The technology for checking the propane levels in full-size tanks has advanced to a stage where it makes perfect sense to use a small electronic propane tank monitor on all tanks, from 120 gallons to 1000 gallons and above. A tank monitor’s convenience helps avoid needless outdoor trudging, unwanted delivery expenses, and out-of-gas emergency visits and charges.

Since the early 1900s, keeping track of remaining propane in tanks has been handled in one of two methods:  highly manual, or a mathematic guesstimate. The latter is based on previous years’ usage for each tank, and a variable “K-Factor” of weather.  A truly accurate, updated tank reading is not reliably obtained in these old-fashioned ways.

On the manual side, business owners and homeowners have traditionally walked out to their tanks, opened the hood, and peered at a gauge. This can be particularly unpleasant for propane users when doing the search during a blizzard or a heatwave or on a dark night. Often, it’s been a chore for the propane delivery team, as they periodically traipse across someone’s backyard to check the gauge and decide whether it’s worth dragging the hose from the truck to do a refill.

The K-Factor guesses don’t consider any unusual activity that might mean more rapidly-reduced propane levels than in past years. A site might have increased demand due to additional propane appliances, or even a change in the number of people in a home or business. The imprecise nature of old methods of reading tanks, before electronic monitors are implemented, means that some tanks run dry, and the client suffers an inconvenient loss of service, they must pay a fee for a leak check, and sometimes, additional emergency charges.

Enter the now-affordable and convenient way to get an accurate look at remaining fuel amounts in propane tanks.  These battery-equipped tank monitors are connected to the gauges, and send out electronic readings, with exact percentage levels, to a portal that can be monitored at the propane provider’s service center.

As the delivery team plans daily routes, they can see at a glance which tanks need immediate attention, if the reading shows perhaps 20% or less.  This technology means that wasted refill trips are reduced, certain delivery fees can be avoided, and the improved operating efficiency for the company allows lower per-gallon propane prices for the customer.

An additional bonus: the client doesn’t need to make the trek outside to check that gauge! If they have a smartphone, a free app may be downloaded.  The propane team will make arrangements for the customer to view a nice, customized pictorial display on their phone from their living room… or anywhere!  It’s especially useful for owners of second homes, and businesses with multiple tanks and facilities. Tank monitors provide a modern way to keep tabs on propane levels at any location.

Technology for your propane tanks – welcome to the 21^st Century!