Question about your CO2 prices

[Beezer94]

Here in Pittsburgh I found a place that does tank exchanges for my 20# for around $15. other places that do filling always seem to be way more expensive, and this place seems to go out of it's way to give you like to like. You bring Aluminum they give back aluminum, etc.

Where/what place if you don't mind?

 

[schematix]

I paid about $20 to refill a 20# last time. Closest LHBS charges that much for a 5# exchange, and they'll hit you for almost $20 for a hydrostat test. Last time i exchanged a tank that was within a month of needing to be tested, for a tank that was just retested so it was worth it. So i've got at least 5 years on that tank now. The 20# is out of date but will probably last me a couple years.

I am in the market for another tank now though. I've got a 5# i use for serving only, and a 20# i use for racking, cleaning, purging, carbonating, etc. But i hate disconnecting all the hoses to use the 20#. Think i'm going to buy another 20# just to have sitting around. Trying to save my back too. Lifting in and out of a chest freezer is brutal on the vertebrae.

 

[TravelingLight]

Just got my 5# tank filled at Airgas. Cost was $24.33 before tax ($26.28 after tax).

I did find one thing interesting...while ringing me up the guy made a casual comment about how the CO2 must be coming from somewhere else because the cost had gone up. I laughed and mentioned to him how I pay something different every time I come in it seems. He stated that they have a plant in Augusta, GA (reference: I'm in SC, about an hour and change from Augusta) that they manufacture their CO2 at. But if they have to get it from somewhere else, the midwest for example, the cost goes up. So frustrating.

Not to mention I now have to figure out why I'm leaking gas at the connection of the regulator to the tank. It was fine two days ago...

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

Missing a washer or worn out washer would be my guess.

 

[BobOki]

Where/what place if you don't mind?

Yeah, it is West Penn Lacco the Welding Supply stores. There are a few locations in the Burgh, they are quick and cheap. Last time I was there they just switched out the gas tank, charged me next to nothing and I was on my way.

 

[Morrey]

Just got my 5# tank filled at Airgas. Cost was $24.33 before tax ($26.28 after tax).

I did find one thing interesting...while ringing me up the guy made a casual comment about how the CO2 must be coming from somewhere else because the cost had gone up. I laughed and mentioned to him how I pay something different every time I come in it seems. He stated that they have a plant in Augusta, GA (reference: I'm in SC, about an hour and change from Augusta) that they manufacture their CO2 at. But if they have to get it from somewhere else, the midwest for example, the cost goes up. So frustrating.

Not to mention I now have to figure out why I'm leaking gas at the connection of the regulator to the tank. It was fine two days ago...

I am about an hour away from TravelingLight in Florence SC. The numbers he used for a 5# CO2 exchange at AirGas were identical to the numbers I paid at AirGas Florence on my last visit. Almost $27 is a chunk of change to pay for that volume of gas. So I called Praxair (around the corner from AirGas) and they quoted me $17 out the door. That is more like it, so on my next exchange, I'll use them.

 

[TravelingLight]

I am about an hour away from TravelingLight in Florence SC. The numbers he used for a 5# CO2 exchange at AirGas were identical to the numbers I paid at AirGas Florence on my last visit. Almost $27 is a chunk of change to pay for that volume of gas. So I called Praxair (around the corner from AirGas) and they quoted me $17 out the door. That is more like it, so on my next exchange, I'll use them.

The Praxair in Columbia?? I got a tank from them May 6, 2016, $19.99 before tax, $21.59 with tax.

 

[TravelingLight]

Missing a washer or worn out washer would be my guess.

Thought the washer might be getting worn so I replaced it. Then I realized gas was escaping from the tank essentially at the base of the main turn valve on top. I'm taking the tank back today to switch it out.

 

[Morrey]

The Praxair in Columbia?? I got a tank from them May 6, 2016, $19.99 before tax, $21.59 with tax.

No, Florence SC

 

[lawless317]

I think I pay 24$ to swap out my 20#
But I have three of them so I am not at the air place often
I prefer swapping never have to worry about expiration on hydro
And they take and give whatever size I ask them for

 

[Beezer94]

Yeah, it is West Penn Lacco the Welding Supply stores. There are a few locations in the Burgh, they are quick and cheap. Last time I was there they just switched out the gas tank, charged me next to nothing and I was on my way.

Thank you!

I paid $28 last time I got filled and now my hydro-test is expired. Both make me get over having a nice shiny tank in favor of one that is cheap to exchange and not expired.

 

[WI_Wino]

Thought the washer might be getting worn so I replaced it. Then I realized gas was escaping from the tank essentially at the base of the main turn valve on top. I'm taking the tank back today to switch it out.

The valve needs to be completely open or completely shut to have a good seal. If it's only halfway open youll most likely leak gas.

 

[itsnotrequired]

after eight years of no price changes, local place upped their cost:

5 lb - $7 ($1.40/lb)
10 lb - $13 ($1.30/lb)
15 lb - $18 ($1.20/lb)
20 lb - $25 ($1.25/lb)

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

after eight years of no price changes, local place upped their cost:

5 lb - $7 ($1.40/lb)
10 lb - $13 ($1.86/lb)
15 lb - $18 ($1.20/lb)
20 lb - $25 ($1.25/lb)

I'll bite. How is $1.86/lb for 10lbs $13? Wouldn't it be $18.60 or $1.30/lb?

