Home LPG FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

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LPG FAQ • Frequently Asked Questions

Have BBQ gas questions? See our SWAP’n’GO BBQ GAS FAQs

Also see our Glossary for LPG & Gas Appliances

About LPG

What is LPG?

There is a lot more to LPG than you might think.

Please see What is LPG?

What are the physical properties of LPG?

Properties of LPG including specific gravity, boiling point, vapour expansion, energy content, combustion facts, flame temperature, flash point & more…

Please see LPG Gas Physical Properties

Where does LPG come from & how is it made?

Learn about the sources and the production process for LPG.

Please see Where LPG Comes From & How is it Made

What are the LPG conversion values: KG, Litres, MJ, kWh & M³?

Unlike water, 1kg of LPG does NOT equal 1L of LPG. Use the handy conversion table that includes all common gas bottle sizes.

Please see LPG Conversion Value Chart for KG, Litres, MJ, kWh & M³

What is the difference between LPG and natural gas?

LPG and natural gas are similar but not interchangeable.

Please see Comparison: LPG & Natural Gas, Propane, Butane, Methane, LNG & CNG

What is LPG used for?

The uses for LPG are in the hundreds, if not thousands.

Please see Uses of LPG

Why is a gas flame blue?

Please see The Importance of a Blue Flame

What is the difference between LPG and Propane?

Please see Propane & LPG – What’s

what?

What is the difference between liquid and vapour LPG?

Please see Liquid vs Vapour LPG – Learn the Difference

What is a Megajoule – MJ?

Please see A Megajoule or Mj Probably Isn’t What You Think

Is LPG used to fuel motor vehicles?

Yes, but it is different, as the Propane may be blended with Butane. This is commonly known as Autogas.

New to LPG Gas Questions

How do I operate a home LPG gas system?

Please see information you need to know if you are a New User of Home LPG

How do I know which LPG gas supplier to choose?

Please see How to Compare LPG Gas Suppliers

How do I add LPG to my all-electric home and how much does it cost?

To add LPG to your home, you engage a licensed gas fitter to install the gas regulator, changeover valve and the “pigtails”.

The gas fitter also connects the gas line from the regulator to your appliance(s).

These components and the appliances are your property.

Please see How To Add LPG Gas to Your Home for more details

The cost of the installation includes regulator, valve, pigtails, the gas line to the appliances and the cost of the gas fitter’s labour.

The cost will vary by the length of the gas line required between the regulator and the appliances and the individual gas fitter.

The cost is typically in the $550 to $900 range.

You do not need to buy the gas bottles. ELGAS owns and provides the gas bottles.

How reliable is ELGAS LPG?

ELGAS prides itself on its Surety of Supply.

ELGAS has flexible access to many LPG sources, including imports, to help maintain supply security.

Our main supply terminals include a dedicated facility at Dandenong, in Victoria, and an LPG storage cavern at Port Botany in Sydney.

We also have Australia’s largest fleet of LPG delivery vehicles to ensure a continuous flow of LPG to and through the ELGAS supply network.

Where is ELGAS LPG available?

We supply LPG to most parts of Australia through strategically located depots and Customer Service Centres that provide localised service.

Gas Bottle & Regulator Questions

What size gas bottles or cylinders do I need for my home?

Please see LPG Gas Bottle-Cylinder Sizing for Homes

Are there restrictions on where gas bottles can be located?

Yes. There are exclusion zones based on wall openings, drains and ignitions sources to determine how far or how close a gas bottle-cylinder can be.

Ignition sources include air conditioners and other electrical items as well as your BBQ and patio heater.

Please see LPG Gas Bottle-Cylinder Placement Guide with helpful diagrams

What does a gas regulator do and what about all the gas fittings?

Please see Home LPG Gas Regulators and Fittings

What are LCC27 & POL Valves and Cylinders?

