So what’s up with the price of gasoline? That’s always a hot topic, but contrary to popular belief, gasoline is one of the most competitively and transparently priced consumer products. So how is gasoline priced? There are four factors:

Crude oil prices: As a commodity that trades in world markets, crude oil prices fluctuate according to supply and demand. Global economic conditions, geopolitical or military events and other factors can all affect the price.

Wholesale prices: The wholesale price of refined gasoline is also a factor of supply and demand. World events such as refinery incidents, extreme weather, or changes in demand play a role in determining the wholesale or commodity price.

Retail mark-up: most retailers are independent business owners, so they are able to competitively set their own margins, but the retail price still tends to fluctuate along with wholesale prices. As margins on fuel are typically very low, retailers often add services such as a car wash or convenience store to help them meet their overheads.

Taxes: an average of 50 cents per litre at the pump. These taxes include carbon tax, federal and provincial taxes, and some municipalities charge an additional local tax. Gas prices at the pump are typically lower in the US because of the difference in taxes.

Propane is a versatile, multi-purpose fuel that is highly portable, clean burning, safe and non-toxic. It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure but can be compressed to a transportable liquid.

As an alternative fuel source to oil and electric energy, propane can power your home’s heat pump, furnace/boiler, water heater, space heaters, fireplace, gas range, refrigerator, clothes dryer, pool heater, generator, and more.

The Canadian Propane Association website reports: Some of the characteristics of propane, along with the regulations applied to the equipment, training and handling, make propane one of the safest fuels when compared to many other fuels such as gasoline, diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG). Strict standards and regulations are in place to govern the production, storage, transportation and use of propane to ensure your safety.

It is time to re-order propane when your gauge reaches between 20 - 30%.

If you have just purchased your new propane tank, then you may have realized that it’s actually only 80% filled. There is, in fact, a very good reason for this. That’s because propane expands in the heat.

Propane tanks are only ever filled at a maximum of 80% capacity, to ensure the propane has enough room to expand into if it gets warm.

If the tank percentage fell quickly after a delivery, especially if the weather has been cold, this is normal.

Although your tank gauge may read 80% right after a fill, inspecting the gauge the following morning may show a percentage drop of up to 5%, even if no gas has been used.

This occurs because your propane gas is delivered as a liquid. Like all liquids, it expands as temperatures rise and contracts when temperatures fall. (Actually, the liquid propane in a tank will expand 270 times its volume once it vaporizes into a gas.).

You will still have the same number of litres of propane, but it will occupy less (or more) volume depending on changes in temperature.

For this reason - whether the tank is filled partially or fully - the delivery driver relies on the bleeder valve (and not the gauge) to measure how much propane fuel is being added.

Important reminder: The gauge reading on your tank only measures the level of liquid remaining in the tank. It will vaporize into gas, which is what your equipment and appliances burn in order to operate.

Propane has a strong, unpleasant smell, like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add the smell deliberately to help alert customers to propane leaks, which can create a safety hazard.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) recommends that you get in touch with a qualified propane service technician to evaluate the appliance and relight the pilot light, which is a small, constantly burning flame inside the appliance that ignites the main burner. A pilot light that repeatedly goes out — or is difficult to light — may be signaling that there is a problem with the appliance or your propane system. Accidents and serious injuries can occur when customers attempt to fix a pilot light problem on their own.

A propane tank can last upwards of 25 years. However, regular maintenance of propane tanks and appliances is mandatory for those living in Ontario. 

The 10 year inspection does not only included the propane tanks on site, but the primary purpose is to ensure that all propane-burning appliances have been installed according to code and meet all clearances required.

It’s also important that propane tanks are not damaged, and this is part of the 10-year inspection. Damage such as dents, rust, scrapes, gouges or weakened valve connectors, mean your propane tank has a higher chance of leaking. That tank cannot be filled with anymore propane until it’s fixed or replaced.

Overuse and aging can lead a propane tank to make noises. These noises could be coming from your propane tank itself or the gas line connected to it, and could represent a variety of issues with your propane tank.

