Propane tanks & cylinder safety requirements

Propane needs to be handled with care, following industry best practices for propane cylinders. That’s why Lansing Ice & Fuel’s employees are professionals, dedicated to providing safe propane delivery and service to our neighbors throughout mid-Michigan. We take the time to always educate our customers about propane safety, so read on to learn more.

Cylinder safety tips

According to the Propane Education & Research Council, the majority of modern propane tanks – including portable cylinders – are built according to safety specifications set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

• Never overfill: Cylinders with capacity of up to 40 pounds must have an overfilling-prevention device (OPD).
• Verify the safety label: Safe cylinders are easily identified, with a label shaped like a modified triangle and the “OPD” designation.
• Know the exceptions: Not all cylinder valves require an OPD. Following are two exceptions:
  • cylinders used in industrial truck service
  • cylinders used for industrial welding and cutting gases
• Mind the valves: Never used as cylinder valve as a handle when carrying a cylinder. Ensure the valve is tightly closed and the locking pin is in place. Prevent liquid propane from contacting the relief valve and close the valve before disconnecting.
• Maintain safe storage: Store propane cylinders upright and securely where they will not be bumped or damaged.
• Know your cylinder: Markings on the tank’s collar serve as the cylinder’s identification, including cylinder valve info, design codes, cylinder tear weight, water capacity, manufacturer name, and the test or requalification date.
• Know your requalification guidelines: Cylinders will indicate their most recent date of requalification. Requalification must typically be completed within between 5 – 12 years.
• Stay current on inspections & assessment: We offer an assessment to ensure that customers are always in compliance with the safety guidelines set forth by the:
  • U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Know your propane cylinder DON’Ts

At Lansing Ice & Fuel, your safety and the safety of your employees and customers is our priority. When it comes to consumer safety, Lansing Ice & Fuel wants you to know how to protect yourself if you smell gas in your home, business, camper, RV, fleet vehicle or the area around any gas equipment. DO NOT use a flame to examine potential leaks. If you smell gas, test for leaks with a soapy water solution or a leak detector. In addition,

• DO NOT use metal tools near cylinders.
• DO NOT overheat a cylinder.
• DO NOT use excessive force on cylinder valves.
• DO NOT drag, drop, roll, push or slide a cylinder.
• DO NOT mount more than two cylinders on any forklift truck.

Lansing Ice & Fuel’s puts propane cylinders to work, with your safety in mind!

Make no mistake, when used appropriately, propane is safe, economical and environmentally friendly. The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) provides resources to help you learn more about propane safety.

Please review these tips to learn more about safety and propane appliances. Lansing Ice & Fuel’s professional staff is ready to help you join our family of customers! Find out more about our services, payment options and incentives, like our first-bill discount.

Important Seasonal Reminders

At Lansing Ice & Fuel, we’re committed to delivering for our customers in all kinds of weather. Whether you’re one of our propane delivery customers or one of our heating oil delivery customers, you can count on us. All of our drivers and technicians are trained and certified. We offer automatic delivery to help reduce the risk of a fuel run-out. Our prices are fair. And our employees are dedicated to service and safety.

In the interest of safety, there are a few things you can do to help us safely and efficiently deliver fuel to your mid-Michigan home this winter.

First and foremost, avoid having a run-out by keeping a close eye on your fuel levels. Your usage can increase dramatically during the winter months. And you don’t want to get caught without enough fuel to keep you home warm. A no heat emergency can put your family and home at risk. Better yet, take the pressure of yourself to be vigilant about monitoring your fuel levels and ordering at the right time by signing up for our automatic delivery service. It’s available to both our heating oil and propane customers.

