Ace hardware makes it easy for you to access all your propane needs from refilling to exchanging propane tanks and providing any other accessories you may need to use with it.
This hardware store is conveniently located in many areas and makes dealing with propane extremely easy.
Whether you’re preparing for a barbeque or just making sure you have enough propane stocked up, Ace Hardware is ready to help.
You can choose to reuse and refill your existing propane tanks, or you can exchange your empty propane tank for a new prefilled one each time. The best part is that the choice is up to you.
Does Ace Hardware refill propane tanks? Yes, you can refill your propane tanks at Ace Hardware. The refilling process of your propane tanks is simple and easy. Instead of driving around trying to find a location that has propane, you can come straight to Ace and have your propane tanks filled in just a few minutes of your time.
How To Refill Your Propane Tanks
Getting your propane tanks refilled at Ace Hardware is a simple and easy process. To start, you will first need to locate your local Ace Hardware store.
If you already know where your local Ace is located then you can head straight over there with your propane tanks ready to go.
If you don’t know where to find your local Ace Hardware, you can use the store locator on their website or simply search for one on your cell phone’s GPS map.
Once you have arrived at the Ace Hardware store with your propane tanks you’ll want to head inside. Since the propane filling station is located outside, there is no need to bring your tanks inside the store with you.
You can either leave them in your car or outside by the propane filling station.
Read also: RV Propane Refill Near Me – Stations & Locations [UPDATED]
When you head into the store, you’ll want to look for someone who works there and let them know you need to refill your propane tanks.
If the employee you speak to cannot handle the propane themselves, they will find someone else who works there that can.
“This employee will then meet you outside at the propane filling station. This is the time where you will need to grab your propane tanks in order to be refilled.”
Next, the employee will simply take your propane tanks and refill them for you. After your tanks are refilled, your total price will be calculated and you will need to go inside and pay for the refill.
Once your total has been paid, you can then take your propane tanks back into your car.
The process is very simple and easy. Just make sure your refilled propane stays upright in your car and won’t move or fall over and you’re good to go!
How To Easily Refill Your Propane Bottle – The Right Way and Save $$ >> Check out the video below:
How Much Do Refills Cost
Just like gas, the price of propane is always changing, so the cost to refill your propane tanks will vary slightly from time to time.
Your location will also change the price of propane compared to other locations. It may vary slightly depending on if your tanks had some propane left in them or they were completely empty as well.
On average, the cost of propane in recent years has been anywhere from $1.50 – $3.00 per gallon, although it usually falls somewhere in the middle. For example, this means a 10-gallon propane tank costing $2.25 per gallon would cost about $22.50.
It is valuable to note that refilling your propane tanks is quite a bit cheaper than exchanging empty propane tanks for prefilled new tanks.
If you’re looking to get more bang for your buck and save a little money, refilling your propane tanks is the better way to do it.
Do Propane Tanks Need To Be Empty To Refill Them?
Propane tanks do not need to be empty in order for you to get them refilled. If you like to be proactive and refill your tanks before they are empty you can easily do that.
Whoever refills your propane tank can see how much propane is left in the tank so they know exactly how much they need to add.
There is also nothing wrong with mixing older propane with newer propane.
Waiting until your tanks are empty is also a great option as it makes the tanks lighter to carry and easier to transport when you are on your way to refill them.
The choice is completely up to you though, whichever way you decide to do it is completely fine.
Read also: How long Does a 30 Pound Propane Tank Last In an RV?
Pros And Cons Of Refilling Propane Tanks
Pros-
- Saves money and is more cost-effective
- You can bring any sized tank that you can carry
- Refilling tanks can hold more propane than exchanging them
Cons-
- You can only refill propane tanks during store hours
- You initially have to purchase your own tanks
Exchanging Your Propane Tanks
Depending on your specific needs, exchanging your propane tanks may be more convenient than having them refilled.
Since Ace Hardware offers both options it is worth mentioning how exchanging propane tanks works at this store compared to refilling.
How To Exchange Your Propane Tanks
Exchanging propane tanks can be more convenient, safe, and easy than refilling your existing propane tanks.
Ace Hardware uses the company Blue Rhino for their propane exchanges so initially, you will have to purchase a new prefilled propane tank by Blue Rhino or bring your own in good condition at the same size to start exchanging them.
The prefilled propane tanks used for Ace Hardware propane exchanges are located outside of the store in a locked metal cage. This area is usually separate from the propane refilling station.
“If you’d like to purchase a new propane tank, you will simply need to walk into the store and go directly to the cash register. At the cash register, you will pay for the Blue Rhino propane tank before receiving one.”
Once you have paid, an employee will meet with you at the locked propane cage outside where they will then unlock the storage cage and hand you your propane tanks.
Exchanging your propane tanks works in a very similar way.
The only difference is that since you already have a Blue Rhino tank, or a standard-sized gas grill tank, to complete an exchange you will leave it inside your car or at the locked propane tank area before walking inside to pay for your exchange.
Then when you meet the employee outside for your new Blue Rhino propane tanks, you will leave the previous empty tank for them to keep.
How Much Do Exchanges Cost
The rate of buying a new Blue Rhino exchange tank, in the beginning, will be more expensive, however, the exchanges will be priced at a much more discounted rate.
If you can find a cheaper standard-size gas grill propane tank from another location, this may help you to save some money as well.
The price of a new Blue Rhino propane tank costs about $50 initially. This price is for a 20 lb. propane tank which holds about 5 gallons of propane. This makes the cost of propane about $10 per gallon since the tanks come prefilled.
Blue Rhino propane exchanges are less than half the price, at about $20. This price is for the same exact sized tank that holds the same amount of propane.
This makes the cost of propane about $4, which is much less than the initial price but is still more than paying to have your tanks refilled.
How to get a New 20lb Propane tank for FREE >> Check out the video below:
Do Propane Tanks Need To Be Empty To Exchange Them?
Since the cost of exchanging your propane tanks is more expensive than having them refilled, it wouldn’t make sense to not completely empty your propane tank before paying for an exchange.
The whole point of the propane exchange program is to exchange empty tanks for full ones, so overall you will need to completely empty your previous tank to exchange it for a new one.
Read also: How To Store Propane Tanks In Hot Weather: Storage Safety Tips
Pros And Cons Of Exchanging Propane Tanks
Pros-
- Fast and easy
- Exchange empty propane tanks for prefilled new tanks
- Convenience, exchange your tanks at any time of day
Cons-
- Propane rate is more expensive per gallon
- Propane exchanges only come in one size
Conclusion
Overall, Ace Hardware gives you the option to choose whichever way of acquiring propane works best for you.
While refilling your propane tanks will save you money, you may have to wait longer to get your tanks refilled as not all employees are certified to do so.
Exchanging your propane tanks, on the other hand, may be more convenient but you are paying for that at a higher cost.
If you don’t mind spending more money for added convenience, then exchanges may be a better option for you.
If you want to refill your existing tanks whether they are empty or half full and save some money while doing so, then bringing your own tanks to refill may be a better choice.
Whichever you choose, Ace Hardware makes the process simple and easy for you to do.
References
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