If your propane tank is making noise then it’s important you have it looked at by a qualified professional. Three of the most common propane tank noises include:

• Knocking
• Humming and gurgling
• Hissing

Propane tanks are robust and require minimal maintenance to keep in good shape.  We simply ask that our customers maintain a cleared path to the propane tank in the winter and keep the tank clear of any debris or woodpiles throughout the year.

Propane is one of the safest alternative energy fuels on the market. However, just like any fuel or gas, sometimes leaks occur. If your propane tank is leaking then you’ll be able to tell from its strong smell of rotten eggs, as well as a hissing sound as the propane escapes the gas line.

If you suspect a leak, then it’s important that you act fast to leave your home if the smell is strong and call your propane supplier. This will ensure your family is safe.

No, propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30% to 90% less carbon monoxide and about 50% fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane also is non-toxic, so it's not harmful to soil or water. In the event of a leak, propane will dissipate into a vapor, leaving no lasting effect on the surrounding environment

• Maintain a clear path to tank in all seasons
• Keep tank area clear of debris including any combustibles (i.e. wood)
• Clear snow and ice from propane tanks, outdoor vents, chimneys and flues
• Inform your provider of any changes to consumption rates (i.e. new appliance)
• Have a locate performed before doing any excavation on your property

We no do not charge an installation fee.

Yes. While most gas furnaces are configured for natural gas, they can be easily converted to propane.

Yes. These "dual-fuel" or "hybrid" systems use propane for heating and an electric heat pump for cooling. Together, they can improve energy efficiency and comfort, especially in mixed climates. A hybrid heating system can switch to propane heat, which provides better comfort and more efficient heating in colder climates.

Generally, 2x420lb tanks can store enough propane to meet the annual needs of an average home. Generally, a 500-gallon (1,892-litre) tank can hold enough propane to meet the annual energy needs of larger homes with appliances, hot water and swimming pools/hot tubs running on propane.

We suggest that you contact the company that you purchased the appliance or equipment from, the manufacturer, your propane supplier. 

Owning a propane tank requires extra steps beyond the purchase itself. There are legal requirements such as registration, obtaining liability insurance (the Canadian industry standard is $5 million liability) and getting a regulated inspection to comply with provincial regulatory boards.

We only rent propane tanks to customers. That way, our customers enjoy a hassle-free service. We take care of the legal requirements - so you can enjoy an easy installation experience and convenient propane fuel deliveries.

Each Guy Fuels and Propane Inc. tank is delivered and installed by qualified, licensed technician who comply with all safety requirements and our own Quality Assurance programs.

Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbon molecules derived from petroleum crude oil. While the term “diesel fuel” includes products such as burner fuel, heating fuel, X-Grade, D-Grade, fuel oil and others, it most commonly refers to a distillate that is burned in compression combustion engines or home heating systems. Diesel fuel is ignited in an internal combustion engine cylinder by the heat of air under high compression – unlike motor gasoline, which is ignited by an electrical spark.

Tank location and storage temperatures affect a fuel’s storage life. As diesel fuel is stored, it slowly reacts with oxygen in the air to form gums and varnishes. As temperatures increase, the reaction also increases. The addition of contaminates such as water or rust accelerates this process. Generally, fuel should not be stored longer than six months. If long-term storage is required, the tank should be located underground or inside to reduce temperature extremes and it must have proper ventilation caps. If storage exceeds one year, testing is recommended.

Cardlock systems operate similarly to credit cards.  Certain restrictions placed on the cards make it so that only a certain fuel type or amount of fuel can be purchased by drivers.  A comprehensive monthly report is issued detailing each purchase by card and all applicable taxes. 

There are numerous benefits to using cardlock systems. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect when you upgrade to a cardlock system:

• Save Time
• Save Money
• Available 24/7, backed up by generator
• Limit Driver Purchases and Card Misuse
• Analyze Fuel Usage
• Consolidated Billing

Yes, of course.  We are a registered biller with all major banks.  Please register with your bank, referencing your account number. Detailed instructions can be found here. If you require assistance just give us a call, we’ll be happy to help! 613-774-2655