FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT EXACTLY IS PROPANE?

Propane is considered a clean burning fuel and because of its portability, it has been used around the world for more than 50 years. Some of its uses are cooking, heating, manufacturing, agriculture, recreational, petro-chemicals and propellants. Additionally, because it is considered a clean burning alternative fuel for gasoline and diesel, propane continues to gain popularity in the transportation and warehouse (forklift) sectors.

WHERE DOES PROPANE COME FROM?

Propane exists either as a by-product of refining gasoline from crude oil or it is extracted from natural gas. Close to 90% of the propane used in the United States is produced in the United States.

HOW DOES THE PRICE OF CRUDE OIL AFFECT PROPANE PRICES?

About 55 percent of our domestic production of propane comes from the crude oil refinery process: as a by-product of crude oil, the price of propane usually, but not always, tracks the cost of a barrel of crude oil.

WHY DOES PROPANE SMELL SO BAD?

Propane in its natural state is odorless. Therefore, an odorant called ethyl mercaptan is added to the fuel after it is produced which allows for its detection. The odorization of propane permits the early detection of leaks.

WHY ISN’T MY TANK FILLED TO 100% CAPACITY?

In order to accommodate for propane’s tendency to expand as the temperature warms, propane tanks are generally filled only to 80%-85% capacity. This is standard practice in the propane industry.

I NEED TO SET UP MY PROPANE ACCOUNT TO MEET MY BUDGET. DO YOU HAVE PAYMENT PLANS?

San Diego Propane offers a number of flexible payment options to fit the needs of any Customer. To learn more, please contact our office at 619-460-1705.

DO PROPANE PRICES FLUCTUATE?

Propane prices respond to changes in supply and demand. Colder weather normally causes higher prices as demand increases and taxes the supply. Warm weather normally causes prices to moderate as demand drops and supply increases.

CAN YOU FILL A TANK THAT I RENT FROM ANOTHER COMPANY?

No, unfortunately State law prohibits one company from filling a tank belonging to another company. We can only fill your Customer-owned San Diego Propane tank. However, if you have another company’s tank and are looking to switch, we could conveniently add you to our schedule and set one of our tanks at your property. Simply call our office at 619-460-1705 for more details.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TANK SIZE I NEED?

When you contact our office, we will ask you what appliances in the home will be using propane. Additionally, we may ask a few more questions, such as BTU’s for your appliances or square footage of the home. From this, we will choose a tank size that will properly suit your needs and our delivery schedule to ensure that you and your family never run out of propane.

HOW DO I GET STARTED TO BECOME A SAN DIEGO PROPANE CUSTOMER?

Simply call our office at 619-460-1705. We will get your information and set a delivery date with you. We are available day or night, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Customer Referral Rewards Receive 25 free gallons!

See What Our Clients Are Saying...

If you want a propane company who pays attention to every request, shows up when they say they will and is pleasure to do business with, San Diego Propane is amazing. If there were 10 stars I would rate them a "10". Love these folks and truly appreciate how they always go the extra mile for us!!

Lisa S.

ALPINE

When I purchased a home I hired SDpropane to replace the old service. I called several companies but I was impressed with this company's customer care. They actually did care. Very personable service. I know that if I need something, they will certainly come to help.

Really great people.

Cindy Z.

SAN DIEGO

San Diego Propane came to our rescue about a year ago. Since then they have been committed to providing us with the best customer service experience and up-to-date billing statements, with easy payment. I cannot express how grateful we are to San Diego Propane, they have made the headache of filling our giant tanks so easy!

Otilia Z.

SPRING VALLEY