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Sparlings Propane has been delivering propane fuel to our community since 1951. A 2nd generation family-run business, we take great pride in knowing our neigbours have a reliable and cost-efficient energy solution.
You can count on the experience of our customer service team who are propane experts for business, whether agricultural, commercial, forklift or fleet use.
Propane just makes sense.
Propane is exceptional energy. Clean-burning, portable and safe, propane is the energy of choice for an ever-changing variety of applications.
Founded in 1951, Sparlings is Canada's Oldest Propane Company. Today, Sparlings is the second largest propane company in Ontario.
We are dedicated to delivering a superior product, personalized services and an exceptional customer experience.
Fast, easy and convenient, Sparlings 24/7, online customer portal, Client Space, is packed full of information about your account that you’ll love. It is available to customers who receive their bill online as well as customers who still receive paper billing.
Q. |
Does Sparlings Sell Other Energy Products? |
A. |
No. |
Q. |
What is Sparlings Doing to Reduce Fleet Emissions? |
A. |
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Q. |
What is a "Remote Control" truck? |
A. |
In 2000, Sparlings became the first propane company in Canada to voluntarily install wireless remote control systems on all delivery and transport trucks. The remote controls enable drivers to safely control the trucks functions when out of - and away from - the cab. |
Q. |
Does Sparlings Sell Propane Appliances? |
A. |
Yes. |
Q. |
Who Would I call for Repair Service? |
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We do not out-source your emergency service. As a Sparlings Customer, you have access to 24-hour service from the largest dedicated propane service team in Ontario. Sparlings is a full-service company. Qualified propane experts and a fleet of service vehicles are on call for you. |
Q. |
Does Sparlings Stock Parts? |
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Yes. *Parts, equipment, 24 Hour Emergency Parts Availability and 24 Hour Emergency Service are exclusively for Sparlings Customers and Contractors participating in Sparlings propane partners™ program. |
Q. |
How Safe is Propane? |
A. |
Propane is safe energy. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency declares gas the safest way to heat your home: safest by a 4 to 1 margin. Here are the odds a member of the general public will be involved in one of the following incidents: Individual Risk to Specific Fatal Incidents
(*Source. U.S. Department of Energy, LPG Land Transportation and Storage Safety) |
Q. |
What is Sparlings Compliance Commitment? |
A. |
Sparlings is a leader in the propane industry. We are serious about the safety of our Customers, our employees and the communities we serve. Sparlings manages regulatory compliance in four (4) primary areas of operations.
Our Compliance Commitment is "more than meets minimum standards". Sparlings demonstrates leadership by its actions, by participating in the development of industry standards and by investing in our people through skills development, safety programs and best in class technology - in our trucks and our facilities. |
Q. |
How Often are Existing Propane Storage Facilities Inspected? |
A. |
At existing locations, Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) commits to inspecting each bulk propane facility (Ontario) at least once annually. This schedule is subject to change due to exceptional circumstances. At Sparlings, we recognize that our ability to deliver safe, reliable energy begins at every bulk plant, at every storage facility and at every Sparlings location. Each is designed, installed and maintained to the highest standards - and voluntary improvements and investments in technology are made to further enhance facility safety. Each workplace is inspected monthly by members of Sparlings Joint Health & Safety Team in support of Risk Management objectives are. |
Q. |
Safety. Right from the Start |
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The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) was established in the 1930's and proposed a set of recommendations to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In 1932, the first pamphlet of standards was adopted for publication. Today, all aspects of the propane industry are subject to stringent standards in an effort to ensure workplace, consumer and public safety. At Sparlings, we do more than "meet minimum standards". Along the way, sometimes that means being first - and Taking the Lead. Sparlings award winning Quality Assurance Team continues to implement new safety and training initiatives which lead the industry. and Sparlings is a stakeholder in P38 Inc., which has developed an unprecedented Code of Conduct initiative in partnership with Zuirch and Marsh. This is a self-funded, proprietary product of P38. |
Q. |
Is there a Simple way to Detect Propane? |
A. |
