Algas Inc.

Consumer Safety During COVID-19

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 19:22:00 GMT

During these difficult times your local propane provider may not be entering homes, unless needed. You may also not want them entering your home, in order to keep you, your family, and the workers safe from the virus. The National Propane Gas Association has taken the time to put together some videos that are handy in keeping you safe, in the case that you have a propane emergency. There are also some handy maintenance tips in there too. The videos include: HOW TO READ A TANK GAUGE, HOW TO TURN THE TANK OFF, IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK, HANDLING & TRANSPORTING SMALL CYLINDERS, GETTING YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM INSPECTED , and APPLIANCE CONVERSIONS . Please click the following link to view these videos and more information about them.

https://propane.com/safety/safety-articles/safety-series-videos/

Propane for Transportation/Alternative Fuel

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 18:55:00 GMT

Propane Autogas

Propane Autogas can be described as a form of Liquid Propane that has been slightly altered so that it can be utilized by various vehicles. It is known to preform nearly the same as gasoline, and is able to come at just 30-60% of price of gasoline, depending on your location in the country. With such a decrease in price, even if there is a small amount of loss in fuel economy, overall cost will still remain much lower. Using Autogas is also much more environmentally friendly than burning gasoline. Some studies show that it can emit 25% fewer greenhouse emissions, as well as 70% less hydrocarbons. Lastly, since Autogas burns much cleaner, vehicles that use it are less likely to need maintenance and oil changes, which can also add to your savings.

Automobiles

Currently, Autogas is typically used by companies that have a fleet of trucks or vans that deliver often, but it can also be used by the average consumer in their vehicle. To start though, the average vehicle is unable to utilize propane with its stock components, but there are a lot of conversion kits one can purchase, in order to have the necessary parts. Also, a pressurized propane cylinder will need to be added somewhere to the vehicle. Usually, if it is a pick up truck, the tank is placed in the bed, but it is also possible to add the cylinder in an unseen location. Although converting your vehicle may be costly, in the long term, you will save on gas costs. For some it may be difficult to find refilling stations in their area, but this link will help you find the closest one to you: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/propane_locations.html#/find/nearest?fuel=LPG

Buses/Schools

Propane is a great fuel for schools and bus fleets. It is a great alternative to diesel because it is not only much cleaner for the environment, but also very economically efficient. According to some studies done by the U.S. Department of Energy, converting a bus from diesel to propane will save an average of between $400-$3,000 per year that they are running. There have also been some schools that have been awarded sums of money for turning to propane for their bus, since they are impacting the environment much less.

Delivery Fleets

Using propane for a Delivery Fleet is perfect for vehicles of small and medium sizes. There are plenty of businesses and government organizations that have converted their fleet vehicles to propane, including some police departments across the United States. The reasons for switching are very similar for any vehicle, as they fleet will run much cleaner and for much cheaper, over time. The vehicles will spend much less time in the shop, since they will not be running on diesel. Also, there are tons of infrastructure options for propane installation, in order to make refilling the vehicles a breeze.

Lawnmowers

Propane powered lawnmowers are a great choice for maintenance on the commercial level or for those that find themselves mowing a large yard, often. The mowers are very easy and cheap to refill. They will also produce far less pollution than gasoline or diesel, which will assist in requiring less maintenance on the mowers themselves. Some of the most common businesses where these mowers can be found are ones with massive plots of grass, such as golf courses or parks. Overall, using propane mowers will help lead to cheaper costs on both fuel and maintaining the equipment.

What Size Propane Tank Best Fits Your Needs

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 17:23:00 GMT

Determining the right size propane cylinder for your house or business can be quite simple. First, you should decide what all you will be using propane for. Some consumers use it for all their heating, cooking and appliance needs, while others may only be using it for cooking, as they have some other form of heat. Many of these suggestions can vary depending on the size of your home or building, but they will help you get an idea of the size of tank you would need.

23 Gal/100 lbs. Cylinder

A 23 Gal/100 lbs. Cylinder is most often used specifically for cooking on a gas range or cook top and wall ovens. This is the smallest sized tank that we install.

35 Gal/150 lbs. Cylinder

The 35 Gas/150 lbs. Cylinders are also used a lot for cooking , but since there is a larger volume of propane, it gives users the ability to add on one propane powered appliance , such as a dryer.

48-50 Gal/200 lbs. Cylinder

As with the previous Cylinders 200 lbs. tanks can be used for cooking . With the extra amount of propane in this Cylinder, it can be used for more than one appliance . Many customers will have a dryer as well as a wall heater with this size.

70 Gal/300 lbs. Cylinder

This size Cylinder, like the previous, are commonly used by many for cooking . This tank will allow for multiple appliances to be installed, as well as possibly being used for a water heater, for a smaller sized family . This may not apply to larger families or larger houses.

