What to Expect When You Switch to Valley Energy Propane
If you are new to propane, you may be wondering: Where do I start? At Valley Energy, we understand that your first propane order comes with a lot of questions—from how much fuel you’ll need, to choosing the right tank, to knowing what to expect on delivery day. Our team is here to guide you through every step.
Choose the Right Tank Size with Expert Help
The first step in preparing for propane service is selecting the right tank. Tank size depends on your home’s energy needs, the number of propane appliances, and your preferred usage. Our Valley Energy experts will carefully review your household requirements and delivery access to recommend the best solution.
Decide Whether to Lease or Buy a Tank
Many customers choose to lease their propane tank from Valley Energy, which includes installation and maintenance for peace of mind. Some homeowners may prefer to purchase a tank outright for full ownership, but that option comes with added responsibility for safety and upkeep. If you are new to propane, leasing is often the best way to start while you learn the system with support from our team.
Estimate Your Propane Usage
Once your tank decision is made, we’ll help you estimate how much propane your home may use throughout the year. Factors include:
- Square footage of your home
- Number of propane appliances
- Desired thermostat settings
- Seasonal weather patterns
As you become familiar with propane, tracking your usage will get easier, and Valley Energy representatives are always available to help with estimates.
What to Expect on Delivery Day
Before your first delivery, a certified Valley Energy technician will complete a Safety Check to ensure your system is leak-free and ready for use. This inspection takes about 30 minutes, and you will need to be present.
After the Safety Check, you do not need to be home for deliveries. Our driver will fill your tank in about 10–15 minutes, leave a delivery ticket, and you will receive an invoice by email or mail. Please clear your driveway or delivery path of any obstacles before your delivery date.
Simplify with Automatic Deliveries and Payment Options
Valley Energy places all leased tanks on automatic scheduled delivery, so you don’t have to worry about running low. Deliveries are weather-driven and typically occur every 45–60 days during winter months.
We also offer Smart Pay and Pre-Buy programs to make propane more convenient and budget-friendly, giving you flexible options to manage your home energy costs.
Smart Pay vs. Pre-Buy: What’s the Difference?
At Valley Energy, we want to make propane easy to manage for every customer. That’s why we offer two popular programs:
Smart Pay
- A budget billing program available year-round (with approved credit).
- Your estimated annual propane cost is divided into even monthly payments, making it easier to budget.
- Automatic delivery is included, so you never have to worry about monitoring your tank.
Pre-Buy
- A seasonal program that opens at the beginning of fall and closes once the enrollment period ends.
- You purchase your winter propane supply upfront at a set price per gallon.
- Pre-Buy helps protect you from price fluctuations during the colder months.
- Automatic delivery is included, just like with Smart Pay.
Which is right for you?
- Choose Smart Pay if you prefer smaller, predictable monthly payments spread evenly across the year.
- Choose Pre-Buy if you want to lock in your winter propane at a set price and don’t mind paying upfront.
Remember: Pre-Buy is only available once per year. If you’re interested, sign up in the fall before the program closes until the following year.
Trust Valley Energy for Your First Propane Order
Since 1999, Valley Energy has proudly served homeowners across Northern Virginia and West Virginia. From tank installation and automatic deliveries to flexible payment options, we are your local partner for reliable propane service.