Propane Cylinder Exchange vs. Refilling
Refill Your Cylinders with Blount Petroleum
A propane cylinder is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment. Construction sites, warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing companies, farms, and recycling centers use propane cylinders to power the forklifts and scissor lifts they rely on to move and transport heavy materials. Propane cylinders can also power temporary heating equipment and generators that help keep worksites on schedule.
Within a residential setting, propane cylinders can power everything from outdoor grills, fire pits, and patio heaters to portable generators that homeowners need when there is a blackout.
When these propane cylinders run out of fuel and are empty, a decision has to be made between a propane cylinder exchange and a propane cylinder refill.
Blount Petroleum breaks down the differences between these two options and the benefits of a refill below.
The Difference Between a Propane Cylinder Exchange and a Refill
As you may be able to infer from the name, a propane cylinder exchange is when you swap out an empty cylinder for a full one.
A propane cylinder refill is when you fill up the cylinder you’ve been using with new propane so that you can keep using it until it needs to be requalified or replaced.
Why Blount Petroleum Recommends Propane Cylinder Refills
There are several advantages to refilling a propane cylinder instead of exchanging it for both home and business owners:
- If your cylinder has any fuel left in it when you go to exchange it, you forfeit this fuel and let it go to waste. By refilling, you only pay for the amount of propane added to your cylinder.
- You may save money compared with the cost of exchanging a cylinder.
- Refilling and keeping your original cylinder helps ensure compatibility with the equipment you are powering with that cylinder.
- You keep the cylinder you already know and use instead of receiving a different cylinder through an exchange.
Why You Should Refill Your Cylinder with Blount Petroleum
Blount Petroleum prioritizes the safety of each and every one of our customers. Our highly trained technicians are experts in their field who utilize specialized equipment and adhere to strict safety protocols throughout every step of the refilling process.
Refilling a portable propane tank with Blount Petroleum is easy. We pride ourselves on quick turnaround times that minimize disruptions to your day. That means you’ll be back to prepping for that backyard barbecue or your construction project in no time!
How to Refill a Cylinder with Blount Petroleum
We offer propane cylinder refills at our Greenville location here in Eastern North Carolina. Both residential and commercial customers can bring their cylinders to us during our designated refill hours, and we’ll get them filled up for you. Our pumping station is even open on Saturdays.
Additional Propane Services from Blount Petroleum
Home and business owners who need propane for non-portable propane tanks can also count on Blount Petroleum. We provide expert installation, dependable delivery, and outstanding customer service so that you get the most out of your propane system.
Contact Blount Petroleum today to learn more about the propane services we offer throughout the Eastern North Carolina area.
Propane vs. Electric Appliances: A Comparative Analysis for Homeowners
How the energy sources differ
When it comes to your home’s appliances, we all want to know that the ones we are using are safe, reliable and efficient. And it’s a bonus if they are also cost-effective. There is a type of appliance that delivers all this and more – a propane appliance.
Propane appliances offer significant advantages in whatever residential and commercial settings they are used in. In fact, they often outshine electric appliances in many areas.
Below is a comparative analysis that shows how propane appliances and electric appliances stack up against each other in a few different categories.
How propane and electric appliances compare in terms of eco-friendliness
Propane is a significantly cleaner and greener energy source than electricity is. Not only is propane non-toxic, but it also produces close to zero greenhouse gas emissions and helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
How propane and electric appliances compare in terms of efficiency
A propane appliance is more energy efficient compared to its electric counterpart. Propane water heaters can heat water faster than electric water heaters can. A propane-powered heater can warm up a home or a room faster than heaters that are powered by other energy sources can. Grilling and cooking with propane gets your food cooked faster. You can also dry your laundry in 25% less time with a propane-powered clothes dryer.
How propane and electricity compare financially
The fact that propane-powered appliances are so efficient helps a homeowner save money on his or her utility and energy bills. A well-maintained propane appliance also usually has a longer shelf life than its electric counterpart and can therefore be a smarter long-term investment.
How propane and electricity compare in terms of energy independence
There really isn’t such a thing as energy independence if you’re using electricity to power appliances and equipment. Unfortunately, if your power goes out you’re going to find yourself in a bit of a sticky situation.
Propane customers have their own fuel tanks on their own properties and their appliances are not dependent on a shared electrical or utility grid. This means that all your propane-powered equipment will continue to operate normally even if there is a sudden blackout.
How propane and electricity compare in terms of energy loss
Using an electric appliance comes along with a significant amount of energy loss. In fact, about 60% of the electricity generated is lost during transmission.
Using propane drastically decreases energy loss.
What kind of appliance can be a propane appliance?
