How Long Can You Run a Gas Log?

Safe Usage Tips for Propane-Fired Hearth Products

When temperatures start to drop across Pennsylvania, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the glow of a gas log. Beyond being a stunning decorative centerpiece, a propane hearth product is remarkably low-effort to operate—no hauling wood, no tending embers, just the flip of a switch. And when the weather turns rough, some gas logs can provide robust, reliable warmth even during a power outage.

That said, these appliances need to be used safely and in line with manufacturer guidelines. Here’s what you need to know about running your propane hearth product with confidence this season.

How Long Should You Run a Propane Hearth Product?

The answer depends largely on the type of unit you own and whether it’s vented or vent-free. No matter which kind you have, never leave a gas fireplace running while you’re away from home or asleep unless the manufacturer specifically states that the appliance is designed for that type of operation.

Running a Direct-Vent Fireplace Safely

If your home has a direct-vent fireplace—one with a sealed venting system that carries combustion gases outdoors—you may have more flexibility, since many of these systems are designed for extended operation.

Still, staying alert matters. If you ever notice a gas smell, unexpected smoke, or anything that seems off, shut the unit down if it is safe to do so and contact a qualified professional. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area and contact emergency services and your propane provider from a safe location.

We also recommend having working carbon monoxide detectors in your home and following the appliance manufacturer’s recommendations for any additional gas detection equipment.

Running a Vent-Free Unit Safely

Vent-free hearth products call for a more cautious approach. Because there’s no chimney or vent carrying combustion gases outside, it is especially important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding operating time, room size, and ventilation.

Consult your product’s owner’s manual or speak to us about safe operation for your specific appliance.

Getting Your Gas Fireplace Ready for Winter

Understanding safe run times is just one part of a successful winter with your gas fireplace. Use these tips to make sure your unit is ready to perform all season long:

• Check your pilot light’s color: An unusual yellow or orange flame can indicate a combustion problem that should be checked by a professional.
• Review your owner’s manual: Before the cold weather sets in, refresh yourself on how your specific system operates.
• Inspect your fireplace components: Look for visible chips, cracks, or other damage, and have any concerns evaluated before using the appliance.
• Keep vents clear: Remove dust, debris, leaves, branches, or other obstructions from exterior vent openings.
• Clean accessible surfaces: Wipe dust from your logs, fan, and blower using a microfiber cloth or handheld vacuum, following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
• Schedule professional service: Have your fireplace inspected and serviced to help ensure it is operating efficiently and safely.

Let Koppy’s Propane Keep You Warm All Winter

Homeowners in Dauphin County and throughout Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania trust Koppy’s Propane for dependable hearth products and expert service. Whether your gas log needs a seasonal tune-up or you’re thinking about adding a new fireplace or insert to your home, our team is ready to help you enjoy safe, worry-free warmth all winter long.

Ready for cozier nights ahead? Reach out to Koppy’s Propane today to schedule a gas fireplace service visit or request a free estimate on a new propane hearth product for your home.

Is Propane Classified as a Fossil Fuel?

Propane Balances Effective Home Comfort with Environmental Responsibility

Homeowners shouldn’t have to trade dependable comfort for environmental responsibility. You still need reliable heat on cold nights, hot water when you want it, and appliances that keep up with your household. But you also want to shrink your carbon footprint, breathe cleaner air, and keep energy bills manageable.

Propane checks both boxes. It’s a fuel you can count on for everyday comfort, and it supports a cleaner energy future while helping you save money along the way.

For homeowners in Cumberland County, PA, and throughout the surrounding region, Koppy’s Propane is breaking down what propane actually is, where it comes from, and how it stacks up environmentally.

Where Does Propane Come From, and Is It a Fossil Fuel?

Conventional propane does qualify as a fossil fuel, since it’s derived from geological material formed from ancient organisms. That said, it’s not extracted through dedicated drilling. It’s captured as a byproduct of natural gas processing and oil refining, meaning no additional wells are dug specifically to produce it.

The propane landscape is also shifting. A growing share of the U.S. supply is now renewable propane, produced from organic sources like recycled cooking oil, soybean and corn oil, woody biomass, and municipal waste. Renewable propane is molecularly identical to conventional propane but is far more sustainable, with the potential to become carbon-neutral. It isn’t yet widely available for residential customers, but supply is expected to expand steadily in the years ahead.

