The Complete Guide to Propane Delivery in Texas

The Three Delivery Models

1. Will-Call Delivery (The Traditional Way)

You monitor your tank gauge, call when it's running low, and schedule a delivery. This is the oldest method, but it comes with risks:

• Your responsibility: Check the gauge regularly (weekly in winter, monthly in summer)
• Run-out risk: If you forget to call or wait too long, you could run out of propane
• Emergency fees: Running out often means $100-300 in emergency delivery charges, plus system re-pressurization costs
• Seasonal delays: During peak winter demand, last-minute orders may face 3-5 day wait times

Best for: Customers with secondary/seasonal propane use (vacation homes, pool heaters, outdoor kitchens) who don't rely on propane for heat or hot water.

2. Automatic Delivery (Provider-Managed)

Your propane company tracks your usage patterns and schedules deliveries proactively before you run low.

How it works:

• We use "degree days" (weather data) + your historical usage to predict when you'll need propane
• Deliveries are scheduled automatically—no phone calls required
• System accuracy is typically within 10-15% of actual usage

Benefits:

• No monitoring required on your part
• Reduced run-out risk (but not eliminated—weather extremes or unusual usage can throw off predictions)
• Priority scheduling over will-call customers

Limitations:

• Still requires estimation (not real-time data)
• If you change usage patterns (new appliances, extended vacation, guests staying over), the system may not adjust fast enough
• You're paying for fuel before you've used it (cash flow consideration)

Best for: Customers who want convenience and use propane predictably year-over-year.

3. Wireless Tank Monitoring (Real-Time) — Our Monitor Keep Full Program

A wireless device on your tank sends real-time level data directly to us. When your tank reaches a preset threshold (typically 30%), we automatically schedule delivery.

How it works:

• Small wireless monitor installed on your tank (no wiring, no power source needed)
• Transmits tank level 2-4 times daily via cellular network
• We receive alerts and schedule delivery when you hit the trigger point
• You can view your tank level online or via app anytime

Benefits:

• Zero guesswork: Real-time data, not estimates
• Zero monitoring: You never check your gauge
• Weather-proof: System adapts to actual usage, not weather predictions
• Never run out: Automatic delivery triggered by real data
• Vacation-safe: If you're away for weeks, the system knows your usage dropped

Best for: Anyone who relies on propane for heat, hot water, or cooking—especially busy families, businesses, or customers who travel frequently.

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Industry Standard Frequencies:

• Heating Season (October–May): Every 3-4 weeks for residential customers using propane for heat + hot water
• Summer (June–September): Every 6-8 weeks (hot water, cooking, dryer only)
• Commercial customers (restaurants, agricultural): Every 2-4 weeks year-round, depending on usage

Typical Residential Usage:

• Winter (heating + hot water + cooking): 10-15 gallons/day (~400-450 gal/month)
• Summer (hot water + cooking): 2-4 gallons/day (~60-120 gal/month)

Your tank size matters:

• 250-gallon tank: Filled to 80% (200 usable gallons) = ~2 weeks of winter heat
• 500-gallon tank: Filled to 80% (400 usable gallons) = ~1 month of winter heat
• 1,000-gallon tank: Filled to 80% (800 usable gallons) = ~2 months of winter heat

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The Texas Railroad Commission regulates propane installation and safety. Here are the rules that affect tank placement and installation:

Distance Requirements (NFPA 58 / Texas RRC)

Aboveground Tanks:

• Up to 1,000 gallons (single tank only): Minimum 10 feet from your house, property line, exhaust vents, windows, and any ignition source (A/C units, compressors, outdoor electrical panels)
• Over 1,000 gallons OR multiple tanks: Minimum 25 feet from enclosed structures

Underground Tanks:

• Minimum 10 feet from any building or property line that may be built upon

Filling Connections:

• Must be 10 feet from external ignition sources (open flames, window A/C units, compressors)

Delivery Truck Access Requirements

• Distance: Our delivery truck parks within ~80 feet of your tank
• Line of sight: Texas RRC safety rules require the driver to maintain a clear view between the truck and your tank during delivery (no blind corners)
• Surface: Trucks must stay on hard-surfaced driveways (no crossing yards, septic lines, or septic tanks)
• Public right-of-way: Truck must park off public roads