Almost any appliance that can be powered with electricity can be converted to a propane appliance. Propane has a wide range of applications within a home, including powering heating systems, water heaters, ovens, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers and generators.
Convert to propane with Blount Petroleum
Blount Petroleum can help both home and business owners here in Eastern North Carolina make the switch to propane. We provide expert tank installation, reliable fuel deliveries and outstanding customer service. We want all our customers to get the most out of their propane systems.
Contact Blount Petroleum today to learn more about the propane services we offer throughout the Eastern North Carolina area.
Everything You Need to Know About Propane
Helpful facts about the fuel

Are you thinking about making the switch over to propane to power an appliance or piece of equipment around your home or business here in Eastern North Carolina? If the answer is yes, hopefully you are taking the time to do some research.
With all the various available choices out there, making an informed decision will help you determine exactly what energy source is right for your specific needs.
When it comes specifically to propane, there is a lot to know and a lot of ground to cover. This includes exactly what the fuel is and where it comes from, what it can do in both residential and commercial settings, and how it compares to the alternatives.
Blount Petroleum has put together the below information regarding propane to help you make the smartest decision about your fuel. Keep on reading to learn more.
What Actually Is Propane and Where Does It Come From?
Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing. It is commonly referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP gas, or LPG.
The fuel occurs in a gaseous form, but it is stored and transported as a liquid.
In its natural state, propane is colorless and odorless. However, an odorant is added to it during the production process to make it smell like rotten eggs so that a leak is easy to detect.
What Can Propane Be Used For?
One of the many advantages of propane is that it is versatile and has a long list of applications and uses.
In a home, propane can:
- Warm water
- Provide heat via a central heating system, a space heater, or a patio heater
- Be used in an oven or stove, or for cooking on a grill
- Ignite non-wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits
- Power generators that are used and needed in blackouts
On top of all of the above, propane can also do the following in commercial settings:
- Fuel forklifts, scissor lifts, landscaping equipment, and irrigation equipment
- Power industrial-sized clothes dryers
- Heat a hotel or spa’s pools
How Does Propane Compare to the Alternatives?
There are plenty of energy sources on the market, but propane outperforms a lot of them in multiple areas, including:
- Efficiency: Propane is generally more efficient than other fuels. In fact, compared to natural gas, propane delivers double the amount of British thermal units (BTUs). Oftentimes, propane-powered appliances heat up faster and use less energy than their electric counterparts.
- Costs: The fact that propane is so efficient helps reduce energy and utility bills.
- Eco-friendliness: Propane is a significantly cleaner-burning fuel than a lot of the other options. It is non-toxic and produces minimal pollutants and low carbon emissions.
Some Additional Facts About Propane
Here are some more fun-to-know facts about propane:
- The majority of the propane that is used here in the United States is also made in the United States.
- In order for propane to freeze, the temperature has to drop all the way down to -306.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Propane has no expiration date.
- Propane is the only alternative fuel listed in the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Get Your Propane from Blount Petroleum
Both home and business owners in Eastern North Carolina can count on Blount Petroleum for the propane they need. We have been serving families in the area for over 100 years.
Contact Blount Petroleum today to learn more about our reliable propane services.
How to Transport a Propane Cylinder for Refill
Blount Petroleum provides fast, easy refill services

There’s nothing like grilling, whether it’s a quick weeknight supper or making burgers and hot dogs for a family reunion.
But what happens when your trusty propane cylinder runs empty? You’ll need to transport it for a refill. While it’s a common task for many homeowners, moving propane cylinders requires care and attention for safety reasons.
Propane is a reliable and efficient fuel source for more than just grills. It can power outdoor fireplaces, firepits, deck and patio heaters, and portable generators.
Businesses also depend on it, with propane forklifts being a common sight in warehouses and distribution centers. Given its widespread use, knowing how to handle propane cylinders safely is essential for everyone.
This guide will walk you through the correct steps for transporting propane cylinders, ensuring that you can get your tank refilled without any issues.
Transporting your propane cylinder: A step-by-step guide
Follow these instructions to make your trip to the refill station a safe one.
1. Prepare the cylinder for transport
Before you even put the cylinder in your vehicle, a few measures are necessary.
- Check the valve: Be sure that the cylinder valve is fully closed and securely tightened. You can turn it clockwise until it stops, but avoid over-tightening with a wrench, as this can damage the valve.
- Inspect for leaks: Apply a solution of soapy water to the valve area. If you see bubbles forming, this indicates a leak. Do not transport a leaking cylinder. Contact a propane professional for assistance.
- Confirm that it’s not expired: Every propane cylinder has an expiration date stamped on its collar. A cylinder cannot be refilled if it has expired.
2. Secure the cylinder in your vehicle
The most critical part of transporting a propane cylinder is making sure that it remains stable and upright.