Does Propane Count as a Greenhouse Gas?

No, propane is not itself a greenhouse gas, and it has been recognized as an alternative fuel under both the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 because of how cleanly it burns.

Cutting household CO2 emissions matters, and propane helps make that possible. Its carbon intensity, or the amount of CO2 released per unit of energy, comes in well below gasoline, diesel, and the average electric grid.

Propane also contains no methane, a gas that is far more potent at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO2. Propane produces almost no particulate matter, isn’t toxic, and even if a leak were to occur, it poses no threat to soil, water, or wildlife.

How Efficient Are Propane Appliances?

Propane-powered equipment consistently delivers strong fuel efficiency across the board:

• Propane stoves and ranges heat up instantly, giving you fast, responsive cooking performance.
• Propane clothes dryers tend to run shorter cycles than electric units, with less static and fewer wrinkles.
• Tankless propane water heaters can cut energy costs by as much as 34% compared to tank-style models while supplying nearly unlimited hot water.
• A properly sized propane water heater delivers hot water about twice as fast as a comparable electric model.
• Propane furnaces and heating systems can reach efficiency ratings as high as 98.5%, keeping air flowing at a consistent 120 degrees even during the harshest winter weather.

Because propane appliances squeeze more comfort out of every unit of fuel, you end up burning less to maintain the temperature and convenience you’re used to. That means real savings on your annual energy budget.

Ready to experience dependable, environmentally responsible comfort? Contact Koppy’s Propane today to become a customer.

Autogas Fueling Strategies for Fleet Managers

Ensure a safer, more productive fueling setup for your vehicles

These days, disruptions in global energy markets have been a serious hindrance to the profitability of commercial fleets. Supply chain issues, global conflicts, and other factors have caused gasoline and diesel rates to fluctuate unpredictably.

Propane autogas is a predominantly U.S.-made alternative transportation fuel that’s already powering tens of thousands of commercial and municipal vehicles. And Koppy’s Propane helps fleet managers in Mountain Top and across Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania incorporate autogas into their operations.

Here are some key points to consider when looking into a propane autogas conversion.

Choose a Refueling Setup That Fits Your Fleet

Every fleet has different fueling needs, and our team can help you design an on-site dispensing system that makes sense for your operation. Tank sizes and dispensing equipment can be customized to your fleet and expanded as it grows. With fueling right at your facility, your drivers can spend less time making trips to off-site stations and more time doing their jobs.

Consider the Benefits of On-Site Fueling

An on-site propane autogas station can make fleet fueling much more convenient. Instead of sending drivers out of their way to find a fueling station, they can refuel vehicles right where they’re parked. That can mean fewer unnecessary miles, less downtime, and a more streamlined daily routine.

Koppy’s Propane can also help you evaluate whether owning or leasing your fueling infrastructure is the better fit.

As a fleet manager, your life also becomes much simpler with on-site autogas equipment. You won’t need to spend hours reconciling receipts from various fuel providers and reimbursing your employees. You have one fuel vendor who delivers your propane directly to your place of business. This arrangement significantly lowers the possibility of accidental fuel waste or intentional fraud.

Plan for Installation and Regulations

Setting up propane autogas fueling infrastructure is a straightforward process, but there are important requirements to consider. Our expert team helps you select the right equipment, navigate state and local regulations, and coordinate the installation process. Planning early can help ensure your fueling system meets applicable requirements and is ready to support your fleet with minimal disruption.

Make Safety Training Part of the Plan

Proper training is an essential part of operating a propane autogas fleet. Our autogas specialists train fleet managers, employees, and drivers on safe fueling procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment, and other best practices. We can help your operation understand applicable safety and compliance requirements, giving your team the knowledge and confidence to handle propane autogas safely.

Talk to Koppy’s Propane About Your Autogas Conversion

Whether you’re ready to switch to propane or just exploring if it fits your light- to medium-duty fleet, Koppy’s Propane has you covered. Our team handles fleet conversions, helps you capture available government incentives, and offers dual-fuel setups so drivers can revert to gasoline when needed. We’ll also install on-site autogas storage and dispensing equipment, backed by a delivery schedule built around your operation, so your fleet has dependable fuel access year-round, wherever and whenever you need it.

