It is often believed that getting a propane tank refilled is cheaper than getting it exchanged. When you look at the cost saved when you opt to refill your propane gas instead of getting it exchanged for a new one, you’ll agree that refilling is cheaper. The issue with refilling however is that not all stores refill propane tanks most stores prefer an exchange rather than refilling services.
At Safeway, you can get your propane tank exchanged for a new one. For refilling propane tanks, Safeway is more known for exchange than refill so you will have to confirm from the store’s customer support to know if you can get your tank refilled.
How to Get your Tanks Exchanged at Safeway?
The steps include;
- Take your old propane tank to any of the Safeway stores closest to your location.
- In front of the store, you will see a section where you can drop the tank, leave the tank there and go inside.
- Head over to the cashier or store assistant and request a propane exchange.
- You will have to make a payment before you can be given a new tank.
- After processing your payment, the store assistant will take you to where the new tanks are kept outside the store.
- You will be given a new tank in exchange for your old tank.
How to know when your tank is due for an exchange?
Here’s how you can know when it is time to take that old tank out;
- Use a Gauge
This has to be the easiest way to confirm if your tank is ready for a refill. Using a tank gauge will allow you to see the level of propane remaining in your tank, once it is low, you should get ready to have it exchanged or refilled.
- Check the weight of the tank
This is a traditional method commonly used by many people to examine the level of propane inside the tank. This is usually done by lifting the gas and checking if it weighs heavy or light. A heavy tank means there is still much propane left in the tank, and it’s not yet ready for exchange while a light tank means there is little or no propane left.
- Look at the flame
When you are cooking using a full tank, the flame usually comes up faster than when the propane starts to get low. Once the flame reduces, you should note that it’s time to have a refill or an exchange.
- Always check and note the expiration date
All tanks come with an expiry date, it can be seen on the tank. Checking the expiry date of your propane tank is important because it helps you to know when to get an exchange. To check for the expiry date of your tank, you can look at the handle area at the collar, it is usually written in a month/year format.
Is refilling a propane tank better than exchanging it?
When you look at the two options, they both will allow you to get new propane in your tank. However, here are some advantages and disadvantages of the two;
Advantages of refilling and exchanging propane
- For refill: It is cheaper to refill because you do not have to pay for a new tank, you already have your tank all you have to pay for is the propane. In case there is still some propane left in your tank before the refill, you can still have it as you will only pay for the amount refilled.
- For exchange: It is a quick and easy process; all you have to do is take your tank to a retail store, make a payment and get a new tank. You also enjoy the benefit of using a risk-free tank as the expiration date won’t be your worry compared to when you keep refilling an old tank.
Disadvantages of refilling and exchanging propane Tanks
- For refill: It is not easy to get a retail store where you can have your propane refilled. Because of the ease that comes with getting an exchange, most retail stores sort to concentrate more on exchange. Another disadvantage of refilling a propane tank is time-consuming and can be risky. Risky in the sense that you can forget to check the expiry date of your gas.
- In exchange: It is more expensive than a refill. Remember that you are getting both the propane and a new tank so the cost is often higher than just getting a refill. You can also lose your propane when you offer up your gas for an exchange. The remaining propane inside the tank will be taken by the store.
One cannot say which of the two methods is better because it is determined by what you want and if you can get a propane tank refill at your location. In a situation where there is nowhere to refill your propane tank in your location, then going for an exchange is the best.
Conclusion
To get your propane tank refilled or exchanged, the common places to go are the retail stores and the gas station. Like most retail stores, Safeway offers shoppers the ease of having their propane tanks exchanged faster. If you are looking to get your propane tank exchanged, you can always visit Safeway.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get my propane tank exchanged from home?
You can get your propane tank exchanged from home. Safeway provides an avenue for customers to get new tanks delivered to them through propane delivery services.
- How fast are Safeway propane tank exchange services?
Once you have made your payment, you will get a new tank immediately.