- Keep it upright: Always transport propane cylinders in a vertical — upright — position. The pressure-relief valve is designed to function correctly only when the cylinder is standing up. If the cylinder is on its side, liquid propane could escape, creating a dangerous situation.
- Use a crate or holder: The best way to keep a cylinder upright is by placing it in a milk crate or a specialized propane tank holder. This prevents it from tipping over during turns or sudden stops.
- Secure it in place: Put the secured cylinder in a well-ventilated area of your vehicle, such as the back seat with all the windows open a couple of inches, or the bed of a truck. Avoid placing it in the trunk, where it will be on its side, rolling around. Use bungee cords or straps to further secure it.
3. Drive directly to the refill location
Once the cylinder is safely secured, plan your route.
- Go straight there: Make the refill station your only stop. Avoid leaving the cylinder in a hot, parked car for an extended period, as high temperatures can cause the pressure inside the tank to increase.
- Ventilate your vehicle: If you must transport the cylinder inside an enclosed part of your vehicle, like an SUV’s cargo area, open the windows slightly to ensure proper ventilation.
After your cylinder has been refilled, follow the same safety procedures for the trip back home.
Where to get your propane cylinder refilled in Greenville, NC
For homeowners and businesses in the Greenville area, Blount Petroleum offers convenient and professional propane cylinder refills. Our experienced team will fill your cylinder safely and correctly, so you can get back to grilling, working, or heating your home with confidence.
You can find us at:
1110 N. Memorial Dr.
Greenville, NC 27834
Our refill hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1-5 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
If you have any questions about your cylinder or our refill services, give us a call at 252-606-5056.
Handling propane safely is straightforward when you follow the right steps. By properly preparing and securing your cylinder for transport, you safeguard yourself and others on the road.
For all your propane needs, from cylinder refills to home delivery, the team at Blount Petroleum is here to provide reliable and expert service. Stop by our Greenville office today for a quick and easy refill.
Introducing the New Blount Petroleum Website
Everything we have done here is designed to serve our customers

At Blount Petroleum, exceptional service has always meant putting your needs first. Our newly redesigned website reflects that commitment with a digital experience built specifically for homeowners and business owners who depend on reliable propane services.
This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh. We’ve reimagined every aspect of how you interact with us online, making it faster and easier to find information, request services and connect with our team.
If you’ve ever struggled with a confusing website when you simply needed to schedule a propane delivery, you know how frustrating it can be. We built this site to eliminate those headaches.
Navigation that makes sense
We’ve organized our content the way you actually think about propane services. Need to check if we serve your area? Looking for residential delivery information? Want to schedule a service call? You’ll find what you need in seconds, not minutes.
Every page follows a logical structure that guides you naturally from one step to the next. No more clicking through endless menus or using the search bar to locate basic information.
Complete service information
Your property deserves the best propane solutions, and now you can explore our full range of offerings with confidence. Each service page provides detailed information about residential propane delivery, commercial propane services and specialized solutions for your specific needs.
Whether you’re considering new propane appliances or you need a propane delivery, you’ll find clear explanations of what we offer and how it benefits your home or business.
Find out if we serve your area
Our searchable service area database gives you instant answers. Enter your location, and you’ll immediately see our coverage near you. No phone calls required, no waiting for callbacks — just quick, reliable information when you need it.
Fresh content you can use
Our expanded blog delivers practical insights about propane efficiency, safety guidelines and industry updates that have a direct impact on your property. We’re publishing timely content that helps you make smarter decisions about your energy needs and get more value from your propane systems.
Connecting with us is easier
We’ve streamlined every contact form. New forms make it simple to become a customer, request a delivery or refer a friend to our services. Each form gathers exactly the right information so that we can serve you better from your very first interaction.
No complicated multi-step processes. No unnecessary questions. Just straightforward ways to get what you need.
Meet the Blount Petroleum team
Trust matters when you’re choosing a propane service provider. Our enhanced pages showcase more than a century of reliable service and introduce you to the experienced professionals who’ll be taking care of your propane needs.
You’ll also find our careers page, highlighting opportunities to join our growing team, plus customer reviews where homeowners share their firsthand experiences with our service.
Built for Eastern NC
Every improvement reflects the same attention to detail as we bring to every propane delivery, installation and service call. We’ve designed this platform specifically for the Eastern North Carolina residents and business owners who trust us with their propane needs.
We invite you to discover how these updates can help you get the most from your propane systems. Whether you’re adding new appliances, upgrading for better efficiency or simply in need of dependable delivery service, our redesigned site makes every interaction more efficient and informative.
Take a look around the new Blount Petroleum website. We think you’ll find that managing your propane service is now easier than ever. Get in touch with us to let us know what you think!