Reach out to our autogas team today to begin the conversation and start unlocking the efficiency and savings of on-site propane autogas.

What Are the Common Camper Propane Tanks?

These propane tanks and cylinders come in a range of sizes.

Late summer and early fall are ideal times to take your friends and loved ones out to the open road and to the parks and campgrounds across Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. If you have an RV or another kind of camper, it might be time to fill up the propane for your next trip. In this article, we’ll discuss the different propane tank sizes involved in campers and how they should be filled and maintained.

What Does Propane Do for Your Camper?

Propane powers many of the appliances and systems that make life on the road comfortable, including:

• Grills, stoves, and cooktops
• Hot water generation
• Refrigerators
• Space heating

Because propane can be compressed into a liquid for safe, compact transport, it’s an ideal fuel choice for recreational vehicles of all kinds.

What Size and Type of Tank Does Your Camper Use?

The tank size and type your camper needs depend on the kind of RV you have.

Larger RVs, like motorhomes, typically use an ASME tank, named for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which sets the manufacturing standards for these containers. ASME tanks are permanently mounted, usually on the exterior of the vehicle, and are the same type of tank used for stationary home and business propane systems. On an RV, an ASME tank generally ranges from 20 to 100 pounds. Refilling one means visiting a propane station equipped to service vehicles.

Smaller campers more commonly rely on portable DOT cylinders, named for the Department of Transportation regulations that govern them. These cylinders can be detached from your camper for easy refilling or swapping, giving you more flexibility while you’re away from home. Common camper DOT cylinder sizes include 20 pounds, which is the same size used for a standard grill tank, 33 pounds, and 40 pounds.

Keeping Your Camper’s Propane System Safe

Follow these tips to travel safely with propane on board:

• Regularly check tanks for corrosion, damage, or wear, and have a professional inspect them if anything looks off.
• Inspect propane hoses for kinks, abrasions, or fraying.
• Transport tanks exactly as your camper manufacturer instructs, and never transport a cylinder inside the camper itself.
• Schedule a professional safety inspection of your camper’s propane system once a year.
• Make sure your camper has working propane, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors, along with at least one properly rated fire extinguisher.
• Shut off your propane supply while driving.
• Turn off all propane valves, appliances, ignitors, and pilot lights before refilling a tank.
• Never smoke near your propane equipment.
• If you smell gas or hear a gas detector alert, leave the camper immediately, avoid any ignition sources, close the propane valve if it’s safe to do so, and call 911 once you’re clear.

Refill Your Camper’s Propane Cylinders with Koppy’s Propane

Ready to hit the road? Stop by any Koppy’s Propane office during normal business hours, and our team will refill your empty cylinder on the spot. We can also safety-test and requalify your cylinder, a step the U.S. Department of Transportation requires 12 years after manufacture, and every five years after that.

Visit us Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at our Williamstown, Carlisle, or Wapwallopen locations. Not sure which station is closest? Contact our team. We partner with fill stations throughout the region and can point you to the nearest one.

What’s Your Water Heater’s Efficiency Rating?

How household water heater efficiency is measured

With prices on just about everything rising in recent years, it makes sense to look for energy savings wherever you can find them. One bright spot for propane-powered homeowners is that U.S.-produced propane remains more affordable and price-stable than most other energy options. And you can stretch those savings even further by investing in high-efficiency equipment. Your water heater is one of the best places to start because it accounts for roughly one-fifth of your home’s total energy consumption.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how water heater efficiency is measured so that you can make a confident, informed decision.

The Key Efficiency Metric: UEF

When shopping for a new water heater, the most important number to understand is the Uniform Energy Factor, or UEF. This rating measures how effectively a unit converts energy into hot water. The higher the UEF, the more efficient the water heater.

One important detail: water heaters are grouped into usage categories called BINs, and UEF scores should only be compared among models within the same BIN. The yellow Energy Guide label on each unit makes this easy. It displays the UEF rating alongside an estimated annual operating cost, so you can weigh models side by side and calculate the real long-term value of investing in a more efficient unit.