Your Winter Delivery Checklist

Follow these steps to protect yourself, your family, and the Lansing Ice & Fuel delivery team this winter:

1. Remove any snow or ice that may have accumulated along your walkways and driveways, and make sure our delivery crew can safely access your property.
2. If you’re one of our heating oil customers, make sure that your fill pipe is clear and accessible.
3. If you’re one of our propane customers…
   • Keep your propane tank visible by attaching a brightly-colored flag to the top of it. This will greatly help our delivery drivers to position their trucks.
   • Make sure there is a safe and clear path to your propane tank. And keep the tank itself clear of snow. Take care to use a broom instead of a shovel when clearing snow from the tank. A shovel could puncture your tank and cause a leak.
   • Regularly check your vents and flues for obstructions. Any obstruction could lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious medical emergency that can be fatal.
   • Test your carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replacing the batteries in them every six months. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see how often to replace the whole unit (usually it’s every 5 to 7 years).
   • Make sure everyone in your household knows how to identify and what to do in the event of a gas leak.

The Lansing Difference

Lansing Ice & Fuel is a fifth-generation family-owned business that has been operating for over 110 years in mid-Michigan. We offer our customers fair prices and quality. Our employees live locally and are committed to safety and great service. And when you make us your fuel provider, you’re keeping your dollars in our community by supporting local workers and businesses.

Contact Lansing Ice & Fuel today to learn more or request a fuel delivery. We’re right down the road and here for you.

An Introduction

Chances are you’re already familiar with propane’s versatility. There’s so much it can do in and around your Lansing area home. Propane is great for precise temperature control when you’re cooking. It can provide whole-house heating. It can run appliances like your clothes dryer or water heater. And with a propane-powered backup generator, you can keep everything in your home up and running during a power outage—from your refrigerator to your home security system to all your electronics and devices.

Lansing Ice & Fuel offers reliable propane delivery in all kinds of weather. No matter what, we’ll make sure you get the fuel you need.

What’s Propane Made Out Of?

Propane is made as a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It’s often compressed and stored as a liquid. Propane is sometimes called liquefied petroleum gas which is commonly shortened to LP gas or LPG. When it’s used as a fuel for vehicles, it’s called propane Autogas.

Where Is Propane Produced?

Most of the propane used in America (more than 90%) is produced in North America. That means using propane reduces our country’s dependency on foreign oil.

Does Propane Freeze?

Technically propane can freeze, but it’s not something most people need to worry about—even during the winter months. That’s because the freezing point of propane is -44 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is Propane Efficient?

Propane is extremely efficient. In fact, as a rule, it’s a more efficient source of energy than electricity. For example, a propane clothes dryer offers faster and more energy-efficient clothes drying than an electric clothes dryer. And it will leave you with fewer wrinkles. Also, a propane water heater offers roughly double the water recovery rate of an electric water heater. And it usually costs less to operate. Furthermore, propane water heaters take up less space and offer better accuracy in terms of temperature adjustment. They also allow for more installation choices, as they can go almost anywhere.

Is Propane Safe?

Propane needs to be handled with care, but it also has a great safety track record thanks to robust regulations. Although a rare occurrence, if there’s a leak, propane gas won’t harm the surrounding soil, water, or any living creatures. It’s non-toxic.

When you’re a Lansing Ice & Fuel customer, know that safety is at the forefront of everything we do. Our staff is trained to protect you, your family, and your property. They follow exacting protocols to ensure the safe handling and delivery of your propane.

Why Choose Lansing Ice & Fuel?

Lansing Ice & Fuel is a fifth-generation family-owned business with over 110 years of experience giving our customers what they need when they need it and for the best possible price. Make us your propane provider because we offer our customers in mid-Michigan fair prices, quality products, and superior customer service. And we deliver in any weather.

Contact Lansing Ice & Fuel today to find out more about the propane services we offer. We’re here for you.

Know Your Fuel Options

When it comes to the fuels available for your mid-Michigan home or business, there are a few to choose from. Some of the most popular around the country are heating oil, kerosene, and propane.

You can count on Lansing Ice & Fuel to deliver propane and heating oil in all kinds of weather. For over a century, we’ve faithfully delivered the fuel to keep homes warm and businesses running. Our fifth-generation family-owned business has earned a reputation for fair pricing, quality products, and superior customer experience.

Let’s take a closer look at some of your fuel options and the advantages of each.

What Is Fuel Oil?

Fuel oil is most like kerosene. It has a lower energy density than heating oil. And it’s less stable than heating oil. However, fuel oil burns more cleanly than heating oil. Another advantage to fuel oil is that fuel tanks using fuel oil need less maintenance than those using heating oil. Fuel oil is also well-suited to homes with outdoor tanks because fuel oil won’t gel in cold temperatures.