New Construction Timeline

If you're building a home with propane, here's when to call us:

1. After electrical wiring is complete, before sheetrock: Interior propane piping installation (allow 1-week lead time)
2. Prior to sprinkler/landscaping work: Exterior piping and tank installation
3. Before slab/concrete work: Install 2" PVC sleeves with sweeping elbows for gas lines
4. Final inspection: We install meters/regulators, perform gas check and safety inspection (builder or homeowner must be present)

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Propane pricing in Texas varies based on several factors. Here's how to understand your bill:

Rack Rate vs. Retail Price

• Rack rate (wholesale): The price propane distributors pay at the terminal (fluctuates daily based on crude oil, supply/demand, seasonal factors)
• Retail price: What you pay, which includes rack rate + delivery + service

Typical retail pricing in North Central Texas (as of 2026):

• Will-call customers: $2.80–$3.40/gallon (higher because of unpredictable delivery scheduling)
• Pre-buy programs: $2.35–$2.55/gallon (locked-in pricing, purchased in advance)
• Budget plans: Variable pricing spread over 12 equal monthly payments

What's Included in Your Delivery Fee?

Some customers ask, "Why am I paying a delivery fee on top of fuel costs?"

Here's what that fee covers:

• Driver time and expertise (licensed, trained professionals)
• Truck maintenance and fuel (commercial delivery trucks cost $150K+ and require regular DOT inspections)
• Insurance and safety compliance (commercial liability, Texas RRC licensing, OSHA requirements)
• Scheduling and dispatch (coordinating hundreds of deliveries across five counties)
• Emergency service availability (priority response during outages)

Pre-Buy Programs: How They Work

A pre-buy program lets you lock in a gallon price for the upcoming heating season (typically purchased in spring/summer for use in fall/winter).

How it works:

1. You purchase a set number of gallons (e.g., 500, 1,000, 1,500) at a fixed price
2. As you take deliveries throughout the season, those gallons are drawn from your pre-buy balance
3. If you use more than you purchased, additional gallons are billed at current market rates
4. Unused gallons: Automatically credited to your account (NOT forfeited—if a provider keeps unused pre-buy funds, that's a red flag)

When pre-buy makes sense:

• Propane prices are low in spring/summer (historical pattern)
• You expect a cold winter with high usage
• You want budget predictability

When pre-buy doesn't make sense:

• You're new to propane and don't know your annual usage yet
• You plan to move before using the gallons
• You prefer to pay-as-you-go

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If you're unhappy with your current provider—late deliveries, billing errors, poor customer service, or high prices—you can switch. Here's how:

Step 1: Determine if You Own or Lease Your Tank

This is critical. Look at your tank for markings or stickers:

• If it has another company's name on it: You're leasing the tank from that provider
• If there's no company name or it says "Customer Owned": You own the tank

Owned Tank (Easy Switch):

• Call us and schedule a delivery
• Notify your old provider that you're switching (no early termination needed—you're just changing fuel suppliers)
• We can start delivering immediately

Leased Tank (More Steps):

You'll need to either:

• Buy out the lease from your current provider (if they allow it—some don't)
• Have us install a new tank (owned or leased)
• Return the old tank to the original provider (they'll schedule pickup)

Timeline: Switching with a leased tank typically takes 1-2 weeks (new tank delivery + old tank pickup + hookup). Make sure you have enough propane in the leased tank to last until the new one is installed and filled.

Step 2: Review Your Contract

Some propane contracts include:

• Minimum purchase requirements (e.g., "must purchase 500 gallons/year")
• Early termination fees (especially if you financed a new tank installation)
• Pre-buy balance obligations (unused pre-buy gallons may or may not transfer)

Step 3: Schedule Your First Delivery

Once you've confirmed tank ownership and reviewed your contract:

• Call us and request a delivery
• If you're switching mid-season, ask about pricing options
• Ask about our Monitor Keep Full program, budget plans, or service plans

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1. What happens if I run out of propane?

Running out is inconvenient and expensive:

• Your appliances shut off (no heat, hot water, or cooking)
• Air can enter your gas lines, requiring a technician to re-pressurize and leak-test your system ($100-300 charge)
• Emergency delivery fees often apply
• In winter, frozen pipes can result if you lose heat for extended periods

2. Can I switch providers mid-winter?

Yes, but timing matters:

• If you own your tank, switching is easy—just schedule a delivery with us
• If you lease, factor in 1-2 weeks for new tank installation
• During peak demand (December–February), delivery slots may be limited

Best practice: Switch in spring or summer when demand is low and you have time to evaluate providers without the pressure of an empty tank.

