How Amerigas Propane Works and What to Expect as a Customer

Amerigas is one of the largest propane distributors in the United States, serving residential and commercial customers across South Carolina and beyond

Amerigas Propane operates as a delivery service rather than a utility you call directly for emergencies. The company maintains propane tanks at customer locations and handles regular refills on a schedule you set, or on demand when you run low. In South Carolina, Amerigas serves both rural areas without natural gas lines and suburban customers who choose propane for heating, cooking, or hot water.

Unlike a utility company, Amerigas does not own the gas lines running to your home—you own or lease the tank on your property, and Amerigas fills it. This means you have choices about service providers, pricing, and contract terms that utility customers do not have. Understanding how the company operates helps you decide whether it fits your needs and what to watch for in your account.

Key Takeaways

• Amerigas delivers propane to your tank on a schedule or on demand, and you can switch providers if you own your tank outright.
• The company charges a delivery fee per gallon plus a service charge, and prices vary by location and market conditions.
• Automatic delivery (budget billing) locks in a price for the season and prevents you from running out, but requires you to commit to a contract.
• If you rent your tank from Amerigas, you are locked into their service unless you buy the tank outright or move to a competitor's equipment.
• South Carolina has no state price cap on propane, so comparing rates between Amerigas and local competitors can save you money.

How Amerigas charges for propane and delivery

Amerigas bills you for the propane itself (measured in gallons) plus a delivery charge per gallon and a service fee per delivery. The price per gallon fluctuates based on wholesale market rates, which means your cost changes from season to season and sometimes week to week. The delivery charge and service fee are set by your local Amerigas office and do not change as often, but they vary by region within South Carolina.

You can request a price quote from your local Amerigas office by phone or through their website. The company does not publish a single statewide rate because prices depend on your location, the size of your order, and current market conditions. If you are comparing Amerigas to other propane companies in your area, ask each one for a written quote that breaks down the per-gallon price, delivery fee, and any service charges.

Automatic delivery versus on-demand refills

Amerigas offers automatic delivery, where the company monitors your tank and refills it on a set schedule before it runs empty. This option locks in a price for the heating season (typically October through March) and prevents you from running out during cold weather. The trade-off is that you sign a contract committing to buy from Amerigas for that season, and you pay a higher per-gallon rate than you would for a single on-demand fill.

On-demand refills mean you call Amerigas when your tank is low and request a delivery. This gives you flexibility to shop around and switch providers, but it also means you risk running out of propane if you wait too long to order. On-demand customers typically pay a lower per-gallon rate but a higher delivery fee per trip, since the company is not scheduling multiple stops in one route.

Tank ownership and what it means for your options

If you own your propane tank outright, you can switch to any propane company that serves your area. Amerigas will remove their tank and you can have a competitor's tank installed, or you can keep your existing tank and have another company fill it. This flexibility is valuable if you find better rates elsewhere or if you are unhappy with Amerigas's service.

If you rent your tank from Amerigas, you are committed to using their service as long as you keep the tank. Renting is common for customers who do not want to pay the upfront cost of a tank (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on size), but it removes your ability to switch providers without buying the tank first. Before signing a rental agreement, ask Amerigas what the buyout price would be if you decide to own the tank later.

What happens if you run out of propane

If your propane tank empties completely, your appliances stop working and you cannot use them until the tank is refilled and the lines are bled of air. Amerigas charges an emergency service fee (higher than a regular delivery fee) to come out and refill an empty tank, and the process can take several hours. Some customers also have to pay a technician to relight pilot lights on furnaces or water heaters after the tank is refilled.

Automatic delivery is designed to prevent this situation by refilling your tank before it runs dry. If you choose on-demand service, monitor your tank gauge regularly during the heating season and order a refill when you reach 25 percent full, which gives you a safety margin.

Amerigas service areas in South Carolina and how to contact them

Amerigas operates in most of South Carolina, with local offices in the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry regions. You can find your local office and request service through Amerigas.com or by calling 1-800-427-6374. The company also offers a mobile app where automatic delivery customers can monitor their tank level and request early delivery if needed.

Response times for on-demand deliveries vary by location and season. During winter, when demand is highest, wait times can stretch to several days. If you live in a rural area, confirm with your local Amerigas office that they service your address before signing up, since some remote locations may not be on their regular delivery routes.

Comparing Amerigas to other propane providers in your area

South Carolina has no state price regulation for propane, which means rates can vary significantly between companies. Before committing to Amerigas, contact at least two other local propane providers and ask for written quotes. Include the per-gallon price, delivery fee, service charge, and any contract terms or early termination fees.

Local propane companies often compete on price and service, especially in areas where Amerigas has a strong presence. Some smaller providers offer more flexible contracts or lower delivery fees. The South Carolina Propane Gas Commission (part of the state's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) maintains a list of licensed propane dealers, which can help you find alternatives in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Amerigas to another propane company?

Yes, if you own your tank. Amerigas will remove their tank and you can have another company's tank installed, or you can keep your existing tank and have a competitor fill it. If you rent from Amerigas, you would need to buy the tank first or have the new company install their own tank on your property.

What is the difference between the price per gallon and the delivery fee?

The per-gallon price is what you pay for the propane itself and changes with market rates. The delivery fee is a separate charge per gallon for bringing the propane to your home, and it is set by your local Amerigas office. A typical bill includes both charges plus any service fees.

Does Amerigas offer budget billing or payment plans?

Amerigas automatic delivery customers can lock in a seasonal price, which spreads the cost across the heating season. Some local offices offer monthly payment plans, but terms vary. Contact your local Amerigas office to ask what payment options are available in your area.

What should I do if my propane tank is empty?

Call Amerigas immediately at 1-800-427-6374 or your local office number. Emergency refills cost more than regular deliveries and may take several hours. To avoid this, switch to automatic delivery or check your tank gauge weekly during winter and order a refill when you reach 25 percent full.

How do I know if Amerigas serves my address in South Carolina?

Visit Amerigas.com or call 1-800-427-6374 and provide your address. The company can tell you whether your location is on their delivery route and what service options are available. If Amerigas does not serve you, they can refer you to other propane providers in your area.