What are some propane advantages?

When used as a home energy source, propane gas fuels a variety of systems and products. It offers homeowners reliability, cleanliness, improved performance and, on average, costs half as much per BTU as electricity. Approximately 8.1 million households use propane gas to fuel their home-heating systems.

A propane furnace consistently supplies air at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric heat pumps dispense 95-degree air, which is less than body temperature (98.6 degrees), so the air feels cool, not warm. Also, propane gas furnaces last an average of 20 years, while electric heat pumps last an average of 12 years.

Propane gas water heaters cost approximately $10 less per month to operate than comparable electric units. On average, propane water heaters are 42 percent less expensive than electric heaters - over an average life span, propane gas water heaters can save homeowners nearly $2,000 more than an electric unit. Propane gas water heaters also heat more than twice as much water in an hour as a comparable electric model.

Vent-free propane-fueled space heaters are 99.9 percent efficient and include oxygen depletion sensors that automatically turn units off if oxygen levels drop below specified levels. They can also include thermostats and heat distribution blowers. Propane-fueled space heaters produce fewer air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions than those fueled by fuel oil and electricity. In fact, the energy used to power electric heaters produces emissions two to four times higher than the energy produced to power propane heaters.

Propane gas fireplace systems cost between 30 and 60 percent less per hour of operation than wood burning fireplaces. Propane gas fireplaces emit 40 times fewer emissions than wood-burning units and cost less to operate. Propane gas fireplaces can be turned off easily with a switch, eliminating concern about remaining embers.

Propane-fueled cook tops offer instant heat and absolute temperature control. Ninety-seven percent of professional chefs prefer cooking with gas. Unlike electricity-powered appliances, propane appliances are not affected by power outages. Homeowners can continue to enjoy cooking meals in warm homes.

Propane-fueled dryers can complete drying tasks in approximately three-quarters of the time it takes an electric unit. Some models save up to 65 percent in costs over electric dryers.

Source: NPGA and the Propane Education & Research Council

What is propane and why is it useful?

Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas or LPG. It is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining, and is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.

Propane is one of the nation's most versatile sources of energy, supplying approximately 4 percent of our total energy needs. Nearly 11 billion gallons of propane are consumed annually in the U.S. by more than 60 million Americans who use it every day in their homes, in factories, on farms, for vehicles and even for recreation. In fact, the majority of Auxier Gas trucks are powered by propane instead of gasoline or diesel fuel.

People trust and rely on propane for heating and cooling their homes, among other uses. This exceptional fuel is available anywhere in the U.S. and burns cleanly, so it's environmentally friendly. Approved in the 1990 Clean Air Act as well as the National Energy Policy Act of 1992, propane is an approved, alternative clean fuel. It is one of the lightest, simplest hydrocarbons in existence, and as a result, is one of the cleanest burning of all alternative fuels.

Per pound of fuel burned, coal emits more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide as does propane. By using propane gas instead of electricity, consumers can cut emissions and help preserve the environment. Propane gas is nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil and water. Because propane does not endanger the environment, the placement of propane tanks, either above or below the ground, is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA, much of the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere, which produces acid rain, is attributable to coal-fired, electricity-generating facilities. In contrast, neither the process by which propane is produced nor the combustion of propane gas produces significant acid rain contaminants.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it could cost consumers twice as much to operate their range, water heater, dryer or furnace with electricity than with propane gas. Overall propane costs for fleet vehicles typically range from 5 percent to 30 percent less than conventional or reformulated gasoline. Many states offer fuel tax incentives to encourage the use of clean fuels, thus further reducing operating costs.

More than 14 million families use propane to fuel their furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, outdoor grills, fire places, dryers and range tops. Because propane produces minimal emissions, it is safe to use indoors. As a result, nearly 500,000 forklift trucks are powered by the fuel. Millions more choose this clean-burning alternative for bus, taxi, delivery and other fleets to minimize air pollution in metropolitan areas.

Propane is used on 660,000 farms for irrigation pumps, grain dryers, standby generators and other farm equipment. It is an essential fuel for crop drying, flame cultivation, fruit ripening, space and water heating and food refrigeration. Propane is easy to transport and can be used in areas beyond the natural gas mains. Because it is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas, it is also economical to store and transport as a liquid.

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