Considering a Change? How to Switch Propane Companies
Choose a Propane Company for the Long Term
Introductory discounts and switching offers can make a propane company worth a closer look. But an offer is only one part of the decision. Once it ends, the company still needs to manage your deliveries and respond when you need help.
If you are thinking about switching propane companies, we can help you understand what the change would involve. Schagrin has served the region since 1932 and provides propane to more than 19,000 customers. Before you make a decision, we will review your current tank, how you use propane, and the requirements for establishing service.
Why Homeowners Switch Propane Companies
Most people do not change propane companies without a reason. In our conversations with prospective customers, reliability comes up most often. Some have waited longer than expected for a delivery. Others have had trouble getting a response during the busiest part of the heating season.
A promotional rate may reduce the initial cost of changing providers. It cannot tell you how the company will perform when demand is high or what kind of help will be available when something goes wrong.
When comparing propane companies, it is worth asking:
- How does the company plan and manage deliveries?
- Can you reach a local representative during business hours?
- What support is available after hours?
- Does the company understand the tank, gas system, and appliances that use the propane?
- What options are available for managing your account and annual propane costs?
These are long-term service questions. They continue to matter after an introductory offer has ended.
What to Know Before Changing Propane Providers
The process depends largely on who owns the tank and what is already installed at the property. Existing agreements, equipment condition, piping, and permit requirements can also affect the work involved.
If You Own the Propane Tank
You will need to provide proof that you own the tank. Before establishing service, we must inspect a customer-owned tank at the customer’s expense. The inspection helps us determine whether the tank and existing system can be accepted for service. Schagrin may also purchase an existing customer-owned tank if it meets our safety requirements.
Inspections and Property Requirements
We schedule a site visit to evaluate the tank, propane use, appliances, and existing installation. This helps identify any piping, permit, or equipment requirements that could affect the proposal.
We prefer to complete a GasCheck when establishing a new account. It helps us review the propane appliances, check the system for leaks, and answer questions about its operation. Existing underground tanks may also require cathodic protection testing. We can perform this test on any underground tank. There is no testing fee when Schagrin owns or leases the tank.
If Your Current Provider Owns the Tank
You will need to notify the company that owns the tank. Only the owner should remove it. In some situations, the current provider and Schagrin may agree to a tank sale or swap. Any tank involved in that arrangement must be inspected before we begin service.
Your current service or tank agreement may include cancellation terms, removal requirements, or related charges. Review that agreement before making changes.
Timing and Service Continuity
Switching can typically be completed within 30 days outside the heating season. Scheduling is less predictable during the heating season and can exceed 30 days in some cases. Additional work may also affect timing.
We make every attempt to coordinate the change and avoid an interruption in service. A brief interruption may still occur because of tank work, inspections, or scheduling.
How Switching Propane Service Works
Tell Us About Your Current Propane Setup
The first step is a conversation with a Schagrin representative. We will ask what the propane supplies, approximately how much you use, and whether your tank is owned or leased. If you own the tank, we will need proof of ownership.
Schedule a Site Evaluation
If you would like to proceed, we will visit the property. We will evaluate the tank, appliances, piping, access, and any permit considerations.
Review the Proposed Service Arrangement
After the evaluation, we will explain what is required to establish service. This may include accepting an existing tank, installing another tank, completing safety checks, or addressing piping and permit needs. We will also discuss applicable costs and anticipated timing.
Complete the Account Paperwork
If you accept the proposed arrangement, we will send the paperwork needed to establish the account. A credit application is required. When Schagrin supplies a leased tank, the initial lease term is five years and renews annually after that. The account must use the equivalent of one tank of propane each year.
Coordinate the Transition and First Delivery
We will schedule the inspections, tank work, and first delivery required for your property. If another company owns the existing tank, that company must remove it unless a sale or swap has been arranged.
Why Choose Schagrin as Your Propane Company?
When your home depends on propane, delivery is only part of the service. You also need a company with the supply capacity, local support, and technical experience to keep the full propane system operating properly.