What Is Heating Oil?

Heating oil is heavier than fuel oil and most akin to diesel fuel. It produces a bit more heat than fuel oil does, but it’s not a significant difference. Because it’s more stable than fuel oil, it’s a better option for homes with indoor fuel tanks. And because it can gel in cold temperatures, it’s not the ideal option for homes with exterior tanks in regions like ours that have cold winters.

Here are some of the benefits of using heating oil in your home:

• Heating oil is safe. It’s so stable that it only becomes combustible when it’s been vaporized by an oil burner at temperatures above 140° Fahrenheit.
• Heating oil is efficient. Heating oil burns up to 20% more efficiently than gas. And it’s 30% more efficient than electricity.

Heating Oil from Lansing Ice & Fuel is a safe and affordable way to keep your home or business comfortable and warm. And when it comes to your heating oil delivery, Lansing Ice & Fuel gives you a choice. You can take advantage of our auto-fill service or opt for our will-call service.

What Is Propane?

Propane is produced during natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It’s routinely compressed and stored as a liquid. You’ll often see it referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LPG, or LP. Propane is nontoxic and colorless. In the rare event of a spill, it poses no threat to the surrounding soil, water, or organisms.

Here are some of the benefits of using propane in your home:

• Propane is extremely versatile. It can heat your home and also run a variety of appliances.
• Many propane appliances like propane water heaters and clothes dryers work more efficiently than their electric counterparts.
• Propane can keep your home running in the event of a power outage by fueling a generator.

Lansing Ice & Fuel provides safe, high-quality propane delivery and services at competitive prices.

Make Lansing Ice & Fuel Your Fuel Provider

Whether you need propane or heating oil for your mid-Michigan home or business, you can depend on Lansing Ice & Fuel. Our fleet of delivery and service vehicles is ready to make sure you always have the fuel you need. We know the area, and in addition to providing excellent customer service, quality products, and fair prices, we’re committed to safety.

Contact Lansing Ice & Fuel today to learn more or to schedule your next propane or heating oil delivery.

Fueling Your Business

You’re probably already familiar with all the different things propane can do in and around your Lansing area home. It can be used to heat your home, heat your water, and cook your food. It can power your clothes dryer as well as your home’s backup generator. In addition to being versatile and cost-effective, propane is efficient and one of the cleanest fuel options we have.

But propane goes beyond the home. It’s not just for residential use. Propane also has a lot of commercial applications. Businesses that use propane need a bulk propane supplier. In mid-Michigan, smart companies trust Lansing Ice & Fuel for their propane and fuel oil needs.

Better for Business

How can propane help your business? Like at home, propane can provide efficient and cost-effective heat and do so much more. It can be used to produce large quantities of food in service kitchens. It can power generators on construction sites and fuel forklifts used inside and outside. Commercial propane heaters provide heat for barns housing livestock.

Lansing Ice & Fuel provides reliable delivery that will keep your commercial propane tanks filled. We also offer a 33-pound forklift-cylinder exchange.

Can propane help your business? Yes. Here’s just a selection of the different commercial uses for propane your business could benefit from:

• Businesses with a commercial kitchen can use propane cooking appliances to produce large quantities of high-quality food quickly.
• Propane can be used in commercial kitchens for efficient and reliable water heating that allows large quantity of dishes to get cleaned on a budget.
• Businesses with an outdoor space can use propane for space heating to keep their customers comfortable outdoors for more days of the year.
• Construction companies can use propane to run scissor lifts, forklifts, welding equipment, or a generator to charge power tools. It can also provide temporary heating on construction sites.
• Farmers can use propane to keep their livestock warm.
• Many businesses count on propane generators to keep everything up and running when there is a power outage. A propane generator can run critical medical equipment at a hospital or senior facility. It can also power refrigeration units to prevent perishable food and medical supplies from going bad.
• Propane generators can also protect critical technology and important data by keeping an HVAC system up and running so computers and servers aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Companies with a fleet of vehicles can use propane Autogas. It’s the third most popular vehicle fuel.

