Support

If a reading doesn't appear after logging, try the following:

• Force-close and reopen PropanePal (swipe up from the home screen).
• Make sure you tapped Save on the reading entry screen — navigating back without saving discards the entry.
• Check that your iPhone has sufficient storage available (Settings → General → iPhone Storage).
• If the issue persists, email TJCasatelli2@gmail.com with your iOS version and device model.

Gauge readings must be a percentage between 0 and 100. Common causes of the "invalid" error:

• Entering a value above 100 (gauges read 0–100%, not raw capacity)
• Entering non-numeric characters
• Leaving the field blank

Note: ASME tanks are filled to a maximum of 80% per NFPA 58 safety code, so a new fill showing 80% on your gauge is correct and expected — the tank is not 80% empty, it is full.

PropanePal converts pounds to gallons using the industry-standard propane density of 4.24 lbs per gallon (verified against NFPA standards). This is a fixed physical constant for liquid propane at typical storage temperatures.

When you log a reading using the "Pounds Remaining" or "Weight-Based" methods, the app stores the value in gallons for consistency across all reading types. The original weight you entered is also stored in the reading notes.

To edit a reading: open the tank → tap View History → tap the reading you want to edit. You can update the value, date, and notes. Editing a past reading will recalculate the prediction engine automatically.

If you need to delete a reading, swipe left on it in the history list and tap Delete.

Gauge % is the reading from the dial on your tank — it shows percentage of the tank's total rated capacity. A 500-gallon tank at 50% gauge = approximately 250 gallons of propane.

Gallons remaining is a direct volume entry. Use this if you know the exact quantity (e.g., from a supplier statement) or if your gauge is unreliable or missing.

Both inputs produce the same result internally — the app converts everything to gallons and percentage for consistency.

Predictions are based on the consumption rate calculated from your reading history. Common reasons for an inaccurate prediction:

• Too few readings: The app needs at least 2 readings across different dates to calculate a rate. With only one reading, confidence is Unknown.
• Seasonal usage change: If you log less frequently, the app uses older consumption data that may not reflect current usage (e.g., switching from heating season to summer).
• Unlogged fills: If propane was added but not logged, the app sees an unexplained level jump and may flag inconsistent data.
• Stale readings: Readings older than 30 days reduce confidence; 90+ days forces Low confidence.

The best fix is to log a current reading, which resets the prediction to your most recent data.

A Low confidence rating means the app doesn't have enough reliable data to make a confident prediction. Steps to improve it:

• Log a fresh gauge reading today — this immediately refreshes the prediction.
• Check that past readings don't have obvious errors (e.g., a reading of 95% after a reading of 40% with no logged fill in between).
• If you've done an exchange fill recently, make sure it's logged so the app can reset the consumption baseline.
• Log at least 2–3 readings spaced over multiple days or weeks to establish a consumption rate.

The recommended order date is recalculated every time you log a new reading or fill. It will also shift if:

• Your most recent reading shows a significantly different level than expected
• You logged a fill that updated the estimated current level
• You changed the reorder threshold, lead time, or safety buffer in tank settings
• A previously unknown confidence state resolved (e.g., enough readings to calculate a rate)

A big change usually means a previous estimate was based on limited data — more data produces more stable predictions.

If your gauge reading is lower than expected without any actual usage, check for:

• Gauge inaccuracy: Analog propane gauges are notoriously imprecise, especially in temperature extremes. A cold tank may read slightly lower than its actual level.
• Gauge sticking: Lightly tap the gauge face before reading. Mechanical gauges can stick, especially if not read for long periods.
• Small leaks: If the drop is significant and unexpected, inspect your tank fittings and connections. Contact your propane supplier if you suspect a leak.

A tank exchange (swapping an empty cylinder for a full one at a retailer) gives you a full cylinder but doesn't tell the app how much propane was used before the swap. Because there's no consumption data between your last reading and the exchange, the app resets confidence to Unknown and starts fresh from the exchange date.

This is expected behavior. Log readings regularly after an exchange and the confidence level will build back up as the app learns your new consumption rate from that fill.

Yes. The free tier supports tracking one tank at a time. To track both your home tank and a grill cylinder simultaneously, you'll need a Premium subscription, which removes the one-tank limit entirely.

With Premium, you can mix ASME home tanks and portable DOT cylinders in the same dashboard, each with independent readings, predictions, and fill history.

After upgrading, return to the main dashboard and tap the + button to add a new tank. If the add button isn't appearing, try the following:

• Force-close and reopen the app to let the purchase receipt validate.
• Make sure your App Store account is signed in and the purchase is associated with your Apple ID.
• If the issue persists after 15 minutes, email TJCasatelli2@gmail.com with your purchase receipt number.

The main dashboard shows all active tanks as cards. Tap any card to open that tank's detail view. You can return to the dashboard at any time by tapping Tanks in the bottom tab bar.

To archive a tank you're not currently using (without deleting it), open the tank's settings and tap Archive Tank. Archived tanks are hidden from the dashboard but retain all history and can be restored at any time.

PropanePal subscriptions are managed entirely through the App Store. To cancel:

• Open Settings on your iPhone → tap your Apple ID at the top → Subscriptions
• Find PropanePal and tap Cancel Subscription

You will retain Premium access until the end of the current billing period. Cancellation takes effect at renewal — you will not be charged again.

