Comparing LPG Gas Suppliers
You want to pick the best supplier for something as critical as LPG.
There are a number of things to consider when you evaluate LPG gas suppliers.
Local, safe and reliable should also be at the top of the list but there’s more…
What Should You Look For In An LPG Supplier?
These are the most important factors to look for and consider when choosing an LPG supplier:
- Consumer star ratings – independent evaluations
- Emphasis on safety
- Reliability
- Competitive pricing
- Convenient delivery options
- Help for new users of LPG
- Convenient and user-friendly apps
- 24/7 support
- Online functionality
- Local presence
- No contracts policy
Consumer Star Ratings
As with most products and services, LPG gas suppliers receive consumer reviews.
Google search is the place that most choose to post their reviews.
In addition to the star rating number itself, you should also look for companies that have lots of reviews.
A large number of reviews indicates more engaged customers and makes the score more reliable, as it would be difficult to post a large numbers of fake reviews.
The number of reviews is the number just to the right of the stars.
The other thing to watch out for are suppliers with no listing at all.
They are either not really located in your area or they have chosen to avoid being reviewed by not having a listing (listings are free from Google).
Convenience of LPG Gas Bottle Delivery Options
Some LPG suppliers only offer cylinder exchange service.
However, you should look for an LPG supplier that also offers on-site filling from LPG tankers.
Tanker refills have a number of advantages for you, as the user, especially if the supplier offers automatic tanker delivery.
Just think of never having to check your gas bottles or having to order.
Gas Bottle Sizes to Fit Your Needs
Many LPG suppliers can only offer 45kg LPG gas bottles because they don’t have the tankers required to fill larger 90kg & 210kg cylinders. However, refill prices can be less than exchange prices for the same LPG bottle sizes.
If your demand for liquefied petroleum gas is quite high, you may need to spend extra money on your installation, which could involve an elaborate manifold system for multiple 45kg bottles.
You should pick an LPG supplier to give you the gas cylinder sizes you need.
Help for New Users of Home LPG
If you are a first time user of home LPG, you will probably need additional guidance to explain how everything works.
The supplier should provide detailed “How-to” instructions as you speak with them for the first time.
For example, you can get your free 8-page e-book — The Illustrated Guide to Home LPG.
It is a pictorial ‘How To’ explaining everything you need to know.
You want a supplier that will be there for you with help when you need it.
24/7 Live Contact with Your LPG Supplier
You should be able to contact your LPG supplier 24/7 for your household LPG and emergency needs.
We are talking real live people at the other end of the phone line and not answering machines, as LPG emergencies and refills may come at very unexpected moments.
And those people should be in Australia and not some overseas call centre.
Make sure your supplier answers the telephone every day and around the clock.
New to LPG? Choose ELGAS
ELGAS is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest LPG suppliers and services the LPG energy needs of more than 350,000 homes and businesses. Whether you are looking for LPG for your home, LPG for your business, or SWAP’n’GO for your BBQ, contact ELGAS today!
No Contracts Policy
Some LPG suppliers try to lock you into a 12 or 24-month contract for your home LPG.
You should look for a supplier with a no contracts policy.
At ELGAS, we’ll make sure you stay because you want to, not because you have to.
Actively Seeking Customer Feedback
A good supplier should actively seek customer feedback to constantly improve its service.
Collecting feedback directly from customers is a best practice.
LPG User Support and Engagement
You need to be able to communicate with and get information from your LPG supplier, especially since you’ll need them routinely during LPG delivery or refilling.
They should supply LPG “How To” advice for all aspects of your LPG use including operating instructions for gas bottles, changeover valves and technical issues.
An active and informative Facebook page is also valuable, as you can interact with other LPG users and the LPG supplier.
Look for a comprehensive website with answers to more than just simple questions. At ELGAS, our Knowledge Hub covers various information for residential and commercial LPG, so you are well informed about your LPG needs.
Delivery Capacity for Reliable Supply
Your Supplier Should Have a Residential Focus
Most first-time LPG customers are homeowners. It’s important that your LPG supplier should focus on providing your needs and assisting you throughout the process.
For example, industrial gas suppliers primarily deal with businesses and can only be contacted during business hours.
Look for an LPG supplier that specialises in the needs of homeowners, particularly those with emergency LPG refill and delivery services.
Local Presence
For obvious reasons, dealing with a supplier with a local depot in your area is advantageous. Look for a large LPG supplier with a local company agent or branch run by local people from your area.
Having an LPG supplier that you can conveniently reach near you is a massive plus.