Most of us are able to use our eyes and nose to help detect the presence of propane. For peace-of-mind though, gas detectors are readily available at retail stores. Leaks are uncommon, but a simple way to check piping, fittings or a tank for a leak is to mix dish soap with water and spray it on the area you are concerned about:
Important Note: This is not intended as a comprehensive commentary on leak detection and response. This general information is provided as an overview for information purposes only. Contact your Sparlings Branch for further information or assistance. |
Q. |
What will Breathing Propane do to Me? |
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Propane is non-toxic. It is non-poisonous. But if you were in a room filled with propane, it may displace sufficient air that you may become light-headed, or unconscious. Extended oxygen shortage may cause asphyxiation. |
Q. |
Where do Propane Vapours Collect? |
A. |
Propane is heavier than air. In the unlikely event of a propane leak, vapours may collect in low-lying areas, including ditches, basements, and wells. If you suspect a propane leak, Contact your Sparlings Branch immediately. |
Q. |
What is Propane? |
A. |
Propane comes out of the same well as natural gas and crude oil. These products are called "hydrocarbons" because they contain hydrogen and carbon. At a fractionation plant or refinery, the substances are "Cleaned up", heated, cooled and separated. The chemical formula for propane is C3H8. Propane is shipped throughout North America by pipelines, trucks, tank cars (rail) and marine. |
Q. |
What does Propane Look Like? |
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Just to look at propane, it would be difficult to tell it from water. Like water, propane can exist as a liquid or a gas. In its natural state, propane is a clear, odourless, colourless, non-toxic liquid. As it changes from a liquid to a gas, it appears as bubbles. |
Q. |
Why does Propane Smell? |
A. |
In its natural state, propane is odourless. As a safety precaution, an odourant called Ethyl Mercaptan is added so any presence of propane may be easily detected. And while most of us are able to detect even the slightest propane odour, some people are unable to. |
Q. |
How is Propane Stored? |
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Propane is stored under pressure, in specially designed tanks. Depending on the application, the cylinder or tank may be constructed of steel, aluminum, stainless steel or composite. All Sparlings tanks are made to the highest standards by tank manufacturers in Canada and the United States. Regardless of material, each propane cylinder and tank is designed and manufactured in accordance with stringent requirements. This applies to the cylinder on a barbecue, the tank in your backyard, or the tank on a propane delivery truck. |
Q. |
How does Propane Expand? |
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Propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas. Conversely, propane will expand 270 times if it changes from a liquid to a gas. One litre of liquid propane will expand to 270 litres of vapour. |
Q. |
When Will Propane Burn? |
A. |
For propane to burn, there must be just the right mixture of oxygen and propane:
Propane will only burn when the mixture of propane and oxygen is within the range of flammability: Lower Flammability Limit 2.4% Example: a mixture of 2.4% propane and 97.6% oxygen through 9.5% propane and 90.5% oxygen will burn. A flame will not burn inside a propane tank. The mixture is 100% propane too rich to support combustion. |
Q. |
How Does Temperature affect Pressure? |
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There is a direct relationship between temperature and pressure:
Propane cylinders and tanks are never filled to 100% capacity. Sufficient space must be left in the container for the liquid to expand. As the temperature of liquid propane increases, it expands and takes up more space inside the tank, forcing the vapour into a smaller, tighter space. The radiator on a vehicle is a similar example most of us can relate to: on a hot day, or after an extended drive on a hot day, the liquid in a rad expands, forcing vapour into less space and the pressure increases. In extreme cases, the expanding liquid may expand, consume all available vapour space and the rad will bubble over. |
Q. |
Is Propane a Solvent? |
A. |
Propane may dissolve natural rubber products and may affect some petroleum products. That is why all hoses, fittings and material must be designed, manufactured and approved for specific use with propane, in accordance with all safety requirements. |
Q. |
Is Seasonality a Factor? |
A. |
Yes. Nationally, over 80% of the propane produced in Canada originates in the natural gas stream. Approximately 40% of Canadian production is consumed for domestic purposes. The other 60% is exported, primarily to the United States. |
Q. |
Does Sparlings Make More Profit When Prices Increase? |
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No. Sparlings purchases propane from major producers and wholesalers, and as wholesale prices increase, we pay more for propane to honour our secure and reliable supply commitments. |
Q. |
How Can I Protect Myself from Price Volatility? |
