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Propane tips

propane safety tips for your home

General Tips

To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like . Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are available. Call us to obtain one.
If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call us or the fire department from your neighbor's phone. DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.
Be aware of where gas service lines are located, especially when working in your yard.
Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for example), have us replace them immediately.

Propane Heating Appliances

All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Contact us for information on proper cleaning, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Propane Water Heaters

Drain your tank periodically (until water runs clean - usually 2 to 3 gallons) to get rid of sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank.

Propane Ranges

Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need adjustment. Contact our service department immediately. Do not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation.
Never use gas ranges for home heating.

energy-saving tips for your home

Home Heating

Residential heating systems need regular tune-ups. Contact us to inquire about a home-heating system inspection program.
Change your furnace filter monthly. Clean filters will save you money on your heating bill.
Consider investing in a furnace thermostat timer that can save money by lowering your home's temperature when you are not at home.
Protect against drafts around windows and doors by caulking and weather-stripping.
If you are purchasing a fireplace, consider selecting one fueled by propane. Propane fireplaces burn more efficiently than wood-burning models and distribute heat more evenly throughout the room.

Water Heaters

You can save more than 10 percent on your water-heating bill by turning down your water heater from the standard 140 degrees to 130 degrees.
To extend your water heater's life and increase energy efficiency, drain it every six months to remove lime deposits and sediment.
Install flow-restricting showerheads. You can reduce hot water usage by up to 50 percent without affecting shower pressure.
Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,200 gallons of water a year.

Home Appliances

Gas ranges with electronic ignition systems will use 40 percent less energy than a standing pilot system.
Be sure that all burners are burning with a blue, cone-shaped flame. A yellow flame indicates clogged air inlets or burners that need adjustment. Contact our service department immediately if you do not see a blue flame.
Check the seal on your oven door. Gaps or tears in the seal will let heat escape and waste energy.

propane rebate programs

Propane rebate programs to buyers of propane water heaters are available. The AFRED (Alternative Fuels Research & Education Division) of the Railroad Commision of Texas offers a variety of propane water heaters rebate programs that you may qualify for.

Call us at 512-894-4480 for information and assistance to see if you qualify for the AFRED Consumer Rebate Program.

AFRED Consumer Rebate FAQ

Q: When can I apply for a rebate?
A: Once all new propane appliances are installed, the propane gas is turned on and the installation has been safety
checked by Terry Garnett's Propane, a licensed propane company, a rebate application may be submitted.
Q: What propane appliances are eligible and what are the rebate amounts?
A: For new propane appliances installed on or after 9/1/2005, the following rebates are available:
• Water Heater (new construction) $120 • Propane Star Home $400
• Water Heater (electric replacement) $300 • Propane SuperStar Home $600
Q: How do I qualify for a Propane Star Home Rebate?
A: New home construction or complete renovation projects must include the following propane appliances:
new water heater(s), furnace(s), new or used dryer(s), and one of the following new appliances: gas
range, gas cooktop, gas oven, gas logs or hard-piped gas grill. Proof of eligibility required. No
substitutions allowed.
Q: How do I qualify for a Propane SuperStar Home Rebate?
A: New home construction or complete renovation projects must include the following propane appliances:
two new water heaters, two new furnaces, new or used dryer(s), and one of the following new appliances:
gas range, gas cooktop, gas oven, gas logs or hard-piped gas grill. Proof of eligibility required. No
substitutions allowed.
Q: After I have submitted my application, how long will it take for me to receive my check?
A: It will generally take 6-8 weeks for verification and processing if you've submitted a correctly completed
application. If you are selected for a verification survey, the completed survey must be returned before
check will be mailed.
Q: Can I apply for separate rebates?
A: No. You may either apply for one or more water heater rebate(s), or for a Propane Star/SuperStar Rebate.
Q: Are propane appliances installed in new manufactured homes eligible for this rebate?
A: Yes. Brand new homes with appliances installed by the manufacturer are considered new construction.
Q: Since the rebate program is subject to available funds, how can I find out if funds are still available?
A: Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The Alternative Fuels Research and Education
Division of the Railroad Commission has a toll-free hotline which has rebate availability information. Call
1-800-64-CLEAR and listen for the rebate program update option.