Two More Numbers Worth Knowing

Beyond UEF, a couple of additional metrics can help you choose a water heater that fits your household’s actual hot water demands:

• First hour rating: For traditional tank-style water heaters, this measures how many gallons the unit can deliver in its first hour of operation, a good indicator of whether a tank can keep up with a busy morning in your home.
• Gallons per minute: For tankless water heaters, this measures how quickly the unit can deliver hot water on demand. The higher the GPM, the better it can handle simultaneous uses like a shower running while the dishwasher is going.

Which Type of Water Heater Is Right for You?

Koppy’s Propane installs two types of propane water heaters, and both offer excellent efficiency and performance for homes throughout Lancaster and across Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania:

• Traditional propane water heaters: Today’s storage tank models are significantly more efficient and longer-lasting than older units. If your household has consistent, predictable hot water needs, a modern propane tank water heater delivers reliable performance at a great value.
• Propane tankless water heaters: These on-demand systems heat water only when you need it, eliminating the standby energy losses that come with keeping a full tank hot around the clock. They can be up to 34% more efficient than conventional units and provide a virtually endless supply of hot water, all while taking up a fraction of the space.

If your current water heater is more than 10 years old, now is a great time to start exploring your options. An aging unit works harder, costs more to run, and is more likely to leave you with cold water at the worst possible moment.

Contact Koppy’s Propane today to learn more or to get started on a water heater upgrade.

Eco-Friendly Home Solutions with Propane

Propane Appliances Lower Your Household Emissions and Deliver Amazing Efficiency

Homeowners in Harrisburg and throughout Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania don’t have to choose between dependable home comfort and a responsible environmental footprint. Propane offers an excellent balance of efficiency, affordability and low emissions, making it one of the most eco-friendly ways to heat your home, produce hot water and power everyday appliances.

From furnaces and water heaters to clothes dryers, cooking ranges and gas fireplaces, propane appliances deliver exceptional performance while helping households reduce energy consumption. In most cases, they also cost less to operate than electric alternatives. In this article, we’ll explore how propane combines energy efficiency, environmental benefits and long-term savings for Pennsylvania homeowners.

A Reliable American Energy Source

Propane plays an important role in homes across the country, but many homeowners don’t realize that it is also a largely domestic energy source.

Most propane used in the United States is produced right here at home during natural gas processing and petroleum refining. In fact, the U.S. produces more propane than it consumes, helping provide a stable and reliable supply for homeowners and businesses alike.

Because propane is stored on your property, you aren’t dependent on utility pipelines to access energy. This flexibility makes propane especially valuable for homes in rural and suburban communities throughout Pennsylvania.

A Cleaner Choice for Your Home

Propane has earned recognition as one of the cleanest-burning conventional fuels available today.

Unlike natural gas, propane contains no methane, a greenhouse gas associated with climate concerns. Propane also produces very low levels of carbon emissions compared to many other energy sources and generates virtually no particulate matter.

Additional environmental benefits include:

• Lower carbon intensity than many competing fuels.
• Extremely low emissions of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.
• No risk of contaminating soil or groundwater in the event of a leak because propane is non-toxic.

These characteristics make propane an attractive option for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing comfort.

Why Propane Outperforms Many Other Fuels

Propane’s environmental advantages are matched by its impressive energy performance.

Compared to natural gas, propane contains significantly more energy per cubic foot, allowing appliances to generate substantial heat while maintaining excellent efficiency. Modern propane furnaces, boilers and water heaters often achieve efficiency ratings exceeding 90%.

Propane appliances also provide fast, responsive performance. Water heaters recover hot water quickly, ranges offer precise cooking control, and heating systems deliver steady warmth even during Pennsylvania’s coldest winter weather.

For many homeowners, propane’s combination of efficiency and performance can translate into lower energy costs and greater comfort throughout the year.

Explore Koppy Propane’s Home Comfort Solutions

If you’re looking for an energy source that combines efficiency, affordability and environmental responsibility, propane deserves serious consideration.

Koppy’s Propane helps homeowners throughout Harrisburg, Central Pennsylvania and Southeastern Pennsylvania enjoy the benefits of clean-burning propane every day. We offer a wide range of home comfort solutions, including propane heating systems, water heaters, space heaters, cooking ranges and beautiful gas log products.

