Is Propane a Fossil Fuel?
Learn Why Propane Is Your Cleanest, Greenest Option
We salute goals to greatly reduce carbon emissions in North Carolina and Tennessee by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Carbon emissions (a greenhouse gas) contribute to climate change, and are a result of burning fossil fuels. But until we solve the challenge of storing renewable energy like solar and wind, there’s no truly green source of power available to everyone.
Electricity is frequently touted as being “zero” emissions. But generating electricity is the second-largest creator of greenhouse gases in the United States. That’s because most of our electricity supply is still generated by coal-fired power plants. Only the transportation sector creates more greenhouse gases. More than 63% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas.
A byproduct of natural gas, propane is a fossil fuel, but it remains one of the cleanest fuels around. It produces minimal emissions. Propane also doesn’t harm soil or groundwater – an important factor when it comes to determining whether a fuel is “green.”
The Benefits of Using Propane
Here’s some more reasons why propane is a smart, green choice for your home:
It’s domestic. Did you know propane is also an American energy source? About 90% of the United States’ supply of propane is domestically generated. Most of it comes from the processing of natural gas—which is considered a greenhouse gas when burned. Propane is not considered a greenhouse gas.
It’s efficient. Propane generates more Btus than an equivalent amount of electricity, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. Also, propane appliances are very efficient, so they waste very little fuel in the combustion process. On the other hand, generation of electricity is the second-largest creator of greenhouse gases in the United States. That’s because most of our electricity supply is generated by coal-fired power plants. (Only the transportation sector creates more greenhouse gases.)
It’s versatile. Because propane is so efficient at heating, it’s a smarter choice than electricity for a wide variety of appliances. For example, propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174. The same technology that makes propane ideal for water heaters makes it a smarter choice than electricity to power all kinds of appliances that use hot water or heat:
- clothes washers and dryers
- dishwashers
- outdoor lighting
- patio heaters
- pool and spa-tub heaters
- outdoor grills
- stoves and cooktops
It’s always available. That’s because your propane supply is delivered and stored in a tank on your property, so you’ll always have it right on-hand. No pipeline problems caused by cold weather, accidents, or deterioration. And consider this: When storms knock out power, a propane-fueled backup generator will keep your lights and everything else running until the utility companies can make repairs. Now that’s peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, propane delivers more bang for your buck, all while protecting the environment. It’s a win-win for homeowners who care about the environment, but also want to keep costs under control. With convenient delivery services and budget friendly payment options, propane is a reliable and eco-friendly energy source for heating, cooking and operating a range of equipment and appliances.
The pros at Admiral Propane have the knowledge, experience, and resources to answer all your questions about the benefits of propane for your Tri-cities home or business. Contact us today to learn more.
