Energy

Why Adding a Propane Tank Monitor Is One of the Smartest Decisions You Can Make This Year

Monitors can Make or Break Winter

For many households, farms, and rural operations, propane is more than a convenience. It is essential. Heat, hot water, livestock operations, grain drying, and daily comfort all rely on a dependable supply. Running out of propane is not only inconvenient. In winter, it can also be unsafe and costly.

This is why more Five Star Cooperative members are choosing to install Otodata tank monitors. These small devices provide continuous visibility into tank levels, give peace of mind, and help our energy team make timely and efficient deliveries. Your tank readings integrate directly into Five Star Link, allowing you to view your levels alongside delivery history, invoices, and all other account tools in one familiar place.

Below are the key advantages of upgrading to a smart propane tank monitor.

1. Peace of Mind: Always Know Your Propane Level

With a propane tank monitor installed, you can check your propane level at any time and from any place. This brings reassurance during cold spells, heavy usage periods, or times when you may be away from home for an extended period. You no longer need to guess how much propane remains or worry about unexpected runouts. Your tank information is available inside Five Star Link whenever you need it.

2. Protection From Runouts

A monitor provides a significant safeguard against running out of propane. If your tank level drops faster than expected due to weather or increased usage, you will still have visibility into what is happening. This allows both you and the Five Star energy team to stay ahead of demand and plan the right delivery at the right time. This increased reliability offers confidence in the safety and comfort of your home or farm.

3. Free Professional Installation

Monitors are installed by certified Five Star propane technicians at no installation cost. They mount securely to nearly any propane tank in a quick and efficient process. Older tanks may require an updated dial, and our team will take care of that if needed. The installation is performed with the same safety-first approach that guides all of our propane services.

4. Works With Nearly Every Propane Tank

Otodata monitors are designed to work with almost any residential, agricultural, or commercial propane tank. The technology uses cellular connectivity, which provides consistent performance even in rural areas of North Iowa. Whether you have a single home tank or a series of tanks for livestock barns or grain sites, the monitor provides clear and reliable readings.

5. Better Efficiency for Your Five Star Energy Team

Your Five Star energy staff can also view your tank level. This allows our team to schedule deliveries with greater accuracy, reduce emergency calls, and improve routing efficiency. When weather conditions create peak demand, monitors help ensure that the right customers receive the right deliveries at the right times. The result is a smoother and more predictable propane experience for everyone.

6. A More Modern Propane Experience

Having your tank level available inside Five Star Link creates a simpler and more modern way to manage your propane account. Instead of relying on manual tank checks or estimates, you can access real time information alongside your billing history, statements, and delivery records. This brings clarity and convenience to an essential part of your home or farm operation.

Upgrade Your Tank Experience and Improve Your Peace of Mind

An Otodata propane tank monitor is one of the easiest and most valuable upgrades you can make. For a modest annual monitoring fee, you receive year-round visibility, increased safety, and improved delivery service. As Iowa winters become more unpredictable, having accurate tank information becomes even more important. Five Star Cooperative is here to help you stay prepared.