What Is Propane Gas?
Here’s What You Should Know About Propane
Depending on where you grew up, you probably lived in a home heated with heating oil or electric heat. So, the idea of heating a home with propane might seem odd if you’re not familiar.
Most people think propane is just for grills and camping. But as electric rates go up and the cost of oil remains unpredictable, many homeowners are looking for a domestic fuel source with less volatile prices. Others are wondering if oil is the greenest choice. And once they learn more, most people are discovering all the benefits of propane.
But What Exactly Is Propane?
Propane is a byproduct of natural gas. Because it is compressed and stored in a liquid state, it is sometimes referred to as Liquid Petroleum Gas or LPG.
Propane is one of the cleanest, most versatile, and most efficient fuels around. It’s a domestically sourced alternative fuel that can provide steady, reliable heat at an affordable price. Propane also offers exceptional performance and efficiency in a wide range of home appliances at a much lower cost than electricity.
Here’s what you probably didn’t know about propane, and why so many customers in the Tri-Cities area are making the switch:
Propane Is Extremely Energy Efficient
Propane generates more Btus than an equivalent amount of electricity, and it delivers more than twice the Btus of natural gas, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy.
Also, propane appliances are very efficient too, so they waste very little fuel in the combustion process. On the other hand, about two-thirds of the energy used by a power plant to generate and transmit electricity is wasted.
Propane is Increasingly Versatile
Because propane is so efficient, it’s a smarter choice than electricity for a wide variety of appliances, in addition to heating your home. 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
Propane Is An Extremely Safe Fuel Source
While it’s a highly flammable gas under certain conditions, leaks are rare, and propane is a safe and clean-burning way to heat your home and water and run many of your appliances. Propane has a distinct rotten-egg smell to help you quickly notice leaking gas.
Propane can also help keep your home and family safe. 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. In addition, a gas stove will continue to work during a power outage. Now that’s some added peace of mind!
How Can I Get Propane? Call Admiral Today!
Whether you’re ready to make the switch, or have more questions, the professionals at Admiral Propane have the knowledge, experience, and resources to answer all your questions about the benefits of a propane-heated home.
What’s even better? We can get you started, with the right size propane tank for your needs, reliable propane delivery and more. Contact us for more information today.
