cylinder.
In the event of a propane leak where you smell something like rotten eggs you should:
In addition to knowing how to detect a propane leak and take action in the event of a leak, propane customers can also help keep themselves safe by:
Homeowners and business owners in Montana who are looking for dependable propane services that they can count on can look no further than Valley Propane.
We make it super easy to switch over to the fuel. Valley Propane sells and leases propane tanks in a range of sizes. Once you switch over, you can count on us to deliver top-quality propane right to your door. We also offer cylinder exchanges and refills.
Contact Valley Propane today to learn more about the propane services we provide in parts of Yellowstone, Treasure, Rosebud, Big Horn, Stillwater, Carbon, Sweet Grass and Musselshell Counties here in Montana.
Propane autogas can be used as an alternative to standard gasoline and diesel fuel. It is commonly used to fuel school buses, tractors in the agricultural industry, delivery trucks, vans and buses used for public transportation.
After both gasoline and diesel fuel, propane autogas is the third most popular transportation fuel. In fact, the Alternative Fuels Data Center estimates that propane autogas is fueling about 66% of alternative fuel vehicles here in the United States.
The fuel’s popularity is rising and growing. This is, in part, due to the benefits and advantages that it can provide to its customers both here in Montana and beyond.
One of the advantages of propane autogas is that it helps commercial businesses save money and is cost effective. There are a few components that play into this:
Clearly, propane autogas can help reduce costs.
Additionally, propane autogas is a safer fuel choice compared to both diesel fuel and gasoline. It does not release any harmful emissions, which, in turn, helps protect a driver’s health.
Thanks to the fact that propane is non-toxic it is also not harmful to any plants, wildlife or other living organisms if it were to leak.
If your Montana based business relies on propane autogas, you can rely on Valley Propane for your fuel. We supply autogas to vehicle fleets all throughout the region.
Valley Propane can also handle bulk propane orders for your local business. We will work with you to set up a customized fuel delivery schedule that keeps your worksite stocked with propane tanks.
Customers can also refill their forklift cylinders at our locations in Worden and Hysham, Montana.
If you haven’t made the switch over to propane, Valley Propane is still happy to help. We deliver diesel fuel and standard gasoline.
Contact Valley Propane today to learn more about our commercial fuel services.
We all know that your grill and grill tank get a lot of action throughout the spring and summer here in Montana. Spending time outside and grilling in a backyard is a pastime that so many of us enjoy and love once the weather finally warms up!
However, once winter rolls around the summer fun has to be put on a pause and that means you have to figure out what to do with your propane cylinder.
If you need some guidance in this area you are in luck! Valley Propane has put together the below tips on how you can safely store your grill tank throughout the winter.
There are certainly backyard items that should be taken inside once the temperatures drop and winter starts to roll in. However, a propane cylinder is not one of them. In fact, cold weather does not actually impact a cylinder at all. The best and safest thing you can do is keep your tank outside. Storing a tank inside or in an enclosed area is potentially dangerous. If you plan on leaving your grill outside as well you can even leave the grill tank connected as long as you turn the supply valve off.
Follow the below suggestions to store your grill tank safely throughout the winter:
If you are preparing for the winter and are realizing you have a few empty propane cylinders on your hand, bring them to Valley Propane. We have a propane cylinder exchange at all of our offices. Just swing by during normal business hours and you can swap out an empty tank for a full one.
Alternatively, we offer cylinder refilling at our Warden and Hysham locations.
Whether you are using a propane cylinder to fuel grills, patio heaters, RVs or other outdoor amenities, you can count on Valley Propane to help keep them full. Not only do we make the refilling and exchanging process easy, but we also offer consistently low fuel prices as well as regular discounts for our propane cylinder customers.
Contact Valley Propane today to learn more about the grill tank services we offer throughout Montana.
Businesses everywhere, including here in Montana, are using commercial propane as a primary fuel source. And they have plenty of good reasons to do so. After all, commercial propane can help a company decrease expenses, operate more efficiently and help the environment.
Thanks to its incredible versatility, propane can be and is used in a variety of ways within a variety of different industries. The energy source can be used in retail stores, commercial kitchens, the hospitality industry, the agricultural industry, schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, grocery stores, office buildings, warehouses, distribution centers, recycling centers and on construction sites.
Many manufacturing companies are also relying on commercial propane and making it a go-to energy source. Let’s take a look at how this industry is putting the fuel to use.
Propane has the ability to deliver more power per unit of fuel compared to other energy sources. This helps a propane-powered appliance complete a task at a faster speed than it would otherwise be able to. This is a huge win for a manufacturing worksite and allows the opportunity for a business to boost productivity.
What business owner doesn’t like the sound of that?
This optimal efficiency also helps reduce energy and utility costs, which is nice for a company’s bottom line. In fact, it is estimated that propane appliances cost about 40% to 60% less in operation costs than electrical appliances do.
On top of that, propane is typically more affordable than both standard gasoline and diesel fuel. A propane customer will also find that he or she is spending less money on maintenance costs over time as well.