Make Lansing Ice & Fuel Your Company’s Propane Provider

If your company uses propane in mid-Michigan, you can depend on Lansing Ice & Fuel to help keep your business running. Our fleet of delivery and service vehicles is ready to make sure your company never runs out of fuel. We know the area, and in addition to providing excellent customer service, quality products, and fair prices, we’re also committed to safety.

Contact Lansing Ice & Fuel today to find out more about the commercial propane services we offer.

Some Facts & Figures

There are so many ways propane can enhance your home and your quality of life. It’s versatile, efficient, and one of the cleanest fuel options we have. Propane can run a variety of appliances inside and outside your Lansing area home. It makes you a better cook by offering a level of precise temperature control an electric range simply can’t match. It can heat the water for your showers as well as your pool or hot tub. It can even power your clothes dryer faster and more energy efficient than electricity and leave you with fewer wrinkles. And if there’s a power outage, propane can keep the appliances in your home up and running by fueling a backup generator.

Propane appliances run efficiently, so they’re extremely cost-effective—more so than their electric counterparts. That means using propane is good for both your budget and the environment. And because propane is a plentiful resource created here in the US, its price is less susceptible to geopolitical events. And there is no need to worry it will ever be in short supply.

You know what propane can do, but do you know what propane is? Let’s take a closer look at propane.

What Is Propane Gas?

Propane is sometimes called liquefied petroleum gas which is sometimes shortened to LP gas or LPG. It’s a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It’s often compressed and stored as a liquid. It is non-toxic and colorless. Propane is a versatile fuel that can be used for heating, water heating, cooking, and so much more. When it’s used as a fuel for vehicles, it’s called propane Autogas.

Propane Facts

You’re familiar with how much propane can do in and around your home. And now you know what propane gas is. Here are five more facts about propane that you might find interesting:

1. More than 90% of propane is produced in the USA. That means using propane reduces our country’s dependency on foreign oil.
2. Propane is a more efficient source of energy than electricity. It takes less propane than electricity to run comparable appliances. For example, some propane furnaces are as much as 95% efficient. However, electric heat pumps become less efficient when the outside temperatures drop towards zero degrees.
3. Propane has a great safety track record. If there’s a leak, propane gas won’t harm the surrounding soil, water, or any living creatures. It’s non-toxic.
4. Nearly 95% of America’s professional chefs use a propane range because it gives them the precision and instant temperature control they need to cook great food.
5. The freezing point of propane is -44 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you don’t have to worry about even the harshest winter day causing the propane in your propane tank to freeze.

Make Lansing Ice & Fuel Your Propane Provider

You can trust your propane delivery to Lansing Ice & Fuel. We’re a fifth-generation family-owned business that has been operating for over 110 years in mid-Michigan. We offer our customers fair prices, quality products, and superior customer service.

Contact us today to find out more about the propane services we offer.

It’s a Good Idea

Lansing Ice & Fuel is a company residents of Michigan’s Tri County region have been able to depend on to keep their homes warm. In addition to fair pricing and quality products, we offer our customers convenience. One of the ways we do that is by offering an automatic delivery service to our propane and heating oil customers. And there’s no additional charge for this convenient service.

Automatic Delivery for Our Propane Customers

There are many benefits to being a propane customer. One of those benefits is how convenient and easy propane delivery is. Your propane delivery driver doesn’t need to enter your home to access your propane tank. That means propane can be delivered to your home whether you’re home or not.

You can simplify your life with automatic propane delivery from Lansing Ice & Fuel. Simply sign up and leave the rest to us. We use a sophisticated computerized system that monitors the weather and keeps track of your propane use. It lets us know when to schedule your deliveries, so you always have propane. Never worry about running out.

The peace of mind you’ll have is worth a lot, but so is avoiding a runout. Runouts are a hassle and can be expensive. You’ll need to pay for an emergency propane delivery, the required pressure test, and the professional relighting of the pilots on all of your propane appliances. And you don’t need to have a runout to have problems. Just having your propane levels get too low can lead to issues. When your propane level gets low enough, air can get into your heating system. And having air in your heating system can lead to expensive damage. Signing up for automatic propane delivery with Lansing Ice & Fuel will save you the headache and expense that comes with not having enough propane in your tank.

