Frequently Asked Questions
PropanePal FAQ
Everything you want to know about PropanePal (also known as Propane Pal) — how it works, what it tracks, who it's for, and how to get started.
About the App
What is PropanePal?
What is PropanePal?
PropanePal (also called Propane Pal) is an iOS app that helps homeowners, cabin owners, RV users, farmers, and Airbnb hosts track propane tank levels, log gauge readings, record deliveries and refills, monitor propane spending, and get reorder reminders.
It is the first software-only propane tracking app — which means it works entirely through your iPhone with no hardware sensor, no Bluetooth device, and no installation required.
Is PropanePal the same as Propane Pal?
Yes. "PropanePal" (one word) and "Propane Pal" (two words) refer to the same app. The official name is PropanePal, but many people naturally search for it as two words. If you found this app searching for "Propane Pal," you're in the right place.
Is PropanePal free?
PropanePal is free to download on the App Store. The free tier lets you track one tank with full core features — logging readings, viewing predictions, and tracking fills. A Premium subscription unlocks unlimited tanks and iCloud sync across devices.
Is PropanePal available on Android?
PropanePal is currently available for iPhone (iOS) only. An Android version has not been announced.
Who is PropanePal designed for?
PropanePal is designed for everyday people who use propane and want a simple way to stay organized. It works well for:
- Homeowners with propane heating, cooking, or hot water
- Cabin and lake house owners managing a seasonal property
- RV owners tracking propane on the road
- Farmers tracking multiple propane tanks
- Airbnb and vacation rental hosts
- People with propane generators
- Grill users who track portable cylinders
- Anyone managing multiple propane tanks
Tracking Features
How does the tracking work?
Do I need a sensor or hardware to use PropanePal?
No. PropanePal is software-only. You track your propane by logging the gauge reading on your tank into the app — just like you would write it in a notebook, but the app does all the calculations for you. No sensor, no Bluetooth device, no WiFi gateway, and no hardware of any kind is required.
How do I log a propane gauge reading?
Open PropanePal, select your tank, and tap Add Reading. Enter the gauge percentage (0–100%) from the dial on your tank. The app timestamps the reading automatically. The whole process takes about 10 seconds.
PropanePal also supports entering readings in gallons, pounds, scale weight (for DOT cylinders), or Quick Mode (tap Full, Half, Low, or Empty) if a percentage isn't convenient for your situation.
How does PropanePal estimate my propane usage?
PropanePal calculates your daily usage rate by comparing gauge readings from different dates. For example, if your tank was at 60% on May 1 and 45% on May 15 (14 days later), and a 500-gallon tank went from 300 gallons to 225 gallons, the app calculates 75 gallons consumed over 14 days = 5.36 gallons per day. Deliveries in between are accounted for. The more readings you log, the more refined the usage estimate becomes.
What propane tank sizes does PropanePal support?
PropanePal supports any propane tank size including:
- 20 lb and 30 lb portable DOT cylinders (grill, RV, backup)
- 100-gallon ASME tanks
- 250-gallon ASME tanks
- 500-gallon ASME tanks
- 750-gallon ASME tanks
- 1,000-gallon ASME tanks
- Custom size (enter any capacity in gallons)
Can I track multiple propane tanks?
Yes. The free tier supports one tank. With a Premium subscription, you can track unlimited tanks and cylinders simultaneously — each with its own reading history, predictions, delivery log, and settings. Mix large home heating tanks with small portable cylinders.
How often should I log my gauge reading?
Weekly readings during active use periods (especially winter heating season) give you the most accurate usage rate and predictions. Bi-weekly works well for most situations. The app shows a warning when readings are stale past 30 days and adjusts the confidence badge accordingly.
What is the difference between a propane refill and a delivery?
A delivery is when a propane supplier truck comes to your property and fills your fixed, stationary tank. A refill is when you take a portable cylinder (like a 20 lb grill tank) to a filling station or exchange kiosk and have it filled. PropanePal tracks both types as separate fill events.
Can PropanePal track propane deliveries?
Yes. Log each delivery with the date, gallons delivered, total cost, any separate fees, and the supplier name. The app calculates price per gallon automatically and stores the full delivery history.
Can I track propane spending in PropanePal?
Yes. PropanePal aggregates your delivery and refill costs over time. See total spending by period, price per gallon trends across deliveries, and per-tank spending breakdowns.
Privacy & Data
Your data and privacy
Is my propane data private?
Yes. Free users store all data locally on their iPhone — nothing leaves your device. Premium subscribers can optionally enable iCloud sync, which stores data in their personal iCloud account. PropanePal has no behavioral tracking, no analytics, and does not sell your data.
Does PropanePal require an account?
No account is required to use the free tier. Download and start tracking immediately. Premium subscribers use an Apple in-app purchase — no username, password, or account is needed beyond your existing Apple ID.
Does PropanePal work without internet?
Yes. All core features work completely offline — logging readings, viewing predictions, recording deliveries. No internet connection is required. This makes it ideal for off-grid cabins, RV camping, and rural properties without reliable cell service.
Can I delete my propane data?
Yes. You can delete individual readings, deliveries, or the entire tank history within the app. Uninstalling PropanePal removes all locally stored data from your device.
Safety
Safety and accuracy
Is PropanePal a replacement for professional propane safety inspections?
No. PropanePal helps users track and estimate propane usage based on readings they log into the app. It does not replace professional propane inspections, supplier safety checks, or any applicable safety requirements. Always follow your supplier's recommendations, local codes, and applicable safety instructions.
How accurate are PropanePal's predictions?
Prediction accuracy depends on how often you log readings and how consistent your usage is. With weekly readings over a few fill cycles, the app reaches High confidence and is typically within a few days of the actual depletion date. The confidence badge (High / Medium / Low / Unknown) is always visible so you know how much to trust the current estimate. PropanePal's predictions are planning tools — always verify your gauge manually before making urgent decisions.
What should I do if I suspect a propane leak?
If you suspect a propane leak, leave the area immediately, do not operate any electrical switches or open flames, and call your propane supplier and emergency services from a safe location. PropanePal cannot detect leaks and is not a safety monitoring tool. Follow all propane safety guidelines provided by your supplier and local regulations.
Why does my gauge only go to 80% when full?
Propane tanks are never filled to 100% capacity. Per safety regulations (NFPA 58), propane suppliers fill tanks to a maximum of 80% of total volume. The remaining 20% is "vapor space" — room for the liquid propane to expand as temperature rises. A reading of 80% means your tank was just filled to capacity. This is normal and expected. See our guide How to Read a Propane Tank Gauge for more detail.
Explore more
PropanePal features and guides
Coming Soon to the App Store
Track one tank at no cost. No account, no subscription required to start.