Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We serve all of York County, western Lancaster County, and eastern Cumberland County.
Town & Country Fuel, LLC has been in business since 2006, starting out in Wrightsville, in eastern York County, PA. In 2009, the current owners purchased the business, and moved it to the current location in Washington Boro, in western Lancaster County, PA. The propane division was added in the fall of 2015.
We sell Heating Oil, Propane, Off-Road Diesel, and On-Road Diesel.
We offer a comprehensive range of programs and services to meet your needs. From Automatic Delivery and Emergency Delivery to our Customized Budget Program and Price Protection Program, we are committed to providing convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, we offer Fleet Fueling, Fuel Quality Testing, Diesel Tank Leasing, and Remote Tank Monitoring services to help streamline your operations. If you need a propane tank, we can sell or lease a tank to you. We also specialize in installing and servicing propane tank systems. With our wide range of programs and services, we are here to serve you every step of the way.
We offer two easy ways to set up an account. The first is by calling our office and providing us with the necessary delivery information. The second is by creating an account online by visiting https://townandcountry.myfuelportal.com. By doing so, you’ll have access to a variety of features, including the ability to schedule and pay for your deliveries online, as well as check on the current day pricing for fuel and propane.
At our company, we prioritize convenience and reliability for our customers. That’s why we offer hassle-free heating oil and propane delivery, with no need for a contract. All you need is an account with us, and we’ll take care of the rest. You can monitor your tank levels and give us a call whenever you need a refill, or you can sign up for our Automatic Delivery Program and let us handle the rest. With our Automatic Delivery Program, you can rest assured that we’ll keep your tank from running out, so you’ll always have the heat you need.
We understand the importance of easy, hassle-free payments. That’s why we offer a range of payment options to suit your needs. You can pay for your delivery with any major debit or credit card, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express, with no additional fees. Alternatively, you can provide our driver with cash or a money order when he makes your delivery. We also accept personal checks with approved credit.
Yes. We can accept personal checks. To get started, simply contact us for our one-page credit application. If you’re credit is approved, you’ll be eligible for our 10 Day Terms. This means that we’ll make a delivery for you, leave a bill, and you can mail a check to us within 10 days.
With our Budget Program, you can make monthly payments from May 1 through April 30 of the following year. This way, you can build up a credit in your account that we will use for your deliveries. The Budget Program also includes Automatic Delivery, so you don’t need to keep an eye on your tank level. Also, our Budget Program puts a cap on your price, so you don’t need to worry about sudden price hikes.
If you are looking for a small delivery, we are happy to accommodate your needs. As long as we can deliver 150 gallons of heating oil or diesel fuel, we do not charge an under minimum delivery charge. Heating oil or diesel fuel deliveries under 150 gallons are subject to a delivery charge. For propane, as long as we can deliver 60 gallons, we do not charge an under minimum delivery charge. Propane deliveries under 60 gallons are subject to a delivery charge.
Our Automatic Delivery Program is a convenient, reliable, and affordable program. With this program, you will receive priority service, ensuring that your fuel needs are always met in a timely manner. Even though the Automatic Delivery Program is an extra service, we do not charge extra for it. You can still take advantage of the same competitive rates as our will-call customers. If you are monitoring your own tank and calling us each time, you may forget to order soon enough and run out of fuel. An emergency delivery fee, a furnace restart fee, or a leak check fee can all add up to be extra money out of your pocket. However, our Automatic Delivery customers, who are in good credit standing, do not need to worry about these extra charges.
Our Fixed Price Program allows you to purchase all of your propane at the beginning of the heating season. However, since we are not delivering the propane immediately, we are not able to guarantee our current market rate for deliveries later in the season. If you need a delivery now, you can take advantage of our current market rate. If you need a delivery later, you can take advantage of our Fixed Price rate. Our Fixed Price rate will usually be higher than the current market rate since we are dealing with future prices. Due to the volatility in the heating oil market, we are currently not offering a Fixed Price Program for heating oil. If you are interested in a guaranteed price for heating oil, we recommend our Price Protection Program.
The Budget and Cap Programs offer you the benefit of a maximum price per gallon for the season, ensuring price stability and protection against market volatility. In order to manage the risk of dealing with future prices, we utilize some price protection tools. Since there is a cost associated with this process, we pass on a portion of it in the form of a premium. The premium amount can vary from year to year and is influenced by market volatility. By paying the premium, you gain the advantage of price certainty and the peace of mind that comes with it. It is an investment that allows you to budget effectively and protect yourself from unexpected price fluctuations. Rest assured that we try to keep the premium as competitive as possible.