A Propane Supply Backed by Regional Storage
We maintain more than 600,000 gallons of propane storage across our locations. Our West Grove and Georgetown rail facilities provide an additional 240,000 gallons of capacity. This regional storage helps us support customer demand throughout the heating season.
Automatic and Will-Call Delivery
Customers can choose automatic or will-call delivery based on how they prefer to manage their propane supply. Automatic deliveries are scheduled using previous usage. Tank-monitoring information is also used when a monitor is installed.
Remote monitoring may be available depending on the account and equipment. Availability and cost are determined by the individual setup.
Local Support and After-Hours Assistance
During business hours, you can speak with customer service representatives at our local branches. Calls outside regular business hours are handled through an after-hours service.
If we supply your propane and you report a gas leak or a propane-supplied essential appliance that is not working, an on-call representative will contact you. Automatic-delivery customers who need an urgent delivery after hours can also call for assistance.
Propane Expertise Across Your Home
Our propane experience extends from the tank to the appliances it supplies. We install above-ground and underground tanks and service propane heating systems, water heaters, fireplaces, generators, and other propane-powered equipment.
If a problem involves more than the fuel in the tank, you already have a local company that understands how the full system works together.
Programs That Help You Manage Propane Costs
Our Pre-Buy and PriceLock programs provide seasonal opportunities for eligible customers to plan ahead for propane costs. Enrollment periods and program terms vary.
The Level Payment Program spreads estimated annual propane usage across monthly payments. Through the online customer portal, you can also view and pay bills or submit delivery and service requests.
Local Propane Service Across the Region
Schagrin provides propane delivery and related services throughout Delaware and neighboring areas of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Our service area includes Cecil County in Maryland and communities in Chester County, southern Lancaster County, and western Delaware County in Pennsylvania.
Propane-delivery availability can depend on the property location and service requirements. Contact us to confirm service for your address.
Our customer-facing branches give you direct access to local employees who understand the communities they serve:
Frequently Asked Questions About Switching Propane Companies
Can I switch propane companies if my current provider owns the tank?
Yes, but you must notify the company that owns the tank. That company is responsible for removing it. In some cases, the current provider and Schagrin may arrange a tank sale or swap instead. We will still need to inspect the tank before establishing service.
Can Schagrin use a propane tank that I own?
Possibly. You must provide proof of ownership, and we must inspect the tank at your expense. The tank and propane system must meet the requirements for Schagrin to accept them for service. Schagrin may also purchase a customer-owned tank if it meets our safety requirements.
How long does it take to change propane providers?
The process can typically be completed within 30 days outside the heating season. Heating-season scheduling is less predictable and may exceed 30 days in some cases. Tank, piping, inspection, or permit work can also affect timing.
Will my propane service be interrupted?
We make every attempt to coordinate the transition and avoid an interruption. A brief interruption may occur because of scheduling, inspections, or tank work.
What information should I have when I contact Schagrin?
Be prepared to explain what your propane supplies, your approximate usage, and whether the tank is owned or leased. If you own the tank, you will need proof of ownership.
Are there costs involved in switching propane service?
There may be. Costs depend on the tank size, expected consumption, piping needs, inspections, and permit requirements. Your current provider may also have cancellation or removal terms. We will explain Schagrin’s requirements after evaluating the property.
Do I need to cancel my current propane service before calling Schagrin?
No. Contacting us first gives you an opportunity to discuss the current setup and learn what would be required. If another company owns the tank, you will need to notify that provider before the tank can be removed or another arrangement can be made.
Does Schagrin provide propane delivery in my area?
We serve customers throughout Delaware and neighboring portions of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Contact our propane team with the service address so we can confirm availability.
Considering a Change? Let’s Talk.
You do not have to decide before contacting us. Tell us about your current propane service and tank arrangement. We will explain what switching would require for your property and answer your questions.
Recognized by the Communities We Serve
Schagrin was voted a 2026 First State Favorite in the Propane/Gas/Oil Provider category. We appreciate the customers and neighbors who took the time to vote for our local team.
