Something better than a guestimate
Knowing “how much remains” is an underrated feature. Doesn’t matter for what. When I wonder if I need milk, I can see the remaining fluid in the jug. When I need to know how much gas is left in the car, I have a dashboard gauge. Really convenient (I one used a random stick on a car, and got it stuck. Not my car, and not convenient). On the BBQ, I can weigh the tank and get a reasonable estimate of remaining run time.
However, we have a large mystery beside the house. Two of them, joined at the hip. Large propane tanks. And in their wisdom the propane merchant did not include a fuel gauge. Assured us that we would not run out, and if twe did, they would come with their wonder-tanker and make things good. Spoiler alert: they don’t. Even after multiple calls.
Today, we took a closer look at the generator, and there were error indicators. Codes. Seems that the oil had run a tad low, and as a precaution, the unit shut off. We had extra oil on hand, and after some amateur efforts to add to the line on the dipstick, all was well. We were able to restart the generator, which proves that my investment was still OK.
But, I can not tell how much propane remains on site. See above for a rationale. It could be a “redfaced” moment if the delivery tanker showed up, and we were almost full. Not possible, but one must consider the possibility.
I firmly resolve to learn more about our situation. The tank size, the effect of aambient temperature on storage, the possibility of getting a measurement method more scientific that throwing a bucket of boiling water against the tank. I want an easier way to predict when the lights will go out. Answer the “how much remains” without guestimates.