Please see LCC 27 & POL Valves & Cylinders Explained

Why does ice form on gas bottles and regulators?

Please see Ice and Condensation on Gas Bottles & Regulators

Ordering Questions

Are there any special offers for new customers?

Yes, please see our New Customer Offer

Check Out Great New Customer Deal

Show Me My Gas Price

See Gas Price Now!

Managing Supply Questions

How is my home LPG delivered?

Elgas has two methods of delivering LPG to your home:

Automatic Tanker Delivery: Exclusive to ELGAS , EasyGas^® involves delivery via state of the art tankers, which refill your cylinders on site.

You won’t have to remember to order LPG and there’s no more replacement of cylinders.

Elgas monitors your usage and schedules regular tanker deliveries to suit your needs.

It truly is EFFORTLESS LPG™

Cylinder Exchange Program: In cases where we are unable to deliver via tanker, we deliver cylinders to your home.

Ideally, with two cylinders connected, we’re able to replace one, when empty, ensuring you always have enough supply.

How do I check how much gas is left in my gas bottle?

For detailed instructions see How Much Gas is Left in the Gas Bottle

Why do I need two gas bottles?

Please see 2 Gas Bottles are Better than 1

How long should a 45kg gas bottle last?

For a reference chart with examples for various appliances and for multiple appliance homes:

Please see How Long Do 45kg Gas Bottles Last

What should we do if we are moving?

Please see Moving Home with LPG Gas when you are ready to move

Safety Questions

Is LPG dangerous?

If used and handled in accordance with prescribed procedures LPG is safe.

As with electricity, natural gas, petroleum and other household chemicals, care should always be taken when using LPG.

Elgas has established an unrivalled reputation for safety, from regular compliance checks of your cylinders to the comprehensive safety and maintenance schedule of our tankers.

Our LPG Gas & Safety page provides detailed information.

Why does LPG have an odour?

Please see The Smell of Safety – Odourised Gas

Why do gas bottles have to remain upright?

Gas bottles must be used and stored upright for safety reasons.

All home and BBQ gas bottles are fitted with pressure relief valves, which are designed to safely release gas in the event that the gas bottle becomes hot and the pressure becomes too great.

The pressure relief valves are incorporated into the main valve, which is at the top of the bottle.

Inside the bottle, the LPG exists as liquid at the bottom and gas vapour at the top. Keeping the bottle upright ensures that the safety valve is not immersed in the liquid and is located in the vapour space, as it is not designed to vent liquid.

Can an LPG gas bottle be used inside a home?

Please see Indoor Storage of LPG Gas Bottles

Are gas heaters safe?

Yes, when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Also, please see 25 LPG Gas Heater Safety Tips

What are the special gas heater requirements in Victoria?

Please see Victoria Gas Heater Regulations explained

What do we do in the event of a bushfire?

Please see LPG Bushfire Safety

Where do I find an SDS for LPG?

LPG Safety Data Sheet

Price Questions

Why does the price of LPG vary from time to time?

The price of LPG varies on a monthly basis based on a range of international and local market factors.

Please see Australian LPG Pricing Explained

Why is the price of Autogas lower than the price of LPG for my home?

Autogas is typically a different type of gas, with a percentage mix of Butane. But the pricing is mainly based on the volume used.

Service stations purchase their LPG in large volumes, storing up to 65,000 litres at a time and refilling frequently.

The cost of delivery is also VERY different.

With Autogas, we can deliver an entire tanker full of gas within a couple of hours.

With home delivery, that same amount of gas could take many days to deliver.

Also, remember that with Autogas, you go to the gas and you provide the labour to fill your tank instead of having the gas brought to your home and having someone else do the filling.

Payment Options

Does Elgas offer online transactions?

You can access our Online Services that allows you to source your up-to-date account information, order gas and make online payments, check delivery dates, leave special delivery instructions and more.

No special password required for residential customers. Just enter your customer number and surname and you are ready to go!