How Do Propane Tank Monitors Work

You can't always rely on past usage to monitor your propane levels

About 5 percent of American homes use propane for heating. Predictions of colder-than-normal temperatures and anticipated longer stays at home mean an expected increase in the amount of propane used this winter. This means you might not be able to rely on past usage to accurately predict when you'll need a tank refill this winter.

Monitors help you be sure of your propane levels

Adding a monitor to your system is an easy fix to the frequent issue of knowing when you need a refill. Learning how they work will help make sure you never need to worry about running out of propane.

How Propane Tank Monitors Work

We have all heard the buzz around smart homes and technology. A wireless propane tank monitor brings your fuel system into that network, making it as easy to track how much propane you have as to ask Alexa to pull up a music playlist.

The monitor will measure and track real-time propane levels and make the data available for you to see at any time.

Monitor connects to the propane tank gauge

A monitor runs on an internal battery and connects to a slot on the gauge on your tank, allowing it to "read" the gauge and transmit the reading to your service via cellular or wireless technology.

Alert created when propane dips to 30%

Your service provider sees daily levels, daily usage statistics, rapid draw alerts, and watches your tank to make sure you never run out. Monitoring your propane levels allows your provider to complete delivery as needed, so you don't have to worry.

Check your propane levels from your phone

With some providers, you can check your propane levels easily—through an online portal or even on a smartphone app.

Identify leaks before they become a problem

Propane is a very safe heating option. However, leaks can be a safety concern. Propane monitors can help identify leaks by showing spikes in fuel use, that might indicate a leak in your system and a potential hazard, making it a key piece of safety equipment.

What You Need for the Monitor

The tank monitor base unit is attached directly to your tank, and since it’s outdoors, you don't need to be home when your service comes to install it.

Require cellular or wifi service

Some providers make it easy by using cellular service to connect to the internet, which provides a more reliable connection, meaning they won’t have issues getting service to monitor your propane levels.

Other providers require a WiFI connection to monitor your tank; you will likely need a separate router or a wifi-extender to ensure the monitor connects to wifi. We suggest choosing a company that uses cellular units.

Dial connects to tank

The fuel tank also needs an R3D or remote-ready dial to work with a tank monitor. This type of dial has a slot to connect a cable between the monitor and the dial.

As long as you have the proper dial on the tank, a tank monitor can work with any type or age of tank. A good service provider will normally replace your dial for no charge if you decide to install a Monitor.

Check now. No one wants to wake up in winter to chilly air and cold showers because the propane tank is empty on Long Island or out in the Hamptons.

Setting up automatic refills with your propane provider goes a long way toward avoiding that issue, but propane tank monitors can save you shivers and money with a more reliable way of ensuring your gas levels never drop too low.