While natural gas is the leading home heating source in many parts of the country, most people don’t realize that many of the benefits of natural gas translate to propane as well. Whether it’s a super-efficient furnace, unlimited hot water, temperature-precise cooking stoves or reliable backup home generators to enhance convenience and safety, you can count on all of these benefits in your propane-powered home in the same way people do in homes supplied with natural gas.
Surveys have shown that people like heating their home and water with propane because they know they will have a reliable supply of propane on hand whenever they need it. Having a propane tank on their property gives them the ability to store a plentiful supply that’s always ready for immediate use.
Most propane suppliers have several ways to ensure that you will always have plenty of clean, dependable propane on hand, with programs like automatic delivery, prebuy and other plans to suit your needs. Unlike natural gas or electricity, propane customers can contract for and store their energy supply on-site for ultimate security.
With many companies serving the Grand Canyon State, Arizona’s propane consumers also have a range of local options for price, service and terms. In contrast, natural gas and electricity providers have monopoly territories that don’t permit competition. These companies also may not lock in a customer’s service or supply.
Environmental issues have also been raised about methane leaks coming from underground natural gas pipelines. (Methane is a greenhouse gas and the main component of natural gas.) In its original form, propane is not a greenhouse gas and it’s considered a “green” fuel because of its low carbon content.
In terms of supply, propane has an edge over natural gas because of the way it’s processed and transported. After propane gets compressed into a liquid, all of this liquid petroleum gas (LPG) gets stored inside large tanks until your propane company delivers it to you. The propane gets released slowly and safely from the tank and goes through a valve, which is when the liquid propane turns into a gas again. Compare that to the delivery system of natural gas. If an underground natural gas pipeline gets damaged, customers may lose their supply until repairs get done.
Here’s one more thing to feel good about: All of the propane consumed in the U.S. is produced in North America. So every gallon of propane you buy contributes to America’s energy independence.