3. How accurate are automatic delivery predictions?

Automatic delivery systems are typically within 10-15% of actual usage, but they rely on:

• Historical usage data (your past 1-2 years)
• Weather forecasts (degree days)
• Manual adjustments (if you report changes)

They can be thrown off by:

• Unusually cold or warm weather
• New appliances or changes in household size
• Extended vacations or absences
• Aging equipment (using more fuel than it should)

4. Do I need to be home for a propane delivery?

Usually not. Propane deliveries are "drop and go" in most cases:

• Our driver parks near your tank, connects the hose, fills your tank, and leaves a delivery receipt
• Exception: First delivery at a new location (driver may need to verify tank setup and placement)
• Exception: Any delivery requiring safety inspections or equipment adjustments

You'll receive a delivery receipt showing gallons delivered and price per gallon.

5. Is propane cheaper than natural gas?

Per unit, natural gas is cheaper—but propane is more energy-dense.

Energy comparison:

• Propane: 91,500 BTU per gallon
• Natural gas: ~100,000 BTU per therm (but requires roughly 2x the volume to deliver the same heat output)

To compare costs fairly:

• Multiply the propane price per gallon by 1.087 = equivalent natural gas price per therm
• Or multiply the natural gas price per therm by 0.92 = equivalent propane price per gallon

Example:

• Propane at $2.50/gallon = $2.72/therm equivalent
• Natural gas at $1.50/therm = $1.38/gallon propane equivalent

Propane advantages:

• Available anywhere (no pipeline required—critical in rural North Central Texas)
• Works during power outages (generators, backup heat)
• More reliable in extreme weather

Natural gas advantages:

• Lower per-unit cost (where available)
• No tank refills needed (continuous supply via pipeline)

6. How long does a propane tank last?

The fuel lasts indefinitely in a well-maintained tank. But the tank itself has a lifespan:

Aboveground tanks:

• Expected lifespan: 30-40 years with proper maintenance
• Requalification required: Every 10-12 years (visual inspection, pressure test)

Underground tanks:

• Expected lifespan: 20-30 years
• Corrosion risk: Higher than aboveground (sacrificial anodes must be inspected/replaced every 3-5 years)

When to replace:

• Rust/corrosion visible on tank body
• Dents, bulges, or structural damage
• Tank fails requalification inspection
• Relief valve stuck or leaking

We inspect your tank during every delivery and flag any safety concerns.

7. Can I install a propane tank myself?

No. Texas Railroad Commission rules require licensed professionals to install propane tanks and piping. DIY installation is:

• Illegal
• Unsafe (propane leaks are explosive)
• Not covered by insurance

We handle tank placement, hookup, and initial inspection—all properly licensed and insured.

8. What size tank do I need?

Residential tank sizing guide:

Commercial/agricultural: 1,000+ gallons, sometimes multiple tanks

We can calculate your needs based on:

• Square footage and insulation quality
• Number and type of appliances
• Typical Texas winter heating load

9. Is it safe to bury a propane tank?

Yes, when installed correctly by a licensed professional. Underground tanks:

• Must be coated to prevent corrosion
• Require sacrificial anodes (replaced every 3-5 years)
• Must be 10 feet from buildings and property lines
• Are protected from weather and physical damage
• Don't take up yard space

Maintenance trade-off: Underground tanks require more frequent corrosion inspections than aboveground tanks.

10. What if I smell gas?

What propane smells like: Rotten eggs, skunk spray, or sulfur (an additive called ethyl mercaptan is added to propane so you can detect leaks)

Do NOT:

• Try to find the leak yourself
• Light matches or operate any ignition sources
• Turn electrical switches on or off (sparks can ignite propane)
• Assume "it's just a small leak"

Propane is heavier than air and sinks to low spots (basements, crawl spaces). Even small leaks can create explosive concentrations.