Auto-Fill for Our Heating Oil Customers

Lansing Ice & Fuel offers an auto-fill service for our heating oil customers as well. Auto-fill makes being a heating oil customer easy. You’re busy, and we understand that. You’ve got a family to take care of as well as all of your other responsibilities. You don’t always have time to check how much heating oil is in your tank. That’s where Lansing Ice & Fuel’s auto-fill service comes in! We proactively keep an eye on your normal heating oil needs and get your heating oil to you long before your tank gets low.

As an auto-fill customer, there’s no need to worry about how much oil is left in your tank. And even when you know it’s time to order oil, sometimes the business of life makes it easy to put off until it’s too late. As an auto-fill customer, you’ll never have to schedule another delivery again.

As a heating oil customer, you never want to run out of fuel. Think about the discomfort of going without heat and hot water on a cold winter’s day. Even worse, if you allow your tank to run down to empty, debris could clog your oil filters. That can reduce the efficiency of your heating system could even cause it to fail. Additionally, water often collects in an empty heating oil tank and causes rust. That can also cause your heating system to fail.

Lansing Delivers

Whether you’re a propane or heating oil customer, let Lansing Ice & Fuel deliver for you. And we will deliver for you—in all kinds of weather.

Lansing Ice & Fuel is a fifth-generation family-owned business that has been operating for over 110 years in mid-Michigan. We offer our customers value and quality. Our employees live locally and are committed to safety and great service.

Contact Lansing Ice & Fuel today to learn more or sign up for automatic delivery.

Autogas Makes Financial Sense

Fuel prices have skyrocketed this year. Think back to last August and what it cost to fill a tank with gas. Compare that to what it costs today. The increase is difficult to swallow. And if your business relies on a fleet of vehicles, how much you spend on fuel could be the difference between being in the red and being profitable. That’s why so many companies choose to power their fleet with propane (also called Autogas).

Propane Autogas is a cleaner and greener way to keep your fleet of vehicles on the road. When propane is combusted, it produces carbon dioxide and water—two products that help trees and plants grow. So when your vehicles uses propane Autogas, you’re helping the flora in your Tri County neighborhood.

Propane Autogas Makes Good Financial Sense

Using propane Autogas for your feel is also a good budgeting decision. Propane Autogas tends to cost between 20% and 50% less per gallon than gasoline. That’s a savings you’ll enjoy for the lifetime of your fleet. That’s a savings you can count on even after you factor in the cost to convert your vehicles.

Additionally, there are tax credits associated with using propane. You may qualify for government incentives that will further increase the savings associated with using propane for your fleet.

And the savings don’t stop there. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, so using propane Autogas will reduce your maintenance costs and extend the longevity of your vehicles. You’ll save money because you won’t have to replace or repair your vehicles as often. Additionally, your vehicles won’t need to spend as much time in the shop, so they can spend more time out on the road making money for you. That means you’ll be saving money and while also gaining the potential to make more.

We’re Here for Your Fuel Needs

Lansing Ice & Fuel knows how to keep your Tri-County business running. We offer a variety of commercial products and services. We are a fifth-generation family-owned business that has been operating for over 110 years in mid-Michigan. We strive to give our customers quality service, fair pricing, and outstanding safety. So whatever business you’re in, you can depend on Lansing Ice & Fuel to deliver for you.

Want to learn more? Contact Lansing Ice & Fuel today. We’ll give you details about federal and state Autogas incentives, tax credits, and other ways you can save by making the switch for your Michigan-based fleet.

An Intro to Autogas

It’s impossible to avoid the news about record-breaking fuel prices. All across the country, the cost to put gas in the tank of your vehicle is higher now than it’s ever been. What if you have a fleet of vehicles to keep on the road? You can save money and make the greener choice with propane autogas.

Propane autogas is a cleaner and greener way to keep your fleet of vehicles on the road. Switching to propane Autogas can also save your business money.