Manufacturing companies very often use forklifts and scissor lifts indoors. When you power this equipment with commercial propane you can rest assured that you are taking both safety and health into consideration since propane produces a low level of carbon emissions, is non-toxic and clean burning.
Whether you are running a manufacturing company or a different type of business here in Montana, Valley Propane can get you the commercial propane you need when you need it. We can set up your business, farm or worksite with commercial propane tanks as well as a bulk propane customized delivery schedule.
Manufacturing companies that are using forklifts can count on Valley Propane for propane cylinder refills.
Contact Valley Propane today to learn more about how we can help your Montana based manufacturing company stay up and running with commercial propane.
If you have a propane tank at your Montana home or work site one of the things you will need to do is monitor your fuel levels in some way. You will want to do this to help prevent a fuel run-out. Considering just how important propane can be to your home or business (it can provide hot water and heat, ensure that you are able to cook and power the forklift you need to be able to do your job) this is a pivotal piece of having a propane tank.
Therefore, Valley Propane has put together the below guide on the different ways you can check your propane tank’s fuel levels.
Tracking your propane tank levels is certainly important, but the good news is that it is not complicated. Here are three simple ways you can go about it:
If monitoring your own propane tank levels does not sound like something you want to worry about and do, Valley Propane can take the job on for you with our propane tank monitoring service.
A propane tank monitor is a device that attaches to your propane tank and uses wireless and cellular technology to send us information about your fuel levels in real time. We then use that up-to-the-minute information to schedule your next propane delivery accordingly. Homeowners and business owners have access to this information as well via a smart phone app.
Not only is this service the best way to prevent a fuel run-out, but customers who set up a charge account with Valley Propane and opt into our auto delivery service get their tank monitors for free!
Valley Propane offers propane tank services to homeowners and business owners throughout Montana.
Homeowners can come to us for propane tank leases and purchases, installations, maintenance, fuel and fuel monitoring.
Business owners can count on us for reliable bulk propane deliveries.
The bottom line is that the Valley Propane team has you covered from installation to fuel deliveries.
Contact Valley Propane today to learn more about the propane tank services we offer throughout Montana.
So many of us here in Montana take full advantage of the warm summer weather by spending as much time as possible outdoors. Depending on your exact interests, you may find yourself firing up your grill, spending all day swimming in your pool, or lounging by your fire pit on a summer evening. All this may mean that your propane is working overtime while you’re enjoying the summer weather.
Propane can be used all year round in a wide variety of ways. It can warm the water that is used in your home to shower, wash dishes, and do laundry. It can heat your home or commercial space and power appliances including space heaters, generators, clothes dryers, forklifts, and scissor lifts.
In the summer, you can use propane-powered appliances to really amp up your outdoor living. The fuel can:
Considering how much fun a propane-powered appliance can allow you to have, you want to make sure that you are set up with a fuel provider who you can trust and count on. This is exactly where Valley Propane comes into play!
The delivery team here at Valley Propane is truly top notch. It is made up of a group of experienced professionals who are dedicated to getting you the fuel you need when you need it. We have a fleet of reliable delivery vehicles as well as bulk propane storage at multiple locations. On top of all that, we offer some of the most competitive prices in the area.
There are two ways a customer can order propane from Valley Propane。
We offer a basic will-call option where customers track their own fuel levels and then contact us when their tank needs to be filled up. Customers that go this route should be in touch with Valley Propane when their tank is about 30% full so that they can schedule their next propane delivery without having to worry about running out of fuel entirely.
The second option is Automatic Delivery. This is where we track your home’s propane usage with the help of forecasting software and schedule your delivery accordingly.
This can be taken one step further with Valley Propane’s tank monitoring service. A tank monitor is a device that sends us information about your fuel levels in real time. We then use this information to set up your next fuel order and you will truly never have to worry about running out of fuel!
Don’t let a lack of fuel get in the way of your summer fun. Contact Valley Propane today to get set up with reliable propane deliveries and to learn more about the propane services we offer throughout Yellowstone, Treasure, Rosebud, Big Horn, Stillwater, Carbon, Sweet Grass, and Musselshell Counties.
Once the snow melts and spring and summer finally arrive here in Montana many of us can’t wait to start spending most of our time enjoying the outdoors. For some people this may mean long days at the pool, setting off on an all-day hike or a weekend camping trip. Other people may simply head out to their backyard for a day of relaxation and grilling. If this is the case for you, it is in your best interest to become an expert when it comes to your grill’s propane cylinder so that you can truly earn the title of grill master.
There is more to grilling with propane than just throwing some food on the grates and making sure it’s thoroughly cooked through. You also need to know how to properly handle your grill’s propane cylinder. This will help with the actual cooking process and will help keep you safe as well.
The fact is that you won’t be able to get much grilling done if your grill tank doesn’t have enough fuel in it or if it’s not connected to your grill properly. So, in short, they are a vital component of any propane grill!
Grilling with propane is easy and convenient for many reasons.
