If you’re the thrifty type, chances are you’ve heard about propane being one of the most cost-effective fuel sources out there. If you frequently turn on your household heater, constantly rely on a generator or enjoy backyard barbeques, converting to propane will be an especially smart choice.
Looking to make the switch? Keep reading; we’ll pinpoint the best propane suppliers in Calgary ahead!
Table of Contents
How Much Propane Costs in Calgary
First things first: let’s talk about the costs.
The Department of Natural Resources tracks the average retail price of propane across various cities. Based on their data, Calgary’s price per liter has primarily been playing along 80 to 91 cents over the past year.
However, it’s important to remember that these are just averages—the actual price of a propane refill depends largely on your supplier and their pricing scheme.
If you’re purchasing a new tank, getting an expired one exchanged, or gunning for recertification, separate fees are involved. Again, the exact figures depend on the propane supplier you’re in talks with.
At Costco, for instance, they measure tanks in pounds (lbs) and charge below $60 for a fresh 30-pound tank. Other suppliers can charge as much as $75 for a tank of the same size.
The Best Propane Suppliers in Calgary
Ready to dive in? Check out our round-up of the best suppliers for propane in Calgary!
1. TempHeat
| PRODUCTS | Propane cylinders, refilling, propane appliances, propane accessories, propane tank recertification, fans and air movers, construction heaters, |
| WEBSITE | https://www.tempheat.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 2620 58th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2C 1G5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 276 9181 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
With branches stationed in Calgary and Edmonton, TempHeat is one of the go-to suppliers for propane in Alberta. In fact, they’ve been in the game for longer than most on this list, having been established in 1974.
At TempHeat, no appointments are needed beforehand. Yes, even with COVID-19 protocols in place.
Whether you need a recertified tank, a refill, or a completely new cylinder, you can pop in any time they’re open. With a 5,400-square foot facility, you can be certain that maintaining a safe distance from other customers won’t be an issue.
The biggest reason TempHeat ranks in our list of the best propane suppliers in Calgary is definitely quick and efficient service. According to returning customers, this is also the reason that most of them keep coming back to TempHeat.
Most of their services can also be done within the same day, or even while you wait.
In particular, tank recertification takes only 15 minutes when empty. Otherwise, they must first get rid of the remaining propane in the cylinder, which can take anywhere between a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how much substance is left.
Refills, on the other hand, are quick and easy. This service takes a few minutes at most, and they accept tanks of all sizes!
Lastly, customers commend the completeness of their tools and accessories for propane tanks and appliances. This may seem like a no-brainer for a propane supplier, but you’d be surprised at how many other businesses clock in low ratings for not having the right tubes and fittings.
Thankfully at TempHeat, this is the least of your worries. In case they don’t have the exact hose or tube you need, they can also custom-make one.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Extensive propane tubes and fittings
- Can custom-make hoses and tubes for propane-powered appliances or vehicles
- Quick and efficient service
- Large facility
Cons
- Reports of customer service needing improvement
Customer Reviews
Here’s what customers have to say about their experience with TempHeat’s Calgary location!
“Today was the second time I have been to TempHeat to re-certify and fill a 30 lb. propane tank. Both times were extremely fast and friendly. Highly recommended.” —Jeremy L.
“They made me [a] custom hose for my RV and saved my long weekend camping trip. Could not be happier. Also, [they] allowed my dog inside while waiting for my BBQ hose.” —Juan Perdomo
2. Superior Propane
| PRODUCTS | Propane tank delivery, refilling, maintenance |
| WEBSITE | https://www.superiorpropane.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 48 Quarry Park Blvd, Calgary, AB T2C 4P5, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 1 855 204 2526 |
When it comes to customer experience and tech developments, Superior Propane is easily the most advanced among suppliers of propane in Calgary.
Unlike the rest of the providers on this list, Superior doesn’t require homeowners to manually check their cylinders. In fact, they don’t even need to take the tanks to a shop for a refill!
Superior Propane’s service is, well, superior, because of their SMART Tank monitoring technology. This detects a tank’s fuel levels, automatically notifies the company when it’s time for a refill, and schedules the delivery in a snap.
This can go a long way in improving the customer’s experience. They also have a customer portal called mySUPERIOR, which allows clients to monitor fuel levels, make payments or manually schedule deliveries if they wish.
These convenient digital solutions are clearly paying off. At present, Superior owns the largest distribution network for propane in the country, servicing both residential and commercial customers.
We’ll be honest, Superior also makes the idea of switching to propane extremely appealing with the abundance of offers and deals they put on the table. Some of these deals include getting 500 to 1,000 liters of free fuel for first-time propane converts, or earning $100 through their referral program.
Pros
- A popular and trusted choice
- Propane monitoring made simple through an app
- Automatically scheduled refills and deliveries
Cons
- No operating hours listed online
- Complaints of busy telephone lines
Customer Reviews
Check out these reviews of Superior Propane, straight from their customers!
“Their culture is fantastic! The employees take safety very seriously and the drivers actually care for their customers!” —Ryan Moiruik
“I have never had a propane tank before. I like that I get the tank level updates on my phone and that [Superior] automatically comes to fill it up. Very simple. Love it!” —Lee
3. BP Propane
| PRODUCTS | Propane tank delivery, refilling, maintenance |
| WEBSITE | http://www.bppropane.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 5214 Coral Shores Drive NE, Calgary, AB T3J 3J7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 285 1808 403 830 0978 [email protected] |
Despite being based out of Calgary, BP Propane supplies their propane products and services to 70 cities. It’s safe to say that their business has done plenty of expanding since it was first established in 1994.