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If you're switching providers or setting up propane service for the first time, here's what happens:

1. Initial Contact: You request a quote (phone, website, or in-person)
2. Site Visit: We visit your property to assess tank location, delivery access, and appliance load
3. Tank Installation (if needed): Our licensed technician installs tank, connects piping, performs safety inspection (customer or authorized representative must be present)
4. First Delivery: Tank filled to 80% capacity (propane expands with heat, so tanks are never filled to 100%)
5. Delivery Receipt: Left at your door or sent via email (shows gallons delivered, price per gallon, tank level)
6. Setup Complete: You're enrolled in your chosen delivery program (will-call, automatic, or Monitor Keep Full)

Timeline: Owned tank (switching providers) = same-day to 3 days. New tank installation = 1-2 weeks.

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National propane chains operate in all 50 states. We live and work in the communities we serve. Here's why that matters:

Delivery reliability:

"You recognize the character of the people and service providers in difficult times." — Heine Propane customer, Google review

When an ice storm shuts down I-20 and the national chains stop delivering, we're still running. We show up on icy roads. In the middle of the night. For you. That's not marketing—it's what we've done for 25 years.

• Our trucks are stationed in Granbury (faster response time for emergencies)
• Our drivers know the back roads, gate codes, and property quirks in Hood, Parker, Johnson, Tarrant, and Somervell counties
• When winter hits, your delivery isn't competing with customers in 49 other states for trucks and drivers

Service quality:

"Always deliver on time and the delivery driver is so sweet." — Heine Propane customer, Yelp review

• You call our local office at 817-341-7240, not a 1-800 call center in another state
• Billing disputes resolved locally (not escalated through multiple departments)
• Long-term relationships (you're not account #482756, you're a neighbor)

Community investment:

• We support local schools, fire departments, and charities
• Profits stay in the community, not funneled to out-of-state shareholders
• Our kids go to school here. Your emergency is our emergency.

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Use this checklist when evaluating propane companies:

• ☐ How long have they been in business locally? (Track record matters—avoid fly-by-night operators)
• ☐ Do they own their delivery trucks or subcontract? (Subcontractors = less control over service quality)
• ☐ What's their average delivery response time? (Ask existing customers or check reviews)
• ☐ Do they offer tank monitoring, or only will-call/automatic? (Real-time monitoring eliminates run-out risk)
• ☐ What happens if you run out? (Emergency delivery fees? Re-pressurization charges?)
• ☐ How do they handle billing disputes? (Local resolution or corporate escalation?)
• ☐ Are unused pre-buy gallons refunded or credited? (Some companies keep them—that's a red flag)
• ☐ Can you switch if you're leasing a tank from another company? (Reputable providers walk you through the process)
• ☐ Do they offer service plans or just fuel delivery? (Equipment maintenance, priority service, annual inspections)
• ☐ What are their Google reviews really saying? (Look for patterns: delivery reliability, billing transparency, customer service responsiveness)

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Next Steps

If you're new to propane:

1. Determine if you own or lease your tank
2. Request quotes from 2-3 local providers
3. Ask about delivery programs (will-call, automatic, or Monitor Keep Full)
4. Confirm delivery fees, pricing structure, and pre-buy options

If you're switching providers:

1. Review your current contract for termination terms
2. Check tank ownership status
3. Schedule your first delivery in the off-season if possible

If you're building a new home:

1. Contact us as soon as electrical wiring is complete
2. Coordinate tank location and delivery access with your builder
3. Allow 1-2 weeks for installation and final inspection

About Heine Propane

Since 2000, our family-owned business has been serving Parker, Hood, Johnson, Tarrant, and Somervell counties with propane delivery, tank installation, and equipment service.

"This family owned company is the absolute BEST!" — Heine Propane customer, Google review

We're built on trust.

Over 6,000 residential and commercial customers count on us. We've earned that trust one delivery at a time—showing up when it matters, even on icy roads in the middle of the night.

What we offer:

• Monitor Keep Full Program: Wireless tank monitoring eliminates run-outs and manual monitoring
• Pre-Buy Programs: Lock in competitive pricing for the heating season
• Budget Plans: Spread costs evenly over 12 months
• Service Plans: Equipment maintenance, priority service, and annual inspections

Service Area: Granbury, Weatherford, Cleburne, Stephenville, Glen Rose, and surrounding areas.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Propane installation and service must be performed by Texas Railroad Commission-licensed professionals. Pricing and regulations are subject to change.

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