6 Benefits of Propane Autogas

Not sure if propane autogas is the right choice for your business? Here six advantages to choosing propane autogas for your company’s vehicles:

1. It costs less than gasoline. Propane autogas tends to cost between 20% and 50% less per gallon than gasoline. That’s a savings you’ll enjoy for the lifetime of your fleet. Even after you account for the cost to convert your vehicles, it only takes a few years to make you money back and come out ahead. You may also qualify for government incentives that will make it an even better financial decision to switch.
2. Your vehicles will run better. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, so using propane autogas will reduce your maintenance costs and extend the longevity of each vehicle. Not only will you save money because you won’t have to replace or repair your vehicles as often, but your vehicles won’t need to spend as much time in the shop, so they can spend more time out on the road making money for you.
3. It’s reliable. For years, propane autogas has been a well-kept secret by those in the know. It’s been fueling vehicles for decades. And it’s the third most common vehicle fuel in the world.
4. It’s safe. Thanks to strict regulations and safety standards, propane has a great safety track record. Propane tanks are 20 times less likely than gasoline tanks to be punctured. And propane autogas vehicles are tested extensively to ensure they’ll perform safely in both normal driving and crash situations.
5. It’s greener than gasoline. Using propane autogas for your vehicles instead of gasoline or diesel fuel will reduce your business’s carbon footprint. Burning propane autogas produces 60% less carbon monoxide, 20% less nitrogen oxides, and up to 24% less greenhouse gas. Propane also generates 99% fewer particulate emissions.
6. It’s made in America. Another reason you can feel good about using propane is that it’s made right here in the USA. In fact, more than 90% of the US supply of propane autogas is produced domestically. That means your fuel supply isn’t vulnerable to international factors the way gas is.

We’re Here for Your Fuel Needs

Lansing Ice & Fuel knows how to keep your Tri-County business running. We offer a variety of commercial products and services. We are a fifth-generation family-owned business that has been operating for over 110 years in mid-Michigan. We strive to give our customers quality service, fair pricing, and outstanding safety. So whatever business you’re in, you can depend on Lansing Ice & Fuel to deliver for you.

Want to learn more? Contact Lansing Ice & Fuel today. We’ll give you details about federal and state autogas incentives, tax credits, and other ways you can save by making the switch for your Michigan-based fleet.

Power Your Business with Propane

Lansing Ice & Fuel serves a variety of businesses in the Tri County area. Our commercial customers work in agriculture, construction, food service, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, and more. Each type of business has a unique set of needs, and Lansing Ice & Fuel offers an array of products and services to meet those needs. So whatever business you’re in, Lansing Ice & Fuel can provide the products and services you need to keep your business running.

Commercial Services

Lansing Ice & Fuel serves commercial entities throughout the Tri County area—from Charlotte to Perry and Eaton Rapids to St. Johns. Here are some of the products and services we offer our diverse roster of commercial clients:

• Commercial fuel oil
• Commercial lubricants
• Commercial propane
• LIFTco, a division of Lansing Ice & Fuel, offers mechanical lift installation, certification, and services

Commercial Propane

In addition to residential propane delivery, Lansing Ice & Fuel also handles commercial propane delivery. Many businesses rely on propane for their operations. There are a lot of applications for commercial propane:

• Heating (barns, construction sites, greenhouses, etc.)
• Cooking (hotels, restaurants, schools, etc.)
• Generators (construction sites, medical facilities, etc.)
• Forklifts (factories, warehouses, etc.)

Whatever business you’re in, we’ll make it our business to keep your commercial propane tanks filled. We have a fleet of delivery and service vehicles ready to serve you.

In addition to commercial propane delivery, we also offer a cylinder exchange service for 33-pound forklift cylinders.

Make Lansing Ice & Fuel Your Propane Provider

Lansing Ice & Fuel is a fifth-generation family-owned business that has been operating for over 110 years in mid-Michigan. We pride ourselves on delivering for our customers safely and at the best possible price. So whatever business you’re in, you can depend on Lansing Ice & Fuel to deliver the top-quality propane you need to power your business.

Contact us today to find out more about how Lansing Ice & Fuel can work for you!