Throughout the last 27 years, BP Propane has earned the proverbial gold star of trust from their customers. Many of their clients not only return to them but recommend them to their fellow home or business owners too.
When you click into BP Propane’s website, it may not look like much. In fact, with such an understated webpage, you may wonder what the reason behind their success is.
The answer: a combination of great pricing and stellar service.
These guys consider the price their customers will be paying right from the start. Because of this, they ensure that they source their propane wisely and efficiently so that they can sell at very competitive prices.
One thing that remains consistent across all reviews about BP Propane: that their customer service is fantastic. They aren’t only knowledgeable about all things propane, they are friendly and courteous, too—always a plus!
Pros
- Caters to residential, agricultural and commercial clients
- Very competitive rates
- Highly recommended by past clients
- Offers 24-hour fuel delivery for emergency cases
Cons
- Relatively bare website
- No operating hours listed online
Customer Reviews
Here’s what some of BP Propane’s past customers have to say!
“Very knowledgeable and always reliable service over the past 20 years. They are the best guys in the business… Very personable!” —Keith D.
“The most amazing guys helped us: Bruce in sales and Pat, [the] delivery and installation guy. We had to move into our RV trailer because of a brain tumor surgery last winter. We had a huge loss of income and these guys were awesome at being able to provide us with a 420-pound tank at a great price. Couldn’t have done it without these 2 guys.” —Bill Clendening
4. Calgary Co-op Gas Stations
| PRODUCTS | Propane tanks, refilling, recertified cylinders |
| WEBSITE | https://www.calgarycoop.com/fuel/ |
| ADDRESS | List of locations |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 219 6025 Contact form |
| OPERATING HOURS | Varies per gas station location |
Unlike the listings above, Co-op isn’t a propane-focused business. Calgary Co-op is a chain of gasoline stations that offers propane tanks and services.
With over 30 branches across Calgary, Co-op gas stations are extremely accessible. The convenience that their locations provides is actually the biggest reason that their customers come back.
Another reason, of course, is their pricing. While Co-op’s pricing isn’t the cheapest, it’s still competitive—and that, coupled with the convenience of their locations, spells a deal that is pretty difficult to refuse.
The refilling stations at Calgary Co-op branches typically run on a self-service system. While this may not be everyone’s preferred method (especially for those with heavier tanks), it keeps the process quick and minimizes the need for unnecessary interaction.
If your tank is expired, these guys can also help you out. Rather than having you wait an extra 15 minutes for a recertification, they have recertified cylinders ready at all propane locations, ready to be exchanged for expired tanks.
Pros
- Multiple conveniently located locations
- Recertified cylinders ready for exchange
- Fairly competitive pricing
Cons
- Self-service refilling
- Not all branches offer propane servicing
5. Costco
| PRODUCTS | Propane tanks, propane appliances, propane tank exchange, refilling |
| WEBSITE | https://www.costco.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | List of locations |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Varies per location |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
You’ll find a Costco almost anywhere, which means you should be able to find a propane source without that much trouble. Just like Co-op, Costco is a convenient choice.
Another reason this superstore earns a spot in our list of the best propane suppliers in Calgary? One word: price.
You can search the city of Calgary high and low for the best propane prices, and chances are you won’t find any deal better than Costco’s. They charge around $9 to fill up a 20-pound cylinder.
An important reminder: they charge by the tank at Costco. To get the biggest bang for your buck, ensure that your tank is completely empty when you bring it in for a refill!
Convenient and price-efficient as Costco is, there are a couple of things to bear in mind. First off, Costco is a members-only superstore.
In order to gain access to their superior pricing, you need to pay their annual membership fee which starts at $60 per year. This is definitely worth it if you do your grocery shopping at Costco too, but if you’re only in it for the propane, you’ll want to consider another supplier.
Another thing to remember is that many people go to Costco—and not just for propane. There’s a pretty fair chance you’ll be waiting in the payment queue for longer than other places!
Pros
- Cheapest propane refill rates
- Reasonably priced propane tanks
- Conveniently located branches
Cons
- Members-only
- Higher chances of long lines
What Propane Tank Should You Get for Your Home?
Now you know which propane suppliers in Calgary to contact, all that’s left is figuring out how much propane you need. Here’s a simple guide to the most common cylinder sizes available:
4.7 gallons
If you or your family enjoy hosting backyard barbeque parties, you’ll want to get a 4.7-gallon tank. These are typically used to power grills and are widely available at gas stations.
Because these propane tanks are the most commonly available, these are usually the preferred choice for mobile homes.
120 gallons
Further up the scale are tanks weighing 120 gallons. These are designed for residential water heating, space heating, appliances, and fireplaces. Note that propane tanks cannot usually be filled to the brim—for instance, a 120-gallon tank can typically hold less than 100 gallons of propane.
250 gallons
Looking for a tank to power heavy-duty appliances like dryers, stoves, and heating systems? A 250-gallon propane cylinder sounds about right for the job!
500 to 1,000 gallons
500-gallon tanks can usually be used for two to three propane appliances. Meanwhile, tanks upwards of 1,000 gallons are used to provide heating for larger homes or commercial spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Propane
Swapping to propane cylinders and propane-powered appliances may seem tedious when your household seems fine the way it is, but it’s a shift rewarded by efficiency in the long run.
We hope that this guide has helped you set your mind to converting to propane, and that you click out with a clearer idea of which propane supplier in Calgary you’ll be approaching first.
If you’re keeping your mind open to other options, you may want to read our article on the best gas companies in Calgary for natural gas products!