Our drivers are trained to assist with bleeding the air out of the supply lines in case of an inadvertent tank run-out. However, at this time, we do not provide furnace repair or service for heating systems. Even though we won’t service your furnace, we can recommend several reputable HVAC companies in the local area and would be more than happy to provide you with their contact information. Simply reach out to our friendly customer service representatives, and they will assist you in connecting with these trusted professionals.
Determining the amount of heating oil or propane your house will use in a year can be challenging due to many variables. Factors such as the outdoor temperature, the size of your house, how well your house is insulated, the temperature at which you set your thermostat, and the number of appliances that are using heating oil or propane all contribute to the amount of heating oil or propane you will use throughout the year. While we can’t give you an exact amount you may use, the average house uses 500 to 600 gallons of heating oil or 700 to 800 gallons of propane annually.
We recommend refilling your heating oil tank when the gauge is showing 1/4. This is the perfect time to order as your tank will need over 150 gallons to fill.
Most heating oil tanks have built into the vent plumbing a Vent Alarm which creates a whistle when the heating oil is being pumped into the tank. The whistle will stop sounding when the level of the heating oil reaches the full mark. Our company policy is, “No whistle. No fill.” This means, if there is no whistle, the driver will not have any indication as to whether the oil tank is connected, or whether the tank is still full from the previous delivery. Therefore, we will not be able to fill the tank.
We recommend refilling your propane tanks when the gauge is between 20% and 30%. By doing so, you can avoid running out of gas and the hassle and cost of an “Out of Gas” leak check. You will get your best propane price when your tank is at 30% or less.
Located under the dome at the top of the tank, the gauge displays bold black numbers encircling a pointer needle. This needle indicates the percentage of propane in your tank. Your tank is considered full at 80% capacity, allowing for the expansion of propane vapor. To read the gauge, simply look at the numbers. These numbers represent the percentage of gas remaining in the tank. As the needle moves closer to 25%, it’s time to schedule a refill to avoid running out of propane.
Built into the valve of the tank is a liquid fill valve that helps us determine when the tank is full when we’re filling it. When the liquid fill valve spews liquid propane, our driver knows that the tank is filled to a safe level. Because of variations in gauges, the exact ending percentage may vary from one tank to another. For an aboveground tank, the gauge will show approximately 80% when the tank is full. For an underground tank, the gauge will usually show between 80% and 90% when the tank is full.
Before filling your propane tank(s) the first time, we need to perform a leak check of your propane system to make sure that it is leak free and installed correctly per NFPA 58 regulations. This is part of our company’s commitment to you and your family’s safety. Since the leak check includes checking the propane supply lines from the propane tank to each of the appliances inside your home, we will need someone to be home when we arrive for the leak check.
After the initial leak check, you generally will not need to do another one unless your propane system has been interrupted, such as the tank or system being turned off, the tank running out of propane, or if there has been a change in appliances or propane supply lines. It is essential that you notify us if any of these circumstances occur in your system, so that we can promptly schedule a leak check to ensure continued safety.
As the level of propane gets lower in your tank, you may start smelling propane because the propane will be more saturated with the odorant that is added. If you start smelling propane and the tank gauge is showing less than 5%, there is a good chance you will soon run out of propane. If your tank runs empty, we are required to perform an “Out of Gas” leak check to verify that your system is leak-free. This is a billable service that ensures the safety of your propane system before we put your system back in service. It is important that you do not let your tank run out of propane.
Propane in its natural state is odorless. An additive called Ethyl Mercaptan is added to propane so it can be detected in the event of a leak. Ethyl Mercaptan has a pungent odor that smells like rotten eggs, a decaying animal, or even a skunk.
If you ever detect the smell of propane, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If you notice a faint smell of propane, try to locate the source and turn off the fuel valve for that specific appliance. Afterward, contact Town & Country Fuel to schedule a professional repair and leak check of your propane system.
However, if you encounter a strong, pungent odor of propane, this may indicate a significant and uncontrolled leak. In this case, it is important to evacuate the building immediately without turning any light switches on or off. If possible, turn off the service valve on the propane tank to stop the flow of gas. Once you have done this, contact Town & Country Fuel to schedule a leak check and repair of the system.
If you are unable to stop the flow of propane by turning off the valve, call 911 and Town & Country Fuel immediately. If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate and minimize the propane smell. Evacuate the area to a location that is upwind from the suspected propane leak.
