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.