100 Gal/420 lbs Cylinder

If you plan on using propane for all of your cooking and heating needs, as well as multiple appliances , then a 420 lbs. Cylinder is most likely what you are looking for. Depending on the amount of propane you use, we may install more than one of these cylinders, or possibly even a larger one.

What Can Propane Be Used For?

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:34:00 GMT

Cooking

Many customers use propane specifically for cooking. It can be used for appliances such as a gas range and oven. Also, it can be used for items such as cook tops and wall ovens. It is very easy to control the temperature of your cooking while using propane. When compared to an electric range, propane is much quicker when wanting to change the temperature of your stove top burners.

Home Heat/Fireplaces

Propane is one of the most efficient fuel sources one can use to heat their home or place of business. It not only burns much cleaner than sources such as oil, wood or coal, but is much simpler to use than the latter two. The cylinder or tank will be installed outside of your home, gas lines will run to your heater or fireplace, and simply adjust your heat to the desired temperature.

Appliances

There are various appliances that can utilize propane, rather than electricity in order to become more energy and cost efficient. Some of these appliances include: Wall Ovens, Stoves, Cook Tops, Dryers, and Hot Water Heaters.

Grills

Grilling is most likely propane's most known and popular use. It is a much healthier form of cooking than the use of charcoal or firewood. It will help provide your food with a more delicious and natural taste, without the added carbon from wood or charcoal. Also, propane does not require the use of lighter fluid to ignite, which is known to be dangerous for your health. A Grill Tank (20 lbs. cylinder) can be quickly refilled at your nearest propane supplier.

Agriculture

Farmers often use propane as a means of operating their crop dryers. Many of our customers use propane in order to dry crops including corn, grains, potatoes, and soy beans. Drying crops is a necessity before storage or distribution of the product is a capability. If it is stored or transported while still wet, it will most likely mold and become worthless.

Restaurants

There are many restaurants that utilize propane for their needs, such as cooking and heating. There are a wide variety of kitchen appliances that a restaurant is able use with propane, including Ovens, Stove Tops, Grills, Griddles, Pizza Ovens, and Deep Fryers. Through the use of propane a restaurant is able to become both more energy and cost efficient in the long run.

Forklifts

Propane Forklift Cylinders are used to power forklifts for many different businesses. The energy provided by propane will be more than enough to haul around stock, in order to get your transportation/deliveries ready to go.

Generators

Propane-Operated Whole-Home Generators are used as a backup, for when the power is out, that will allow you to still operate all of your appliances. Generators are typically installed in locations that are more susceptible to power outages. They generally require a 100 Gallon Tank or possibly larger.

What to do if You Smell Propane

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:03:00 GMT

What Does Propane Smell Like?

Propane is known to have a very strong and unpleasant smell to it. The smell is often described by many as rotten eggs, skunk spray, or a dead animal. This is not actually the natural smell of propane, as it is an odorless gas. This scent is added by the manufacturers in order to help users know if there is something wrong, such as a leak.

Steps to Follow if You Smell Propane

DO NOT USE FLAMES/APPLIANCES - Put out all smoking materials, such as cigarettes, and any other open flames. Do not use any appliances, lights, telephones, or cell phones inside the building, as these can all create a spark.
QUICKLY LEAVE THE AREA - Evacuate everyone inside the building or area where the gas is being smelled.
TURN OFF THE GAS - Shut off the main supply valve, which is located on your propane tank, but make sure that it is safe to do so. Turn the valve Clockwise (to the right) as much as possible.
REPORT THE LEAK - From a safe distance or a place such as a neighbor's home, call your Propane Provider, (814) 886-8451 if you are our customer, to inform them. If they are unavailable, call 911 or the local fire department.
DO NOT RETURN INSIDE THE BUILDING OR AREA - Wait until your Propane Provider or the emergency services arrive. They will ensure that the building is safe and inform you if you are able to return inside.
GET YOUR SYSTEMS CHECKED - Do not use any of your propane appliances until they have also been checked over by a verified technician. They will go over your entire propane system to make sure that it is entirely leak free.

Checking your Propane Gauge (Knowing when you need a Refill)

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 17:41:00 GMT

Finding your Gauge

Finding the gauge on an LP cylinder is very simple. On most tanks, you will find the gauge located at or on the top of the tank. You may have to remove some sort of cover to find the gauge. The Gauge is the round dial as seen in the image below.

Reading your Gauge

The Gauge reads in a percentage that tells you how much propane is remaining in your tank. The Gauge typically reads from numbers 0-80, some may be different. Since Propane is known to expand with increasing temperatures, a tank is considered full at around 80%. The chart below will help show you how many gallons remain. If You are 20% or Less, Let us Know so we can add you to our Refill Route. Give us a call at (814) 886-8451 .