Remember, your safety is paramount when dealing with gas leaks. Taking these steps promptly and contacting professionals will help ensure the situation is addressed safely and effectively.
Odor fade (loss of odorant) can occur when physical and/or chemical processes cause the level of odorant (Ethyl Mercaptan) in the propane to be reduced. This can occur more often in installations of new propane pipe than in existing pipe. If a propane leak occurs underground, the surrounding soil may cause odor fade. Other factors that may cause odor fade include, but are not limited to,
- the construction and configuration of the propane system.
- the presence of rust, moisture, liquids, or other substances in the pipe.
- propane composition, pressure, and/or flow.
Intermittent, little, or no propane flow over an extended period of time may also result in the loss of odorant until propane flow increases or becomes more frequent.
It’s important to take the necessary precautions when it comes to propane leaks, especially if you or others in your home have difficulty smelling propane or if appliances are in little-used areas where the smell of propane might not be detected. A propane gas detector can provide an additional measure of security and peace of mind. These detectors are designed to sound an alarm if they sense the presence of propane. While you should always trust your nose and never ignore the smell of propane, having a detector can alert you to a leak in case you don’t detect it yourself. Don’t take any chances with your safety. Purchase a propane gas detector from us today.
When it comes to propane tanks, the decision to lease or purchase can be a tough one. Both options come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
If you choose to lease a propane tank, you’ll benefit from lower initial set-up fees. At Town & Country Fuel, we take care of maintaining the tank and regulators at no cost to you. You can also enjoy the convenience of Automatic Delivery, ensuring that you never run out of propane.
On the other hand, purchasing your propane tank can offer long-term cost savings. The price per gallon of propane is generally lower when you own your tank. However, it’s important to note that with ownership comes responsibility. You’ll be responsible for the expenses associated with maintaining your propane tank. Additionally, unless you opt for Automatic Delivery, you’ll need to monitor your propane levels and arrange for refills yourself.
Ultimately, the decision to lease or purchase a propane tank depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value convenience and lower upfront costs, leasing may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking to save money in the long run and are willing to take on the responsibility of tank maintenance, purchasing may be a better fit. Our team at Town & Country Fuel is here to help you make an informed decision and provide the propane services that meet your specific requirements.
The regulators on a propane system are the heart of the propane vapor distribution system. The purpose of a regulator is to reduce the high-pressure propane gas flow from the propane tank to a safe pressure that can be used in appliances. Each regulator comes from the manufacturer with a date stamp. The average life span of a regulator varies by brand and is approximately 15-25 years.
At Town & Country Fuel, we recommend replacing the regulators that are approaching that age limit so there is no interruption to your propane system. We sell and install the high-quality Rego regulators that are very reliable.
Over time, the internal mechanical parts in a regulator can lose their functionality. When this happens to a regulator, it will most likely start to vent propane into the atmosphere which in turn could potentially be a safety hazard to your family and property. If you smell propane near the regulator, this is a sign that the regulator is failing. Please turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank (clockwise) and notify Town & Country Fuel if this happens.
To avoid having a failing regulator, we recommend that you call us to schedule a preventative maintenance inspection of your aging regulators and leak check of your propane system by our qualified technician.
Cathodic protection defends against the rusting and deterioration of underground propane tanks and piping. To prevent the deterioration of these underground systems, the installation includes one or two magnesium-filled anode bags connected to the underground propane tank. These magnesium-filled anode bags provide the needed cathodic protection from rust and deterioration.
The magnesium anode bags, which are connected to the underground tank, provide current and electrons to the underground propane system. A small electric current, measured in milliamps, flows from the magnesium anode to the steel cathode, the steel cathode being the propane tank. By using natural laws and processes where electric current flows from a high voltage source to a lower voltage receiver, man-made anodes of higher voltage metal such as magnesium will artificially prevent lower voltage metal, like steel, from decomposing. The electrons actually prevent the iron atoms in the steel from oxidizing into rust.
If the underground propane system does not have any cathodic protection, the steel will start to deteriorate and eventually will result in propane leaking from the deteriorating system. Any propane leak can be very dangerous due to the explosive nature of propane. Since the magnesium anode bags, which provide the cathodic protection, can lose their effectiveness over the course of time, regular testing of the effectiveness of the buried magnesium anode bags is important to the safety of our customers.
Town & Country Fuel is equipped to test the effectiveness of the buried magnesium anode bags, which provides cathodic protection, and can replace them if they are not performing to the required standards of effectiveness. Please call us to schedule your cathodic protection test.