You want the advantages of a large supplier combined with friendly local service and knowledge.
Mobile App and Compatibility
Everyone and everything should be accessible on the go, including your LPG delivery service provider. Look for a supplier that can provide gas supply right when you need it.
They should have a smartphone App available for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device that lets you manage your LPG delivery schedule from anywhere at any time.
The entire website should also be mobile-compatible to access the information you need easily.
Managing your LPG should be easy!
Help When Natural Disasters Happen
Upstream LPG Supply & Reliability
Your LPG supplier should have more than just local storage capacity.
They should have upstream supply, storage, and transport facilities to provide surety of supply.
This is important if there is a supply interruption.
45kg Gas Bottle Refill Price
Price is important but the fact is that there usually isn’t much difference between suppliers, as they must all stay competitive with each other.
You can always do price comparisons to confirm this.
All LPG suppliers are subject to a world LPG benchmark price, known as the “Saudi CP”.
This benchmark varies on a monthly basis and is the primary determining factor in how much the LPG suppliers pays for the LPG they supply to you.
Pricing can vary a bit based on a number of factors including the cost of supply, haulage and delivery to different areas.
You should expect competitive pricing.
Uncompromising Safety
Online Capability for Your Convenience
As with all modern product and service suppliers, you should expect to have full online access and interaction with your LPG supplier.
You should be able to order online and receive a real-time confirmation number, not just an automated email.
Save Money, Water & Energy: Bonus Tips!
With very little effort or investment, you could save money on hot water running costs, water usage, and the cost of a replacement hot water system.
So, how do you do it?
Get Water Efficiency
The answer is to use WELS showerheads and taps. WELS is Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme.
The scheme helps consumers make informed decisions when buying water-using products to help them save water and money.
Saving Water with WELS Water Saving Shower Head
Showers use the most hot water in a home, so the quickest way to save water is to switch to a water-efficient shower head.
A standard showerhead uses about 15 to 25 litres of water per minute, while a WELS 3 Star-rated water-saving showerhead uses a maximum of 9L/min and as little as 6 or 7L/min.
So, assuming an 8-minute shower, a standard showerhead uses 120 to 200 litres of water, whereas a water-saving showerhead uses between 48 and 72 litres, or 40 to 75% per cent less water.
Your family’s annual water savings can be as much as 44,000 to 63,000 litres*.
Saving Energy and Money with WELS Showerheads
People generally shower for 5 to 10 minutes. Assuming you have a 3-star water-saving shower head and mix some cold water with the hot, the typical hot water consumption would probably be in the 7L/min range.
If you also assume an 8-minute shower, water-saving showerheads will consume about 56 litres of hot water per shower, or a family of four would consume 224 litres.
That same family would use as much as 640 litres of hot water with a standard showerhead, assuming 20L/min consumption.
WELS’s 3-star rated water-saving shower head is an important factor in saving energy, as hot water typically accounts for about 25% of the average home energy costs.
Your actual savings depend on the type, size, and energy efficiency rating of the hot water system you currently own.
You can also save money on the purchase price of a new hot water system, as the WELS water-saving shower head helps reduce its size and cost.
If you also choose a 5 Star or better hot water system, you will further minimise your hot water energy costs.
Please see Saving Money on Hot Water System Sizing
Saving with WELS Taps
You can also save money, energy, and water by using more efficient tap fixtures, as well as water-saving showerheads.
Before purchasing a new tap, check the WELS star rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the model. Your family’s annual water savings could be 25,000 to 35,000 litres.
The range is based on a comparison between 0 Star (16L/min), 3 Star (8.25L/min), 4 Star (6.75L/min) and 5 Star (5.25L/min) kitchen or bathroom taps. Once again, you can save energy and money, too. Annual energy savings can be up to $297 per year*.
To save even more, fix all leaks and avoid running taps unnecessarily when washing, shaving, or brushing your teeth.
More About WELS
This joint government and industry program is designed to help consumers compare water efficiency when buying water-using products.
Products covered under the scheme include clothes washing machines, dishwashers, water-saving shower heads, toilets, urinals, and taps, with flow controllers optional.
WELS products are rated and labelled according to the Australian Standard AS/NZS6400:2005 – Water Efficient Products Rating & Labelling requirements.
For more information on the WELS scheme and to view the full list of water-rated products, go to www.waterrating.gov.au. Some state governments, local councils, and water utilities offer rebates or other incentives for water-efficient products.
To find out more, visit www.smartwatermark.org
*SOURCE: Australian Government WELS Scheme