Propane & Heating Oil Services

Choosing between propane and natural gas for your home depends on factors such as availability, cost, efficiency, environmental impact, and personal preferences.

Natural gas is typically supplied by utility companies via a network of underground pipes, while propane can be delivered in tanks reserved just for your home. Propane cost per gallon depends on several factors, many of which also affect the price of natural gas. Propane has a higher energy content, leading to potentially more efficient appliances. Both fuels are safe when handled properly. Contact a PepUp energy specialist to talk about whether propane is the right choice for your home’s energy needs.

The cost of running your house on propane vs. electricity can vary depending on several factors. Propane is often cheaper than electric for heating, cooking, and hot water, especially on Delmarva and nearby areas, where propane is readily available from PepUp.

Electric appliances can sometimes be more energy-efficient and carry lower long-term costs, depending on what appliances you purchase. Some propane appliances are less expensive to service and maintain than their electric counterparts.

To determine the most cost-effective option for your home, it’s best to compare local propane prices to electricity prices, consider energy-efficiency, and assess your home’s potential annual propane needs.

Yes! Converting a home from natural gas to propane requires certain modifications to the existing appliances and infrastructure. Some appliances may need to be replaced or retrofitted, and the gas lines and regulators may need adjustments. Call a trusted local HVAC professional or a licensed plumber to evaluate the feasibility and cost of the conversion before making any decisions. They can provide guidance on the necessary steps and ensure a safe and efficient transition between the two fuel sources.

Of course, you can always speak with a PepUp Energy Specialist to learn more about our experience with whole-home propane conversions. We’ve seen it done successfully and can offer some resources and answer questions to help you decide if the switch is right for you.

When home your propane tank runs out or pressure gets low in the colder months, the appliances and systems that rely on it will cease to function. This could include heating, hot water, cooking, and dryers. Running out of propane can disrupt daily activities and can be especially problematic during cold Mid-Atlantic winters. Regularly monitoring propane levels and scheduling timely refills can help avoid this inconvenience. Automatic Delivery makes it even easier to keep your home propane tank from running out; we’ll keep up with it for you!

If your home propane supply does run out, take these steps right away:

1. Turn all propane appliances off. This includes turning off pilot lights, gas valves, and electrical switches connected to propane appliances.
2. Contact PepUp right away. PepUp offers 24/7 emergency propane delivery service, which is especially important in the winter months if your home uses propane as its primary heating fuel.
3. Consider SAFE alternative heating and cooking options. If it’s cold outside, you may need an alternative heating source, such as indoor-safe space heaters or electric blankets, until propane is restored. For cooking, you could use an electric skillet or consider temporarily using a grill or camping stove outdoors.
4. Inspect the system. After propane is refilled, your PepUp delivery driver will check your propane system pressure to make sure your appliances are functioning properly and safely, without leaks.

Propane itself is odorless, but an odorant called ethyl mercaptan is added to it to give it a strong, distinctive smell. This smell is often described as rotten eggs, sulfur, or a skunk-like odor. The purpose of adding this odorant is to make it easier to detect propane leaks, so it’s important that homeowners learn to recognize the smell quickly.

If you smell propane, evacuate your home immediately, avoid using any electrical devices or open flames, and call PepUp’s emergency number right away: 800-638-7802. You’ll always get an answer when you call our emergency number, 24/7/365, and even on holidays. We have service technicians on call to respond to suspected leaks, for our customers’ safety.

Propane delivery to residential homes on the Delmarva Peninsula is safe during summer, including during heat waves, when the tank is properly filled and positioned. PepUp delivers propane to homes in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia year-round. Propane tanks are engineered to withstand outdoor temperatures well above typical Delmarva summer highs.

PepUp fills residential propane tanks to a safe 80 percent capacity rather than full. This leaves room for liquid propane to expand as outside temperatures rise, keeping internal pressure within safe operating limits.

Tanks should remain in a well-ventilated location, in shade, if preferred. Review PepUp’s propane tank placement guide or contact us at 800-638-7802 to discuss safe propane tank placement options.

A hissing sound from a propane tank on a hot day often means the pressure relief valve is releasing excess vapor pressure. Propane expands with heat, and the relief valve is designed to open automatically when internal pressure rises too high. The valve closes again once pressure returns to a safe level. This is a normal safety response.

If you notice a persistent hiss that does not stop within a short time, that can also indicate a gas leak rather than normal pressure venting. Do not attempt to inspect, adjust, or turn the valve yourself.

If hissing continues for more than 30 seconds: leave the area immediately, avoid open flames or electrical switches, and call PepUp at 800-638-7802. PepUp offers 24/7 emergency response for customers across the Delmarva Peninsula.

Homeowners on the Delmarva Peninsula should complete five propane tank preparation steps before summer temperatures peak. PepUp recommends the following:
Check tank placement. The tank should sit on a flat, stable surface in a well-ventilated area at least 10 feet from grills, generators, and other heat sources. See NFPA’s LP-Gas container placement requirements for full setback rules.

1. Clear debris. Remove dry grass, leaves, and clippings from around the tank to reduce fire risk.
2. Inspect for damage. Look for rust, dents, or corroded fittings. Review PepUp’s guide to signs your propane tank needs replacing and call PepUp before using a tank that shows any of these signs. If you lease a tank from PepUp, our drivers and technicians verify tank safety at every visit.
3. Test your carbon monoxide detectors. Any propane-powered appliances used indoors can produce CO. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends CO detectors in all homes using fuel-burning appliances. Test detectors and replace batteries if needed.
4. Schedule a tank fill, which always includes a visual safety inspection of your tank and supply lines. You can fill your tank or, as long as you purchase the minimum 100 gallons for delivery, you can get a partial tank fill.

PepUp serves residential customers throughout Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia from its headquarters at 3941 Federalsburg Hwy, Federalsburg, MD 21632. Contact PepUp to schedule tank service.

Propane appliances such as grills, fire pits, and patio heaters are safe to use throughout summer when used outdoors in open, well-ventilated areas and kept at least six feet from your home and other structures. PepUp recommends reviewing propane appliance best practices before the summer entertaining season begins.

• Before lighting a grill or burner, open the lid and check for gas odor. If you smell propane before lighting, turn off the supply valve and wait at least five minutes before trying again.
• Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, tents, or screened porches.
• After each use, when outdoor appliances are connected to small, portable tanks, close the valve at the tank. Leaving a propane valve open when the appliance is not in use creates an unnecessary leak risk.

If you are unsure whether a propane fitting, hose, or valve is in good condition before summer entertaining season, contact PepUp at 800-638-7802 to schedule a safety check.

A propane smell near your home at any time of year requires immediate action. Propane is naturally odorless, but suppliers add a rotten egg or skunk-like odorant so leaks are detectable. The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) provides detailed guidance on recognizing the smell and responding to suspected leaks.

If you smell propane near your home:

• Leave the building. Get everyone out right away, including pets.
• Do not use any electrical switches, light switches, phones, or open flames inside the building before evacuating.
• Turn off the propane supply at the tank valve by turning it clockwise, if you can do so safely without entering an enclosed space.
• Call PepUp from a safe distance: 800-638-7802. PepUp’s emergency line is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Do not re-enter your home until PepUp or emergency services confirms it is safe.

Summer heat can increase tank pressure and make minor leaks more detectable by smell. Do not assume a propane odor will resolve on its own.