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It’s almost summer, and residents of upstate New York will be enjoying the warm weather and refilling their propane tanks. Summer also has an interesting effect on propane in its liquid form. For those who aren’t in the know, they may end up thinking they got a little extra propane during their delivery this summer—but the truth is that extreme temperatures change the way propane needs to be measured. How? Main Energy, the area’s leading fuel oil delivery company, explains more below.

Propane Expands With Heat & Contracts With Cold

propaneThe volume of any liquid rises when temperatures increase and falls when temperatures decrease. So this summer, when temperatures escalate past 60° F, you can expect your propane supply to expand in volume. It will still be the same weight, but the material will be less dense. What does this mean for you as a propane customer? Don’t be surprised if your tank gauge seems to say that you have more fuel than you thought. Conversely, when temperatures go well below 60° F next winter, your gauge may indicate you have less than you thought.

Does Propane Expansion Affect Delivery Services?

Because of this natural phenomenon, propane delivery trucks are outfitted with volume correction devices, which factor in the temperature of propane when measuring its volume. These devices must be re-calibrated every season to ensure accurate results—and that every customer receives exactly the amount of propane they ordered. Because of expansion, it is highly recommended that propane tanks never exceed 80% of their capacity so that they don’t overload.

If you need propane delivered to your home or business, give Main Energy a call at (315) 597-5200 to request a quote or ask any questions. More information is available on their website. They’re located in Palmyra, NY, and their service area includes Cayuga, Seneca, Yates, Ontario, and Monroe counties.

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