First, you get precise temperature control when you use propane. There is no waiting around for your propane grill to get warm – it is ready as soon as it’s turned on. Propane also helps your food cook faster than it otherwise would. On top of all that, the clean up is a piece of cake compared to the mess that charcoal grills make.
It is also incredibly easy to swap out an empty propane cylinder for a full one when you need to.
All you need to do is remove your old cylinder from your grill’s storage compartment and place a new, full one in the same spot. Tighten the restraining belt (if your grill has one) and then put the tank’s pressure regulator on the valve and turn it to tighten it.
Before you do any grilling perform a test for leaks. You can do this by spraying the cylinder’s valve and the grill’s regulator with soapy water. If you see bubbles inside the valve you may have a leak. You can perform the test again, but if you still see bubbles replace the tank.
Valley Propane offers customers two convenient and easy ways to keep their propane cylinders full – propane cylinder exchanges and propane cylinder refills.
Customers can bring their 20-pound propane cylinders to any one of our four locations for a cylinder exchange – we will simply swap out your empty tank for a full one.
We can refill propane cylinders at our Worden and Hysham locations. A Valley Propane professional will also perform a propane cylinder safety check for those customers who bring their tanks to us in Worden.
Grilling is easy with propane and propane cylinders and Valley Propane makes it even easier with cylinder exchanges and refills.
Contact the Valley Propane team today to learn more about our propane cylinder services.
Our world is constantly changing and evolving. This is, in part, due to advances thanks to modern technology. The propane autogas industry is doing its part to keep up with the times – the industry is ever evolving and developing at a pretty rapid rate.
You could say the same thing about Valley Propane – we are adapting to the changes we’re seeing in the propane industry by supplying autogas to fleets throughout Montana. These fleets are reaping the benefits of the energy source. They are reducing unnecessary costs and hassles that are typically associated with diesel fuel and their vehicles need fewer repairs and are lasting longer than they would if they powered by diesel fuel and your standard gasoline. This all has a huge advantage in terms of a fleet company’s bottom line. In fact, propane autogas customers usually save about 30% to 40% per mile traveled, not to mention that they are saving on the cost of frequent repairs.
Before we dive into how innovative the propane autogas industry is, let’s break down what propane autogas actually is.
Propane autogas is an alternative to using traditional gasoline and diesel fuel to power an engine. It is commonly used to fuel school buses, tractors, delivery trucks and vans, public transportation buses and commercial transportation vans.
Propane autogas is actually the third most popular transportation fuel, coming in right behind gasoline and diesel fuel. The Alternative Fuels Data Center estimates that it is being used to fuel about 66% of alternative fuel vehicles here in the United States.
Propane autogas is not a new product. In fact, consumers have been using it for decades. However, there are some modern developments and innovations happening within the industry, which have to do with increasing vehicle reliability and reducing harmful emissions.
Vehicle fleets that use propane autogas have responded to the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) by installing propane-powered EV charging systems. These units operate on a self-sufficient power system, are portable and are usually easy to install. Since they don’t need electricity to operate, fleets that use them can continue to operate as normal even when the power goes out.
Propane autogas is already an environmentally friendly choice. However, fleets can take that one step further now that renewable propane is an option. This alternative energy source reduces carbon emissions even more than conventional propane does.
Based on these two advances, one could argue that the propane autogas industry is leading the charge in terms of what it means to be an environmentally friendly fuel choice for commercial fleet vehicles. As electric vehicles become more and more popular chances are renewable propane and propane-powered EV charging systems will as well.
If you have a vehicle fleet here in Montana that needs propane autogas you can count on Valley Propane to get it to you when you need it.
Additionally, we can take care of bulk orders of diesel fuel and gasoline too.
Contact Valley Propane today to start fueling your vehicles with help from a company that you can count on.
So you have a portable propane tank – great! Maybe you’re using this tank at your grill. Or maybe you count on it to power a generator that you keep on hand in case there is a blackout. Perhaps you use the tank to power your patio heater or a portable heater.
Whatever the case may be, knowing how to properly store this propane tank is incredibly important. After all, propane is flammable and if the fuel is not stored properly you are at increased risk of a leak, explosion or fire. Therefore, proper storage is recommended for your safety.
On top of that, properly maintaining your propane tank (which includes properly storing it) will help it last longer and work better.
So how exactly should you store a propane tank? Valley Propane is happy to tell you!
Luckily the answer to this question is not very complicated. Following these below tips will help keep you safe and will help ensure that your tanks are actually usable when you need them.
On top of staying safe by properly storing a propane tank, any propane customer should also know what to do if they sense a potential gas leak. If you think that you smell a leak (this will smell like rotten egg) you should evacuate the area immediately. Once you are a safe distance away from the potential leak contact emergency services as well as your propane provider. Do not return to the source of the leak until you have been given approval to do so by a qualified technician.
When your Montana based portable propane tank is empty and needs more fuel, Valley Propane offers two convenient options:
Know that whichever option you choose, Valley Propane can get you the propane you need for your portable tank quickly, safely and at a fair price.
Contact Valley Propane today to get started with the propane services we offer throughout Montana.