FAQ Safety
No matter what type of energy you use, safety is extremely important. With propane—as with electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, gasoline or any other energy form—you need to understand how your delivery system and appliances work and what to do in case of a leak or other safety related emergency.

- Crude Oil and Natural Gas Prices - Although propane is produced from both crude oil refining and natural gas processing, its price is influenced mainly by the cost of crude oil. This is because propane competes mostly with crude oil-based fuels.
- Supply and Demand – While propane production is not seasonal, residential demand is highly seasonal. This imbalance causes inventories to increase during the summer, when consumption is low, and to decrease during the winter, when consumption is much higher. This is why propane prices tend to increase during winter months and decrease during summer months.
- Abnormally cold weather may increase demand for propane, putting pressure on inventory levels and causing the prices to increase.
- The tank shut-off valve, which you can close to stop the flow of propane to your home in case of a leak or other emergency.
- The regulator, which controls the pressure of the propane gas coming out of the tank.
- The safety relief valve, which will pop open automatically if the pressure inside the tank gets too high. The valve will close again when the pressure returns to normal.
- The tank gauge, which shows the percentage of propane in the tank.
- Underground pipes through which the propane flows from your tank to your home.
- Secondary pressure regulator (if your system has one installed).
- A shut-off valve in each pipe that can be closed to stop propane gas flow to an individual appliance.
- Appliance connector. This specially designed flexible tube—typically 2 or 3 feet long—carries propane gas from a pipe to the back of an appliance.
- They have a cold, allergies, sinus congestion, or another medical condition.
- Their sense of smell is reduced due to use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
- Tobacco smoke, cooking odors, and other strong aromas can mask the smell of propane.
- As people age, their sense of smell can become less sensitive.
- If the smell of propane is present in the air over a period of time, “odor fatigue” can occur. The nose “gets tired,” and a person no longer smells the propane.
- The propane smell may not be strong enough to wake someone who is sleeping.
- The propane smell may be in a location (basement or attic) where it is not detected by people in other areas of the building.
- A phenomenon called “odor loss” can occur—an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane.
- Air, water or rust in a propane tank or cylinder can reduce propane odor concentration.
- If the propane is leaking underground, its passage through soil may reduce the smell of propane.
- The propane odorant may stick to the inside surfaces of gas piping and distribution systems and possibly other materials.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Have a qualified service technician check your propane appliances and venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins.
- Install UL-listed CO detectors on every level of your home.
- Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
- Never use portable heaters indoors, unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.
- Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.
- Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage.
- Sooting, especially on appliances and vents
- Unfamiliar or burning odor
- Increased moisture inside of windows
- Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning the appliance. If the appliance is in a basement or closed room, thoroughly ventilate the area before lighting the pilot.
- DO NOT smoke or have any source of ignition (such as flames or spark-producing materials) in the area before lighting the pilot.
- Be especially alert for the smell of propane. Sniff at floor level before lighting a pilot.
- If you smell gas, do not light the pilot light.
- DO NOT allow any extra or unnecessary people (especially children) to remain in the room or area of the building where you are lighting a pilot.
- DO NOT try to light pilot lights in any area where other odors may make it difficult for you to detect the smell of a propane leak.
- DO NOT light the pilot if a musty or damp smell persists. These conditions can mask the smell of propane.
- DO NOT apply force or use tools on the pilot light or its control. This could cause damage that leads to gas leakage. Use only your hands to operate knobs, switches, or buttons.
- DO NOT attempt to let air out of gas lines by opening a valve or fitting inside a building or enclosed space. You may release gas and not be able to smell it.
- DO NOT apply oil to a sticky knob or button on a gas control valve. Oil can cause the control valve mechanism to stick and malfunction.
The Environment
Propane is Clean and Safe
Propane has quite a remarkable safety record, and propane suppliers must adhere to stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). As 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 fuels on the market.
Propane gas is nontoxic and produces minimal emissions. It’s also not harmful to soil or water, and it won’t ignite when combined with air. Plus, it is treated with an identifying odor, so in the rare event that a leak occurs, you will be able to smell it and keep your family out of harm’s way. Add it all up and you’ll see a fuel that’s safe for both the environment and your home.