Here at Suffield Hardware we refill your propane tanks rather than offer an exchange service. While our refilling may take a few minutes longer, it is by far and large better for your wallet and peace of mind.
Exchange services began as a great way to quickly get you back in grilling action with a completely filled propane tank. It also provided another revenue stream for gas stations, convenience stores and some hardware stores without having to train employees in Propane Safety and take up valuable parking spaces with a massive propane tank and locked fence around it. When fuel prices began to rise many exchange service companies opted to under fill their tanks in order to maintain existing prices and cut fuel costs to transport the tanks to and from their respective exchange sites. These companies thought they were doing a great service to the consumer but in reality many were caught off guard when their tank ran out quicker than it had in the past, forcing them to buy another tank sooner.
When fuel prices went back down however these exchange companies kept under filling their tanks because it meant increased profits on their end. Arguments that under filling tanks make for safer transportation are flawed. Modern propane tanks go through such rigorous safety inspections and include multiple safe guards against failure that the only potential issue would arise from overfilling the tanks which is an issue that will not happen at Suffield Hardware because of our expertly trained staff and safety equipment.
At Suffield Hardware you receive a full 20lb fill up on your propane tank unlike 15lbs from those exchange services.
