Frequently Asked Questions
Extensive Library
Have questions? Take a look at our extensive library of frequently asked questions. We have Gas, Propane, and Office frequently asked questions all below. If your question is still unanswered, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we are able. Thank you.
Cooperative FAQs
A Midland Services Account # provides you with the benefits of being a Cooperative Member!
As a member you can receive patronage refunds for the purchases you make at Midland Services and you may be allowed credit if necessary for purchases in some departments. Membership also allows you a voice at our annual meeting, and the opportunity to vote for board members and important decisions facing your cooperative.
You can receive a number by filling out an account application at any of our locations, or use our online application!
Diesel FAQs
#1 is a lighter product, containing less btu’s than #2. #1 has a lower pour point; it does not jell or freeze up at lower temperatures as #2 might. #2 is lower in price. Most consumers use #2 fuel oil or diesel, unless midwinter cold temperatures require the use of #1.
Normally, foaming is not a problem during most filling operations. If you do experience excessive foaming, check your system to be sure there are no small holes that can let air into they system. Reduce fuel delivery rate if necessary.
The best way to keep condensation from accumulating in your fuel oil tank during the summer months is to keep your tank full but if this not possible then add a couple of bottles of gas line anti-freeze in the tank.
Contamination. Dirt, water and other air-borne materials cause far more problems than anything else. Most of these problems are correctable. Good housecleaning practices involving storage tanks and frequent maintenance (filter replacement) can prevent most of the pump and injector wear that results in premature repairs.
Propane FAQs
About 55 percent of our domestic production of propane comes from the crude oil refinery process. As a by-product of crude oil, the price of propane usually tracks the cost of a barrel of crude.
- Do not cover the oven bottom with foil-it can restrict air circulation.
- Never use gas ranges for space heating.
- Never allow children to turn burner control knobs on your propane gas range.
- Do not leave food simmering unattended.
- Keep flammable materials away from burner flames.
- Follow the mangufacturer’s installation and operating instructions.
- Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need to be adjusted.
- Keep pot handles turned inward.
- Schedule regular preventive maintenance checks for your appliances.
- Keep the range surface clean.
The OPD (Overfill Prevention Devices) valve will help insure against the overfilling of propane cylinders. The OPD valve is designed to shut off the flow into the cylinders when the liquid level in the cylinder reaches the approximate 80% full level. The new regulation requires an OPD valve installed on every new cylinder designed for 4 lbs. through 40 lbs. propane capacity made after September 30,1998. An exemption is given for lift truck cylinders and cylinders identified and used for industrial welding and cutting gases. After September30, 1998, it also requires the retrofit of all the 4 lbs. through 40 lbs. propane cylinders presently in service to the new OPD valves when they are requalified for continued service. The regulation also states that effective on April 1, 2002, no 4lbs. through 40 lbs. propane cylinder shall be filled unless it is equipped with a listed OPD valve.
The ideal combustion ratio is expressed as 24:1 , or 24 parts of air to 1 part of propane. At this ratio, the chances for incomplete combustion to occur are at their lowest, therefore, carbon monoxide (CO) production will also be the lowest. Do you fill RV propane tanks? Yes we do! Our convenience stores on Sanborn Avenue in Ashland and Hwy 51 in Hurley will fill your propane tanks 6 days/week
Propane gas is a colorless, oderless gas. An odorant is added as a safety feature. The odorant has a “rotten egg” smell. We have safety brochure available that have scratch & sniff odor page. If you smell propane gas…follow these emergency steps!
If you smell propane gas in your house, camper, RV, workplace or around any gas
equipment..
- Put out smoking materials and other open flames.
- Do not: Operate electric switches, Light matches, Use your phone. Any spark or flame in the area where propane gas is present my ignite the gas.
- mmediately get everyone out of the building, vehicle, RV trailer, or area.
- Close all gas tank or cylinder supply valves.
- Do not re-enter the building, vechile, RV trailer, or area. Use your neighbor’s phone and call a trained LP-Gas service person and the fire department. Even though you may not continue to smell gas, do not turn on the gas again.
- Let the service person and firefighters check for propane gas leaks. Have them air out the area before you return.
- Have properly trained LP-Gas service people repair the leak, then check and relight all of your propane gas appliances for you.
All new propane tanks, regardless of size, will contain moisture particles inside. By “purging”, or rinsing the tank out witha small amount of propane will remove moisture and prevent appliance problems in the future.
