The five-criterion filter
Rank your shortlist on each criterion, with the heaviest weight on the criterion that matters most for your specific situation:
- All-in annual cost — not just the headline gallon rate, but tank rent, surcharges and contract exit fees included.
- Service responsiveness — auto-fill reliability in winter, response time on emergency calls, after-hours availability.
- Contract terms — length, auto-renewal, exit fees, price-change policy.
- Reputation in your specific district — Google / Yelp / BBB for the local depot, not the corporate brand.
- Local accessibility — branch office or phone-only, ability to walk in and speak to someone.
Weight the criteria for your situation
A light user (under 300 gallons/year) in a mild climate weights cost lowest and contract terms highest — exit fees matter more than gallon price when you're not buying many gallons. A heavy user (1,000+ gallons/year) in a cold climate weights cost and service responsiveness highest — the dealer's winter delivery reliability is operationally critical.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Picking on price alone. The cheapest gallon rate often comes paired with high tank rent or punitive exit fees.
- Relying on corporate reputation. National brands have variable local depot quality; check the specific depot serving your address.
- Skipping itemised quotes. Verbal price commitments are difficult to enforce; written itemisation is essential.
- Signing before reading the contract. Auto-renewal clauses and exit fees deserve attention before signing, not after.
FAQ
How many propane companies should I compare?
At least three — one national, one regional, one local independent or cooperative.
Should I switch propane companies often?
No. Switching every year is usually counterproductive — the friction costs outweigh small per-gallon savings. Every 2-3 years is a reasonable cadence, plus opportunistic switches when your current dealer underperforms.