Contact Koppy’s Propane today to learn how propane can help improve your home’s comfort, lower energy costs and support a cleaner future for your family. We’re happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate on new equipment.

What Does Propane Smell Like?

The Story Behind that “Rotten Egg” Odor

If propane is ever leaking around the house, the smell is meant to catch your attention at once.

It is strong, unpleasant, and usually described as something that’s similar to rotten eggs. That odor is intentionally added because propane in its natural state has no smell at all. Without it, detecting a leak would be much harder.

And since propane is connected to appliances people use every day, like heating systems, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces, and generators, knowing what that smell means is an important part of staying safe.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what propane smells like, and a few signs homeowners should never ignore if something suddenly smells off around the house.

A Propane Smell Is Anything but Subtle

Propane’s odor can stop you in your tracks because it smells so unusual and so strong. Some people compare it to rotten eggs. Others say it smells more like sulfur or a skunk-like odor that suddenly appears out of nowhere.

That strong smell is a good thing because it is meant to be noticed quickly if propane is escaping somewhere in or around your home.

First, let’s clarify something. There are times when you may notice a very slight propane smell outside near the tank or catch a quick whiff when a propane appliance first kicks on. That can happen occasionally.

What should raise concern is when the smell suddenly shows up inside the house, sticks around, or seems stronger than normal. That is not the kind of situation you want to shrug off and hope disappears on its own.

Do Not Wait Around to See if the Smell Goes Away

When a strong propane smell suddenly shows up inside the house, the safest thing to do is take it seriously right away.

Your first instinct is probably to check the stove, look around the basement, or check other places you think the smell may be coming from. But propane leaks are not something you want to troubleshoot on your own while still inside the house.

Do not flip light switches, use the phone, or try turning appliances on and off. Instead, get everyone outside and away from the home first.

Once you are safe outside, you can contact your propane provider or emergency responders from a safe location and let trained technicians manage the situation from there.

Not Everyone Notices Propane Smells the Same Way

One thing that surprises people is that propane smells are not always noticed equally by everyone in the house.

A bad cold, allergies, strong cooking smells, or even just spending hours around the same odor can dull a person’s sense of smell more than they realize. Sometimes, someone walking into the house notices the propane smell at once, while someone already inside barely notices it at all.

That is one reason it is important not to dismiss an unusual propane smell just because only one person noticed it. Even a faint or occasional odor is worth paying attention to if something suddenly seems off around propane equipment or appliances.

Knowing the Smell Is One of the Most Important Parts of Propane Safety

The good news is that propane’s strong odor gives people an important warning sign before a small problem has the chance to become a bigger one.

That is why it helps to know what propane smells like and to pay attention anytime something suddenly seems unusual around propane appliances, equipment, or the home itself. Most of the time, homeowners know when something in the house smells “off” compared to normal.

And when it comes to propane, trusting your instinct and responding quickly is always better than ignoring the smell and hoping it disappears on its own.

View our propane safety videos

Trust Koppy’s Propane in Dauphin County, PA and Beyond

Choosing the right propane provider is just as important as choosing the right energy source. At Koppy’s Propane, safety and dependability have been at the core of our service for more than 80 years.

We work hard to provide dependable, worry-free propane delivery service. Households and businesses alike choose us for responsive, stress-free automatic propane delivery throughout central and southeastern Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a safe fuel choice for your home, business, or vehicle, propane from Koppy’s is the natural and safe choice.

Reach out to our local experts to become a Koppy’s Propane customer today!

Best Practices in Fleet Fueling

Koppy’s can help you get the best efficiency and lower your fleet fuel costs.

Fleet managers are facing a difficult reality this year: gasoline and diesel prices are climbing sharply once again. A range of factors has contributed to the surge, but recent hostilities in and around Iran have added fresh uncertainty to already volatile global energy markets. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time world events have sent transportation costs soaring, and it likely won’t be the last.

For fleet managers in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania, controlling fuel expenses has never been more important. While no one can control the global energy market, there are practical steps you can take to improve fuel efficiency, reduce waste and protect your bottom line. Here are some best practices Koppy’s Propane recommends.