Refund requests within 7 days of purchase can be submitted via reportaproblem.apple.com or by emailing TJCasatelli2@gmail.com. Refunds are issued at Apple's discretion per their standard policy.

Lifetime purchases are non-refundable after 7 days from the purchase date. Subscriptions do not include prorated refunds for unused time within a billing period.

Premium unlocks:

• Unlimited tanks: Add as many tanks and cylinders as you need
• Advanced analytics: Monthly and yearly spending trends, usage pattern breakdowns
• Multi-property grouping: Organize tanks by location (home, cabin, RV, farm) — coming in a future update
• Seasonal forecasting: Weather-aware usage predictions — coming in a future update
• Enhanced insights: Year-over-year comparisons, best/worst refill prices — coming in a future update

All core features (reading logging, fill logging, basic prediction engine, dashboard) remain free forever.

Free users have all data stored locally on their device using Apple's SwiftData framework. There are no PropanePal servers or proprietary databases. Premium subscribers can enable iCloud sync, which stores data in their personal iCloud account for cross-device access — PropanePal never sees this data. It flows directly between your devices via Apple's infrastructure.

Data export is not available in the current version. Your data is preserved through iCloud device backup (for all users) and iCloud sync (for Premium subscribers). You can manage iCloud backup in iOS Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup.

A dedicated export feature (CSV or JSON) is planned for a future update.

No. The Delete All Data action in Settings is permanent and irreversible. PropanePal has no backup servers and cannot recover deleted data.

If you have an iCloud device backup that includes PropanePal data from before the deletion, you could restore your device from that backup via iOS Settings. This would restore all app data to the backup date but would also revert your entire device — it is not a targeted restore.

No. PropanePal has no network communication of its own. The only exception is Apple StoreKit, which handles in-app purchase validation through Apple's servers — PropanePal does not see or store your payment data. No behavioral analytics, crash reporting, or usage telemetry is sent anywhere.

See the full Privacy Policy for details.

The gauge on a residential ASME tank is typically located under the dome on top of the tank. It has a dial face marked from 0 to 80 (or sometimes 0 to 100 with markings at 20, 40, 60, 80).

• Read the number the needle is pointing to — this is the percentage to enter in PropanePal.
• Read in good lighting and at eye level if possible for the most accurate reading.
• Lightly tap the gauge face to loosen the needle if it hasn't moved in a while.
• If your gauge reads 5% or less, contact your supplier for a delivery — tanks are generally not run to zero.

This is normal and correct. Per NFPA 58 (the national propane safety code), ASME tanks are filled to a maximum of 80% of their rated capacity. The remaining 20% is a mandatory safety expansion space — propane expands significantly with temperature, and overfilling creates dangerous pressure.

So a "full" ASME tank reads 80% on the gauge. A 500-gallon tank at 80% contains 400 gallons. PropanePal accounts for this in its calculations — the 80% reading is treated as a full fill event.

PropanePal includes presets for the most common ASME residential tank sizes: 57, 100, 120, 250, 325, 500, and 1,000 gallons. If your tank is a different size, select the closest size and note the exact capacity in the tank's name field (e.g., "Home Tank — 420 gal").

Custom tank sizes are planned for a future update. Email us at TJCasatelli2@gmail.com to request a specific size.

Lead time is how many days in advance of your projected empty date you want PropanePal to recommend ordering. If your supplier needs 3–5 days to schedule a delivery, set lead time to 5–7 days to give yourself a buffer.

Safety buffer is an additional margin on top of lead time — extra days added as a cushion for unusually cold weather, delayed deliveries, or unexpectedly high usage. Together, these two settings determine your recommended order date.

Default lead time is 7 days. Default safety buffer is 3 days. Adjust these in each tank's settings based on your supplier's typical schedule and your comfort level.

Use any kitchen or postal scale with enough capacity. For a standard 20 lb grill cylinder, a scale with at least a 40 lb capacity is sufficient. Steps:

• Place the cylinder upright on the scale.
• Record the total weight displayed.
• Find the tare weight stamped on the cylinder collar (marked "TW" or "Tare Wt") — typically 16–18 lbs for a 20 lb cylinder.
• In PropanePal, enter the total weight and tare weight. The app calculates the propane weight and converts to gallons.

Tare weight (TW) is the weight of the empty cylinder itself — the metal tank without any propane. It is stamped on the metal collar around the valve at the top of the cylinder. Common values:

• 20 lb cylinder: ~16–18 lbs tare
• 30 lb cylinder: ~24–25 lbs tare
• 33 lb cylinder: ~25–26 lbs tare
• 40 lb cylinder: ~27–28 lbs tare

Always use the stamped TW value on your specific cylinder, as tare weights vary by manufacturer.

Yes. With Premium, you can add cylinders of any combination of sizes — 20 lb grill cylinder, 33 lb patio heater cylinder, and a 100 lb stationary cylinder, for example. Each gets its own dashboard card, prediction, and fill history. Free tier is limited to one tank/cylinder total.

After a tank exchange, the app knows you received a full cylinder but has no data on how fast you're using propane from this particular exchange. It needs at least one reading after the exchange to establish a starting point, and ideally a second reading some time later to calculate a daily usage rate.

Log a reading as soon as convenient after an exchange, then log another one a week or two later. After two readings, the app can calculate a consumption rate and give you a confident prediction.