 

[itsnotrequired]

I'll bite. How is $1.86/lb for 10lbs $13? Wouldn't it be $18.60 or $1.30/lb?

the answer is 'i'm a dummy'. post fixed.

sort of dumb that it jumps up again at 20 lbs. $23 to fill a 20 pounder makes more sense. but dude filling my 20 lb tank today wasn't paying attention and ended up putting 21 lbs in so i got it for $1.19/lb.

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

Nice. Bonuses are always a plus.

 

[BeardedBrews]

Tacoma WA CO2 tank exchange seems to be $15 for a 5# or $20ish for a 20# from the welding guys. Beer gas is closer to 30 regardless of the size tank you swap.

 

[TX_Brewing]

Houston Texas 15.90 plus a 2.73 "hazard fee" for a 20# tank all in with tax right at $20

 

[Thorsbrew]

Wake county NC, only checked my LHBS places so far. One does refills $13 for a 5lb $30 for a 20lb. Another place does exchanges $20 for either 5 or 20lb works out pretty well if i can find a 20lb tank. Need to call and check local beer distributors, firehouses and welding shops as mentioned in this thread.

Anyone have any ideas on where to find cheap 20lb tanks? Can never find anything on craigslist and online or at my LHBS its like $140 for a new tank. I was thinking of asking any shops that do exchanges if i could exchange my 5lb for a 20lb and pay the difference

 

[WI_Wino]

Wake county NC, only checked my LHBS places so far. One does refills $13 for a 5lb $30 for a 20lb. Another place does exchanges $20 for either 5 or 20lb works out pretty well if i can find a 20lb tank. Need to call and check local beer distributors, firehouses and welding shops as mentioned in this thread.

Anyone have any ideas on where to find cheap 20lb tanks? Can never find anything on craigslist and online or at my LHBS its like $140 for a new tank. I was thinking of asking any shops that do exchanges if i could exchange my 5lb for a 20lb and pay the difference

Check out the sponsor showcase forum. There's a guy that sells used tanks cheaper than anywhere else I've seen for 20 pounders.

 

[Morrey]

Wake county NC, only checked my LHBS places so far. One does refills $13 for a 5lb $30 for a 20lb. Another place does exchanges $20 for either 5 or 20lb works out pretty well if i can find a 20lb tank. Need to call and check local beer distributors, firehouses and welding shops as mentioned in this thread.

Anyone have any ideas on where to find cheap 20lb tanks? Can never find anything on craigslist and online or at my LHBS its like $140 for a new tank. I was thinking of asking any shops that do exchanges if i could exchange my 5lb for a 20lb and pay the difference

I know Charlotte NC is a hike for you, but I picked up a 20# CO2 tank off Craigslist for $75 the other day. I didn't even bother to look at the cert date since after I use the gas, I'll take to Praxair and swap it out. I never have seen them look at a date anyway.

 

[TX_Brewing]

I know Charlotte NC is a hike for you, but I picked up a 20# CO2 tank off Craigslist for $75 the other day. I didn't even bother to look at the cert date since after I use the gas, I'll take to Praxair and swap it out. I never have seen them look at a date anyway.

Praxair checked the date on mine, but they only charge $13 for it.

 

[itsnotrequired]

after eight years of no price changes, local place upped their cost:

5 lb - $7 ($1.40/lb)
10 lb - $13 ($1.30/lb)
15 lb - $18 ($1.20/lb)
20 lb - $25 ($1.25/lb)

i hadn't stopped in for a while but prices jumped way up

5 lb - $15 ($3/lb)
10 lb - $25 ($2.50/lb)
15 lb - $35 ($2.33/lb)
20 lb - $50 ($2.50/lb)

weird how the 15 lb is cheapest per pound...

 

[jack13]

Only know about the tanks I fill/swap:

2.5lb - $8
20lb - $32

 

[IslandLizard]

i hadn't stopped in for a while but prices jumped way up

5 lb - $15 ($3/lb)
10 lb - $25 ($2.50/lb)
15 lb - $35 ($2.33/lb)
20 lb - $50 ($2.50/lb)

weird how the 15 lb is cheapest per pound...

Time to look elsewhere...

 

[tellyho]

$18 for 20lb fill in Boston area.

 

[schematix]

St. Louis LHBS refilled on the spot.

CO2 Fill Amount Price
< 5 Lbs $3 per lb
5 Lb cylinder $14.99
10 Lb cylinder $19.99
15 Lb Cylinder $22.99
20 Lb cylinder $25.99

 

[freedominfo]

Wow some of you guys pay a fortune for gas. I swap #20 lb for around $22. Think its around $30 for a 20 & 5 lb tank. I always bring beer for them, few times i wasn't charged

 

[cswant88]

My LHBS charges $20 to fill my 5# tank. I can get it cheaper doing an exchange at a nearby welding supply store, but I bought some shiny new tanks and want to keep them. Also the LHBS is the only one around so I like to support them.

 

[IslandLizard]

My LHBS charges $20 to fill my 5# tank. I can get it cheaper doing an exchange at a nearby welding supply store, but I bought some shiny new tanks and want to keep them. Also the LHBS is the only one around so I like to support them.

I understand about supporting your LHBS, but $4 a pound is friggin' pushing it.
When your tank needs to be recertified, >5 years past the stamped date, it's time to swap.

One LHBS in my area is still charging $3.60 a pound, regardless of tank size.
The other one sends everyone to the Laurel, MD gas outfit.