Track Fuel Usage Closely

The first step toward better fuel management is understanding exactly where your fuel dollars are going. Monitoring fuel consumption by vehicle, route and driver can reveal inefficiencies that may otherwise go unnoticed. Some vehicles may be using more fuel than expected, while certain routes or driving habits could be increasing costs unnecessarily. Fuel management software can make this process much simpler.

By reviewing fuel usage data regularly, fleet managers can identify opportunities for improvement and make more informed operational decisions.

Optimize Routes to Minimize Waste

Smarter route planning can significantly reduce fuel consumption over time.

Reducing unnecessary mileage, avoiding traffic congestion, and minimizing idle time in construction zones or bottlenecks can all help improve fleet efficiency. Even small adjustments to delivery schedules and driver routes can add up to meaningful fuel savings across an entire fleet.

Leveraging route-planning technology can make this process easier and help your drivers spend more time moving and less time burning fuel in traffic.

Stay Ahead on Vehicle Maintenance

Preventive maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to improve fleet fuel economy.

Underinflated tires, clogged air filters and poorly tuned engines can all force vehicles to consume more fuel than necessary. Routine inspections and timely service help keep your fleet operating at peak performance while reducing the risk of costly breakdowns and downtime.

Focus on Driver Habits

Fuel efficiency isn’t only about vehicles; it’s also about the people behind the wheel.

Aggressive acceleration, excessive braking and unnecessary idling can all increase fuel consumption. Training drivers on efficient driving habits can create immediate cost savings while also improving vehicle longevity and safety.

Simple habits like maintaining steady speeds and shutting off engines during extended stops can make a measurable difference.

Consider On-Site Fueling

Fueling vehicles off-site can waste valuable driver time, especially during severe weather or periods of high demand, when long lines and fuel shortages can disrupt operations.

Installing on-site fuel storage and dispensing equipment gives your fleet direct access to dependable fuel whenever it’s needed. It can simplify scheduling, reduce downtime, and provide greater control over your overall fueling strategy.

Embrace the Benefits of Propane Autogas with Koppy’s

One of the most effective long-term ways to reduce fleet fueling costs is to transition from gasoline or diesel to propane autogas.

Propane offers meaningful savings, with many fleets cutting fuel costs by 30% to 50%. Because propane is primarily produced in the United States, it’s often less vulnerable to global market disruptions. Fleets also benefit from cleaner engine performance, reduced maintenance needs, and reliable cold-weather starts.

Businesses that install propane fueling infrastructure may also qualify for valuable tax credits that can help offset upfront conversion costs.

Koppy’s Propane can guide fleet managers in Cumberland County and throughout Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania through every step of the conversion process, from evaluating your fleet and securing available incentives to installing on-site fueling equipment and training your drivers.

Reach out to us today for more information and to get a free consultation.

Why Doesn’t My Tank Gauge Read 100% After a Propane Delivery?

It’s about propane tank safety.

Homeowners in Mountain Top and across Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania know they can count on Koppy’s Propane for dependable, worry-free fuel delivery. Our automatic delivery program is the low-stress way to make sure your tank always has sufficient propane, and it doesn’t cost one dime extra. We use a computerized system to track your consumption and schedule your next delivery before you run low, so you never have to think about it.

That said, some customers do have questions after a delivery — specifically, why their tank gauge doesn’t show a higher reading. Here’s a clear explanation of what’s going on.

How to read your propane tank gauge

Your propane tank has a small dome on top that covers the tank gauge. Lift it, and you’ll find a dial that resembles a speedometer, displaying numbers from 5 to 95. These represent the percentage of your tank’s capacity that is currently filled. The gauge uses a float on the end of a stem to measure the volume of propane in your tank (how much space it’s taking up) at any given moment.

Why temperatures affect your gauge reading

Bear with us for a moment of basic chemistry — it’s worth understanding.

Propane is stored and delivered as a liquid, and like most liquids, its volume changes with temperature. As temperatures rise, propane expands. As temperatures fall, it contracts. The key detail is that propane’s volume changes at nearly 17 times the rate of water over the same temperature range.

This means that a drop in outdoor temperature after your delivery can cause your gauge reading to look lower than you might expect, even though the actual amount of propane in your tank hasn’t changed. Here’s a practical example:

If Koppy’s delivers 100 gallons into a 250-gallon tank at a moderate temperature of around 60°F, your gauge will read approximately 40%. If the temperature drops significantly overnight, that same 100 gallons of propane will contract and take up less space, causing the gauge reading to dip noticeably.

