What You’ll Learn
What is the difference between automatic delivery and will call delivery?
Automatic delivery means that the propane company takes care of estimating your fuel levels and delivering more before you run low.
Will-call delivery means that you monitor your own propane levels and call when you need a refill.
This gives you more control as the homeowner, but it also risks you having to go without heat for a time if you misread your levels or forget to call before you run low.
In this post:
You recently moved, and your new house is heated by propane.
The old owner had set the house up with will-call delivery.
You’re debating whether to switch to automatic delivery instead, but you don’t know enough about the two options.
Learn more about automatic propane delivery and will-call propane delivery, and why automatic delivery might be the better option for you.
The Two Types of Propane Delivery
Automatic Propane Delivery
Automatic delivery means the propane supplier takes responsibility for monitoring your fuel levels and scheduling deliveries before you run low.
Your supplier accurately estimates your usage with this information:
- A list of your appliances
- The square footage of your house
- Weather tracking
By knowing how big your house is and tracking temperatures, they can make sure to schedule a delivery before your tank gets too low.
You can guarantee with automatic propane delivery that your supplier will schedule a delivery for you by the time your tank hits 20%.
Once you’re enrolled, you don’t have to call, check your gauge, or track deliveries.
The company simply schedules a delivery time based on your tank monitor levels, and sends you the bill for delivery.
Will-Call Propane Delivery
Will-call delivery, on the other hand, puts a greater responsibility on the homeowner.
You monitor your propane tank levels yourself and call the company when you think it’s time for a refill.
Deliveries are then scheduled based on the company’s availability, not the same day.
Most customers with will-call delivery choose it for their budget.
With will-call delivery, you know exactly when you’re going to receive a bill for your oil delivery because you’re the one who called it in.
Benefits of Automatic Propane Delivery
For many Pennsylvania families, automatic propane delivery is a good choice if you have the flexibility in your budget to handle bills whenever a delivery is scheduled for you.
Here’s why:
Convenience You Can Count On
Life is busy enough without constantly checking propane levels.
Automatic delivery takes that chore off your plate so you can focus on the more important things in everyday life.
You don’t have to worry about remembering when to order, especially during holiday gatherings, school schedules, or long workweeks.
Peace of Mind During Winter
Pennsylvania winters can be harsh.
The last thing you want is to run out of propane during a blizzard or cold snap when demand is highest.
Automatic delivery ensures your tank is refilled before it ever runs low, so your family stays safe and warm no matter what the weather brings.
If there does happen to be a blizzard hitting on a Monday, Kauffman Gas will make sure to run trucks for delivery on the weekend so you aren’t left in the cold.
Protection from Expensive Emergencies
Running out of propane isn’t just inconvenient.
It can be costly.
If your tank runs completely dry, many companies require a leak test before restarting service.
That adds extra fees, delays, and unnecessary stress that automatic delivery prevents.
Efficient Fuel Management
Delivery schedules are based on your tank monitor levels, which means no emergency trips and more efficient routing for the provider.
It also allows you to avoid fees for last minute refills that you could encounter if you checked your own tank with will-call delivery.
Risks of Will-Call Propane Delivery
Will-call delivery can work well for some homeowners as long as they stay on top of checking their levels.
Its biggest advantage is giving you control over when you spend money on deliveries.
If you check your tank and see that you need another delivery soon, but your next pay day is three days away, will-call delivery allows you to hold off on an order and payment until you’re ready.
However, will-call delivery comes with some risks.
Running Out of Propane at the Worst Time
If you forget to call or misjudge your tank level, you could run out of propane.
Unfortunately, propane emergencies rarely happen on a sunny spring day.
They happen during a January cold front when everyone else is also calling for deliveries.
Delays During Peak Demand
In peak winter months, propane companies are often booked solid.
If you call as your tank is nearing empty, you may wait days for a truck to arrive, leaving your home low on heat.
This issue may be especially prevalent during a snow storm, which deters delivery trucks from being able to get to you on bad roads.
Higher Costs if You Run Out
Running out of propane doesn’t just mean discomfort.
Restarting your system often requires a leak test, special service visit, or after-hours emergency delivery.
Added Responsibility
You’re responsible for checking your gauge regularly, keeping track of usage, and remembering to call.
For busy families, that’s one more task competing with dozens of others on your to-do list.
Why Automatic Delivery Is the Safer Choice
While both delivery options exist to serve homeowners, automatic delivery offers greater protection against Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather and heating demands.
If you’re still debating, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want the responsibility of checking my propane gauge regularly?
- How important is convenience in my household’s day-to-day life?
- Do I have the budget flexibility to pay the bill whenever my supplier schedules a delivery?
For many homeowners in Pennsylvania areas like West Chester, Landenberg, and Chester Springs, the answers point toward automatic delivery.
Contact Kauffman Gas to set up your automatic delivery plan.
FAQs
What is the difference between automatic propane delivery and will-call delivery?
Automatic propane delivery means your propane company tracks your fuel levels and schedules deliveries before you run low, offering peace of mind and convenience.
Will-call delivery requires you to monitor your tank and place an order when you need propane.
Will-call delivery can carry risks like delays during peak demand or running out during Pennsylvania’s harsh winters.
Why should Pennsylvania homeowners choose automatic propane delivery?
Automatic propane delivery ensures your tank is refilled before it runs low, reducing the risk of emergencies, especially during severe winter storms.
It provides convenience, predictable scheduling, and safety for your family.
By relying on tank monitor levels, this service also helps avoid costly run-outs, system restarts, or emergency fees that can occur with will-call propane delivery.
What are the risks of choosing will-call propane delivery in Pennsylvania?
With will-call propane delivery, homeowners must track propane levels themselves and call when they need a refill.
The biggest risks include running out of propane during a snowstorm, long wait times in peak heating season, and additional costs for emergency deliveries or leak tests.
For most Pennsylvania families, automatic delivery offers a safer, stress-free alternative.