What You’ll Learn
Can I switch propane companies, or am I stuck with my current supplier?
It depends on whether you own or rent your tank. If you own it, you’re free to shop around for the best price and service starting tomorrow.
If you lease it, you can still switch—but you’ll need to cancel your old contract, pay any termination fees, and have a new tank installed. Many new providers, including Kauffman Gas, help cover those costs.
In this blog:
This blog was updated March 2026.
The price for residential propane in Pennsylvania has jumped more than 35% since last year.
Maybe you’ve noticed. Maybe your latest bill made you wince. And maybe—just maybe—you’ve started wondering if your current propane company is really giving you the best deal.
If you’ve been left waiting for late deliveries while your tank creeps toward empty, or if customer service feels like an afterthought, you’re not alone.
The good news? You have options. You just need to know whether you own your tank—and what to do next.
Can Another Company Fill My Propane Tank?
Who fills your propane tank depends on whether you own or rent the tank.
If you own your tank, you can choose any supplier you want. This is one of the main advantages of tank ownership. You can shop around for the best price and the best service.
If you rent or lease your tank, the owner of the tank has to fill it.
Owning vs Renting a Propane Tank
Being able to choose whichever propane company you want is a benefit of owning your propane tank. Owning and leasing each have pros and cons, though.
If you’re installing propane for the first time, deciding whether to lease or buy is an important choice.
Owning a Propane Tank
Owning a propane tank means you don’t have a minimum consumption rate.
You can use as little or as much as you want to pay for. You may save money over time if the tank requires few repairs.
Buying the tank upfront instead of paying monthly rental fees is sometimes less expensive.
However, a propane tank is an expensive investment. In addition to the purchase price, you’ll need a licensed professional to install the tank.
You’re responsible for the maintenance and repairs as well.
Renting a Propane Tank
The main benefit of renting a propane tank is the peace of mind it provides. The propane company will handle any repairs. Installation is included in the rental contract.
If you expect to move in a few years, you can transfer the rental contract to your new house.
However, most propane companies have a minimum usage requirement. You’ll need a certain number of propane appliances or a total BTU load above the minimum threshold.
The propane company will run a credit check before approving you.
This can be a disadvantage depending on your credit history. Finally, you’re stuck with the fuel rates of your tank provider if you rent the tank.
Do I Own My Propane Tank?
If you purchased a home with a propane tank, you’ll need to confirm whether you own it. You may assume the tank came with the house, but that isn’t necessarily true.
The previous homeowners may have been leasing the tank, which means it’s still a leased tank.
How to Check if You Own the Propane Tank
First, check your paperwork from the real estate transaction. If the sellers owned the propane tank, the transfer of ownership should be in the documentation.
If you don’t see anything in the paperwork, you can call your realtor to ask for more information.
You can also look at the tank itself for logos or stickers. The tank’s color(s) can sometimes be a clue. If you find anything, you can call the company to ask whether the tank was a rental.
Proving Tank Ownership
You’ll need proof of ownership of your propane tank before a propane company will schedule deliveries.
But what if you’re sure you own the tank and don’t have ownership documents?
Most propane companies will let you sign a tank ownership form. The form confirms that you own the tank. You accept all responsibility as the owner of the tank.
Switching Propane Companies
Even if you’re leasing your tank, you can change propane companies. The process is a little more complicated than if you own your tank, though. You want to avoid service disruptions as you’re changing providers.
For Tank Owners
If you own your tank, you can simply schedule the first delivery from the new company on the same day that your current contract ends. Your new propane company can help ensure a smooth transition from your old provider.
For Renters
If you lease your tank, you’ll need to tell the new provider that you’re canceling your contract with your old company.
Be sure the new company knows you’ll need a new tank. The new company can help with the transition.
You’ll usually have to pay contract termination fees from your old provider.
These fees can be quite expensive.
However, your new propane company may pay some or all of your cancellation fees.
Ask when your old provider will come to remove their leased tank. Schedule the installation of your new propane tank for the same day. That way, you can avoid going for too long without propane.
Finding a New Propane Company
When you’ve decided to switch propane companies, you want to find the best one. You don’t want to end up with the same problems you had with the old company.
Ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations when you start looking for a new propane supplier. Online reviews can also be useful. The Better Business Bureau has information about how a company has treated its customers.
You’ll want to learn how a propane company operates. You should compare features like:
- Delivery options
- Fees or minimum purchase requirements
- Hours for service and support, including emergencies
- Maintenance and service for propane appliances
- Convenient billing options
- Incentives for new customers
- Warranties and service guarantees
Finally, checking a company’s safety record, certification, and insurance gives you confidence that you can trust them with the safety of your home and family.
Choosing the Best Local Propane Delivery Company
A local propane delivery company can be a great choice when you’re ready to end the problems with your current supplier. You can change your propane delivery service whether you own or rent your propane tank.
Kauffman Gas is ready to become your new propane delivery partner.
We serve Chester, Lancaster, and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Northern Delaware.
We carry a wide range of propane tank sizes and offer same-day excavation, installation, and hook-up.
We’ll install temporary propane tanks until we can schedule your underground tank installation. You never have to worry about a service interruption.
Become a Kauffman Gas customer today, and we’ll pay up to $500 of your termination fees.
FAQs
What’s the difference between owning and renting a propane tank?
Owning gives you full control and freedom to shop around for the best price.
Renting usually includes free maintenance and installation, but locks you into one provider and often requires a minimum usage.
Can I switch propane companies if I rent my tank?
Yes, but you’ll need to cancel your existing lease and arrange for the old tank to be removed.
Your new provider will install a new tank, and many offer help with coordinating the transition.
What if I don’t have documents proving tank ownership?
Most propane companies will allow you to sign a tank ownership form if you’re confident the tank is yours.
This form confirms that you accept responsibility for the tank.
Will I have service interruptions when switching propane providers?
Not if you plan properly. Coordinate your tank removal and new tank installation for the same day.
Some companies, like Kauffman Gas, even offer temporary tanks to ensure continuous service.