There are still 100 gallons in your tank. The propane hasn’t gone anywhere; it simply occupies less volume at lower temperatures.

If you ever have questions about your fill percentage after a delivery, don’t hesitate to speak with your Koppy’s driver. We can confirm exactly how many gallons were added to your tank.

Understanding the 80-20 fill rule

You may have also noticed that Koppy’s never fills your above-ground tank beyond 80%. There’s an important safety reason for that. Because propane expands significantly in warm weather, filling a tank completely would leave no room for that expansion, creating a dangerous pressure buildup. Leaving 20% of the tank empty gives your propane the space it needs to expand safely as outdoor temperatures rise. This is a standard safety practice followed by propane companies everywhere, and it’s one we take seriously on every delivery.

And remember: you’re only charged for the propane going into your tank.

Total confidence in your propane supply with Koppy’s

We’re committed to giving Pennsylvania homeowners complete peace of mind when it comes to their fuel supply. From our automatic delivery program and flexible tank leasing options to wireless tank monitoring, we have everything you need to stay comfortable and worry-free.

Reach out to Koppy’s Propane today to become a customer and get started with zero-stress automatic delivery.

Monitoring and Lowering Water Use to Save Energy

Hot water is a big contributor to your propane gas usage.

For the average household, about 18% of total energy use goes toward heating water. That makes hot water one of the largest contributors to your monthly energy bills. At the same time, overall water consumption can quietly drive up costs if it isn’t managed carefully. For homeowners in Hazleton and throughout Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania, keeping an eye on both water use and water heating habits is a smart way to improve efficiency and reduce expenses without sacrificing comfort.

At Koppy’s Propane, we help families get the most out of their gas-powered appliances, especially when it comes to reliable, efficient hot water. Along with upgrading equipment, small changes in how you use water every day can make a noticeable difference in your energy bills.

Easy Ways to Cut Back on Hot Water Use

Reducing hot water consumption doesn’t have to be complicated. A few practical adjustments can significantly lower both water and energy usage:

1. Install low-flow showerheads. Older fixtures often use more water than necessary. Modern low-flow models — whether aerated or laminar — deliver a satisfying shower while using far less water.
2. Fix leaks promptly. A dripping faucet or pipe might seem minor, but even a slow leak can waste thousands of gallons of water each year.
3. Add faucet aerators. These inexpensive upgrades reduce water flow without affecting performance, helping you conserve hot water throughout your home.
4. Upgrade appliances. ENERGY STAR®-rated dishwashers and washing machines are designed to use less hot water while maintaining excellent performance.
5. Run full loads. Wait until your dishwasher or washing machine is full and use shorter or eco-friendly cycles whenever possible.
6. Choose appliances with booster heaters. These units heat water internally, allowing your main water heater to operate more efficiently.

Improve Your Water Heater’s Efficiency

In addition to using less hot water, you can take steps to ensure your water heater operates as efficiently as possible:

1. Lower the thermostat setting. Setting your water heater to 120°F can reduce energy consumption while still providing safe, comfortable hot water.
2. Use vacation mode. If you’re heading out of town, switching your system to vacation or pilot mode helps avoid unnecessary energy use.
3. Schedule routine maintenance. Flushing your water heater tank once a year removes sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and shorten equipment life. Regular maintenance keeps everything running smoothly.

Upgrade with Koppy’s for Long-Term Savings

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement. Aging systems tend to lose efficiency, leading to higher energy use and rising utility bills. Planning for an upgrade can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure a seamless transition to a more efficient unit.

Koppy’s Propane offers high-efficiency water heating solutions, including advanced propane-powered tankless water heaters designed to deliver reliable hot water while minimizing energy use. Our experienced technicians also provide expert maintenance and repair services, along with service plans that help keep costs predictable and manageable.

Managing water use is one of the simplest ways to lower energy expenses. If you’re ready to improve efficiency and enjoy dependable hot water year-round, Koppy’s Propane is here to help with solutions tailored to your home.

Reach out to us today for an estimate on a new water heater.