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Sparlings offers a variety of practical cash management tools including Consistent Customer Pricing™, the Protection Plan, Equal Billing and custom-designed Payment Plans (i.e. Automatic Payment Plan, Pre-Authorized Payment, Telephone Banking). |
Q. |
What Drives Propane Prices? |
A. |
Like all energies, propane prices are influenced by several primary factors, including supply and demand. In recent years, consumers have also seen the influence of "geopolitical factors" on energy prices. These complex factors may be described simply as "any real or perceived threat to peace, reliable access to oil and gas, and steady refining, production and distribution." The price of propane follows the price of crude oil and natural gas - these are sources of propane. |
Q. |
Why Would I Buy a Propane Tank? |
A. |
From time to time, Customers ask if there is a benefit to owning their own propane tank. It's a reasonable question. And the answer is simple: "No." As a Sparlings Customer, you are provided with a propane tank or tanks, for a modest annual tank rental. As the tank owner, Sparlings is responsible for the following:
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Q. |
Are There Legal Requirements for Tank Ownership? |
A. |
In addition to other responsibilities, the Ontario Propane Association has produced a Consumer Guideline which outlines specific legal requirements for consumer tank ownership. The burden of responsibility on consumers who own propane tanks and pressure vessels has never been greater. Should a consumer choose to own a propane tank, various legal requirements are his or her responsibility. To provide propane supply to a consumer-owned propane tank, Sparlings would require confirmation that the consumer has properly registered the tank, carries sufficient liability insurance (Canadian industry standard is $5 million liability) and subscribes to the required inspection regimen, as prescribed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). |
Q. |
Why Do Some Propane Companies Sell Tanks? |
A. |
Few propane companies in Ontario sell tanks to Customers. Those who do should be candid with their Customers about the legal responsibilities of tank ownership:
So, Why do Some Propane Companies Sell Tanks? For the Money. |
Q. |
How are Propane Tanks Maintained? |
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In 2000, Sparlings was the first propane company in Ontario to implement such an ambitious and ongoing, tank management initiative the Propane Systems Monitoring Process. |
Q. |
What is a Remote Tank Monitor? |
A. |
Sparlings was the first propane company in Canada to use Remote Tank Monitoring technology. Tank Monitors enable Sparlings dispatchers and Customer Service team to monitor the amount of propane remaining in specific propane tanks across Ontario. This information is sent from the tank monitor via modem to a secure website, which may only be viewed by Sparlings. From this, propane deliveries are scheduled to achieve maximum efficiency - and to reduce the number of trips to and from your property. This traffic reduction is one effective component in Sparlings BioSecurity program. Sparlings is the largest user of remote tank monitors in Canada. Monitors are installed on propane tanks in service to applications (i.e. agricultural, commercial, industrial) which may have significant increases/decreases in propane consumption on a day-to-day basis. Monitors transmit data indicating the amount of propane remaining in each tank, secure information which is only accessible to Sparlings Customer Service Team. Benefits of tank monitors are straightforward:
Monitors are installed and maintained by Sparlings personnel. There is no charge for this service. |
Q. |
Can Tank Pressure get too High? |
A. |
Every propane cylinder and tank is fitted with a relief valve. If the pressure inside the tank or cylinder is too high, the relief valve is designed to activate at specific pressure levels. Depending on the application, relief valves are pre-set to activate at different pressure levels. Regardless of the application, if a relief valve is activated, it is designed to close again once the pressure inside the cylinder or tank has been reduced below the relief valve setting. On most propane cylinders, the relief valve is an integral part of the service valve. It's one of the reasons propane cylinder valves must be replaced every 10 years. |
Q. |
When does a Cylinder Require Re-inspection? |
A. |
Each time your propane cylinder (i.e. BBQ "tank") is refilled, a visual inspection is conducted. Evidence of damage or lack of maintenance may obligate the propane operator to decline the refill and advise why. Every 10 years, the service relief valve on your propane cylinder must be replaced and the cylinder re-inspected. |
Q. |
What are Cylinders made of? |
A. |
Most propane cylinders are constructed of steel, or aluminum. Composite BBQ tanks are also available and while they are more expensive than steel, they are lighter, will not rust and they are translucent. You can see the amount of propane in the tank. All cylinders sold by or placed in service by Sparlings are designed, manufactured and approved for use in Canada. |
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