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Discover How SWVA Can Help Your Business Thrive

commercial propane virginia As a business owner, you need to walk a tightrope between delivering a great product or service at a good value while managing efficiency and controlling cost. That’s why you should know all the benefits of commercial propane. Manufacturing, construction, warehousing, agriculture, landscaping, hospitality, and a broad range of other industries all rely on commercial propane. Whether you need bulk propane, commercial deliveries, or a cylinder exchange program, SWVA has a range of commercial propane solutions that can help your business thrive.

Versatility is the main factor that makes propane such a great option for commercial uses. It can be used for heating, for operating machinery, and running vehicles. What’s more, propane is better for the environment—and your bottom line. Compared to other heating fuels, including electricity, propane:

  • Heats quickly and burns cleanly
  • Leaves a smaller carbon footprint
  • Costs on average 2.5 times less per Btu than heating with electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy
  • Is extremely safe, with a very narrow range of flammability

Here are just a few of the industries and commercial applications of propane. Imagine how it could work for your business!

Agricultural Propane Supply and Services

Propane delivers consistent heat ideal for warming livestock barns, hatcheries, greenhouses, and it’s nontoxic, and can’t harm soil or groundwater. Clean-burning propane can power much of your landscaping and agricultural equipment, from commercial mowers to irrigation engines. Propane puts less wear on equipment, keeping it out of the shop and keeping your operations running smoothly.

  • Commercial mowers and landscaping equipment
  • Irrigation equipment
  • Flame-weeders
  • Crop drying
  • Greenhouse and barn heating

Forklifts & Industrial Needs

Warehouse management, construction, and industrial facilities rely on forklifts. Let our team show you why propane fueled forklifts will keep your operation running smoothly with less downtime. Here are just a few of the advantages:

  • Propane-fueled forklifts can be used outdoors in wet conditions, unlike electric-powered forklifts.
  • Propane-powered forklifts will operate at 100% power as long as there’s propane in the cylinder. An electric forklift loses power as the battery drains.
  • Refueling is quick and easy with replaceable cylinders. Recharging an electric forklift takes equipment out of service for hours, slowing down operations.
  • Propane-powered forklifts also handle heavy loads better and are more capable when it comes to inclines.

Propane’s versatility is a plus for your business or job site. In addition to forklifts, propane can be used to power a wide range of equipment, including:

  • welding equipment
  • asphalt heaters
  • concrete grinders, saws, polishers, trowels, and dust extractors
  • pressure washers
  • small cranes
  • water pumps
  • floor buffers
  • and more

Hospitality & Food Service

Professional chefs prefer gas for cooking. Hotels, hospitals, nursing facilities all benefit from propane for cooking, water heating and space heating, as well as for industrial washers and clothes dryers, just to name a few.

  • Food trucks
  • Restaurants
  • Laundromats
  • Hotels

The Bottom Line

We understand that for business owners, the bottom line is always top of mind. We’re business owners, too, and that’s why SWVA is committed to providing the same superb and attentive service to our commercial accounts as to our residential clients. Not only that, we have fair, transparent pricing so there are no surprises for you.

Contact us today for more information.

Leak Tests After a Run-out Aren’t Optional—But Here’s how to Avoid Them

propane leak test virginiaIf you’ve never run out of propane, you may not know what a huge hassle it is. Depending on what you use it for, you may not have hot water, you can’t cook or dry your laundry, and you could lose your whole home heating, too. In the instance of a run-out, we’ll often be asked why we need to perform—and charge for—a pressure test when they let their propane tank hit empty. It doesn’t seem like it should be a such big deal—why can’t we just fill up the tank?

It’s all about safety. Propane piping and fittings are coated with a pipe joint compound that seals connections and prevents leaks. When you run out of fuel, the pressure in the lines will change. And when the pressure changes, the joint compound could contract and create a leak. While propane is completely safe under most conditions, it can be highly flammable, so leaking propane lines can be dangerous. In fact, pressure tests are required by state and federal law, as well as insurance rules.

That’s why it’s important that we conduct a pressure test to make sure everything is operating safely when we refill your tank after a runout. We also do this test when we install a new tank or appliance.

What’s the Best Way to Eliminate Runouts?

The best way to avoid the hassle of runout is to sign up for our free Automatic Delivery service. SWVA customers overwhelmingly choose Automatic Delivery for propane deliveries because it eliminates all the work and all the worries. Our computerized system monitors the weather conditions and keeps track of your fuel usage patterns so we know when to schedule a delivery for you, and you always have the propane you need.

If you prefer will-call for propane deliveries, you’re responsible for monitoring your tank levels, and if you run out, we will have to perform and charge you for a test. Keep an eye on your tank and remember to call when you have about a quarter (25%) tank. That ensures we can get you on the schedule and make delivery in plenty of time!

Want to learn more about why homeowners and businesses in the southwestern Virginia area trust SWVA Gas for top-notch service and fair prices? Contact us for more information today.