Propane FAQ , Complete Guide for Puerto Rico Homeowners and Businesses
Complete propane FAQ for Puerto Rico. Everything about propane delivery, installation, safety, costs, and generators. Answers by Tropigas experts.
Whether you're considering propane for the first time or you've had propane service for years and want to understand it better, this guide answers the most common questions Tropigas receives from Puerto Rico homeowners and businesses. Organized by topic for easy navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions by Category
Getting Started with Propane
Learn what propane is, why it's used in Puerto Rico, and how to start service with Tropigas.
View detailsPropane Safety
What to do if you smell gas, tank clearance requirements, and how to prepare for hurricane season.
View detailsPropane Costs and Savings
Compare propane costs to AEE electricity and understand installation payback periods.
View detailsPropane and Generators
Why propane is better than gasoline for generators, tank sizing, and conversion options.
View detailsGetting Started with Propane
What is propane and where does it come from?
Propane (C3H8) is a liquefied petroleum gas, a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. In Puerto Rico, Tropigas imports propane via specialized tanker ships that offload at our private Maritime Terminal in Guaynabo.
Why doesn't Puerto Rico have natural gas like the mainland?
Puerto Rico never built underground pipeline infrastructure. As a result, propane is the island's functional equivalent of natural gas.
How do I start propane service in Puerto Rico?
Call 787-641-8002. The process from first call to first delivery typically takes 5 to 15 business days for standard residential installations.
Does Tropigas serve my area?
Yes. Tropigas covers all 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico through a network of 23 distribution plants.
Propane Delivery
How does propane delivery work in Puerto Rico?
Tropigas delivers propane in two ways: cylinder delivery for homes using portable cylinders, and fixed tank delivery where our tanker truck fills your on-property tank.
When should I call for a propane delivery?
Call when your tank gauge reads 25% to 30% remaining. Don't wait until empty.
What is Keep-Full automatic delivery?
Keep-Full is Tropigas's automatic delivery program. We monitor your tank level and automatically schedule delivery before you reach a critical level.
How long does a propane delivery take after I call?
Typical delivery windows range from same-day in metropolitan areas to 2 to 5 business days in more remote locations.
Propane Safety
What should I do if I smell gas?
Do not operate any electrical switches. Extinguish all open flames. Close the tank valve if safe. Evacuate immediately. Call 911, then Tropigas at 787-641-8002.
Is propane safe to store at my home?
Yes. Propane is stored in sealed, pressurized tanks designed and tested to strict safety standards per NFPA 58 specifications.
How far does my propane tank need to be from my house?
Per NFPA 58, tanks up to 500 gallons require 10-foot minimum clearances from building openings and property lines.
Does propane degrade in storage?
No. Propane stored in a properly sealed tank does not degrade. A tank filled today will contain propane just as effective in five years.
Propane Costs and Savings
Is propane cheaper than AEE electricity in Puerto Rico?
For water heating and cooking applications, yes. Most Puerto Rico households that switch their water heater and stove to propane report $300 to $500 per year in combined energy savings.
What does it cost to install a propane system?
A water heater gas line costs $400 to $900. A complete generator system with 500-gallon tank costs $8,000 to $17,000 installed.
How long does it take to recover the cost of a propane system installation?
For water heater conversions, the typical payback period is 3 to 6 years.
Propane and Generators
Why is propane better than gasoline for generators in Puerto Rico?
Propane doesn't degrade in storage, it's already on your property when you need it most, and propane generators require less maintenance.
What size propane tank do I need for a generator?
For a 10 kW generator with 7-day coverage, a 250-gallon tank is the minimum. For a 20 kW generator with 7-day coverage, a 500-gallon tank is recommended.
Can I convert my gasoline generator to propane?
Yes, in most cases. Most portable gasoline generators can be converted to propane using a dual-fuel conversion kit.
Propane and Hurricane Season
What should I do to prepare my propane system for hurricane season?
Before June 1 each year: schedule your annual safety inspection, fill your tank to maximum capacity (80%), enroll in Keep-Full, and test your generator.
When should I call Tropigas before a hurricane?
Call 787-641-8002 the moment the National Hurricane Center issues a watch for Puerto Rico. Don't wait for a warning.
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