How Amerigas Propane Works and What to Know Before You Sign Up

What Amerigas Propane Is and How It Delivers to Your Home

Amerigas Propane is a propane delivery service that brings bottled or tank propane to residential and small business customers across the United States. The company operates as a subsidiary of AmeriGas Propane, L.P., and handles everything from delivery scheduling to tank maintenance. If you heat your home with propane, cook on a propane stove, or run propane appliances, Amerigas can be your supplier.

Propane arrives at your home in one of two ways: either through a large stationary tank buried or placed outside your property, or through portable bottles you exchange or refill. Amerigas manages both setups. For stationary tanks, the company handles delivery on a schedule you set or on an automatic delivery plan where they monitor your tank level and refill it before you run out. For portable bottles, you can exchange them at Amerigas locations or order delivery of filled bottles to your door.

The service covers propane for heating, water heating, cooking, grills, and other appliances. Amerigas also offers tank inspections, leak detection, and safety checks as part of their service. You pay for the propane itself plus a delivery fee, which varies by location and how often you need refills.

Key Takeaways

• Amerigas delivers propane via large stationary tanks or portable bottles, depending on your setup and needs.
• You can choose manual delivery scheduling or automatic delivery, where Amerigas monitors your tank and refills it before it empties.
• Service costs include the price of propane plus a delivery fee that changes based on your location and delivery frequency.
• Amerigas offers tank safety inspections and maintenance as part of their service agreement.
• You can exchange portable propane bottles at Amerigas retail locations or order refilled bottles for home delivery.

Setting Up Service and Choosing a Tank Option

When you start service with Amerigas, you first decide whether you want a stationary tank or portable bottles. A stationary tank is best if you use propane regularly for heating or multiple appliances. These tanks are typically 100, 250, 500, or 1,000 pounds and sit outside your home. Amerigas can install a new tank or work with an existing one you own.

Portable bottles work better if you use propane occasionally—for a grill, patio heater, or backup cooking. These are the standard 20-pound bottles you see at hardware stores. You either exchange a full bottle for your empty one at an Amerigas location, or you order delivery of filled bottles online or by phone.

To open an account, contact Amerigas directly by phone or through their website. You will need your address, information about your current setup (if you have one), and details about what you use propane for. They will quote you a price based on your location and tank size, then schedule installation or first delivery. If you already own a tank, Amerigas can inspect it and take over deliveries without replacing it.

Automatic Delivery Versus Manual Ordering

Amerigas offers two ways to manage refills: automatic delivery and manual ordering. With automatic delivery, the company monitors your tank using a wireless gauge and sends a truck when your propane reaches a set level—usually around 30 percent full. This prevents you from running out unexpectedly. You set the delivery schedule when you sign up, and Amerigas handles the rest. Many customers choose this option for heating fuel because running out in winter is dangerous and inconvenient.

Manual ordering means you call or order online when you need a refill. This works if you use propane sparingly or want to control exactly when deliveries happen. You pay the same per-gallon rate either way, but automatic delivery may have a minimum charge or slightly different pricing depending on your contract.

Switching between automatic and manual is straightforward—contact customer service to change your preference. If you go on vacation or use less propane than expected, you can pause automatic delivery temporarily.

Pricing, Fees, and What Affects Your Bill

Amerigas charges for propane by the gallon, and the price fluctuates based on market conditions and your location. You also pay a delivery fee each time a truck comes to your home, which typically ranges but varies widely by region and distance from the nearest Amerigas location. Some areas charge a flat delivery fee; others charge based on the number of gallons delivered.

Your bill includes the propane cost, the delivery fee, and sometimes a tank rental fee if you do not own the tank yourself. If you own your tank, there is no rental charge, but Amerigas may charge for inspections or maintenance. Ask about these fees when you set up your account so there are no surprises.

Propane prices change seasonally and with crude oil markets, so your per-gallon cost in winter may differ from summer. Amerigas publishes pricing information on their website and in your account, so you can see what you are paying before delivery arrives. Some customers lock in a price for the heating season to avoid price spikes.

Safety Inspections and Tank Maintenance

Propane tanks require regular inspection to stay safe and legal. Amerigas includes safety checks as part of their service. When a delivery driver arrives, they inspect the tank for leaks, corrosion, and proper valve function. If they find a problem, they report it and may refuse to fill the tank until it is repaired.

Tanks also need to be re-certified every 10 years if they are stationary tanks, or every 12 years if they are portable bottles. Amerigas can handle this re-certification or direct you to a certified inspector. The cost is separate from your propane bill and is required by law.

If you smell propane (a rotten-egg odor), do not use any electrical switches or create sparks. Leave the building, call Amerigas from outside, and wait for their emergency response team. Propane leaks are serious and require professional attention immediately.

Canceling Service and Switching Providers

You can stop service with Amerigas at any time, though the process depends on whether you own your tank or rent it from them. If you own the tank, you simply call to cancel and arrange a final delivery or pickup. If Amerigas owns the tank, they will remove it when you cancel. Some contracts include early termination fees, so check your agreement before you sign up.

If you are switching to a different propane provider, tell Amerigas your cancellation date in advance. They will schedule a final delivery and remove their tank if necessary. The new provider can then install their own tank or take over your existing one if you own it.

Amerigas serves most of the continental United States, but not every area. If you are moving or cannot find service in your location, you can search for other propane suppliers through your state's public utilities commission or by asking neighbors who use propane.

Contacting Amerigas and Managing Your Account Online

You can reach Amerigas customer service by phone, and most locations have local numbers listed on their website. You can also manage your account online through their website or mobile app, where you can request a delivery, view your bill, update payment information, and check your tank level if you have automatic delivery.

Amerigas also offers budget billing, where you pay the same amount each month based on your average annual usage. This spreads out the cost of higher winter heating bills across the whole year, making it easier to budget. You can enroll in budget billing when you open your account or anytime after.

If you have questions about your bill, need to report a leak or safety concern, or want to change your delivery schedule, customer service can help over the phone or through your online account. Response times vary by location and how busy they are, especially during heating season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I run out of propane?

If you run out completely, your appliances will stop working until the tank is refilled. With automatic delivery, this should not happen because Amerigas refills before you empty the tank. If you use manual ordering and run out, call Amerigas for an emergency delivery. Some areas charge extra for emergency service, so automatic delivery is safer for heating fuel.

Can I use Amerigas propane in a portable grill or heater I already own?

Yes. You can exchange empty bottles at Amerigas locations or order filled bottles for delivery. The bottles must be standard 20-pound propane bottles in good condition. Amerigas will inspect any bottle you bring in to make sure it is safe to refill.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract with Amerigas?

Contract terms vary by location and service type. Some areas offer month-to-month service, while others require a seasonal or annual agreement. Ask about contract length and early termination fees before you sign up so you know your options.

What should I do if I smell propane?

Leave your home immediately and call Amerigas from outside. Do not use light switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark. Propane has a strong rotten-egg smell added so you can detect leaks. A leak is a safety emergency and requires professional response.

Can I switch propane providers if I rent my tank from Amerigas?

Yes, but Amerigas will remove their tank when you cancel. Your new provider will install their own tank. If you own your tank, you can keep it and have a new provider fill it, though they may inspect it first to make sure it meets their standards.