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Burning Questions About Propane

Date: August 20, 2020

propane q&a arizona

Discovered in 1910, propane gas has been used for a wide range of home appliances a long time. By the 1920s, new ways were found to start using propane in appliances and gas heating equipment.

Despite propane’s longevity, most people who aren’t that familiar with this fuel have misconceptions about how safe it is, how it can be used and other wrong beliefs. Here are some burning questions that people often ask about propane.

Can I use propane for something else besides outdoor grilling?

Of course, you can. Propane has many uses around your home. It can run your home’s heating system, heat your water, dry your clothes, power your fireplace and run stoves and cooktops. Beyond your outdoor propane grill, propane can fuel deck and patio heaters, fire pits, pool and spa heaters, outdoor fireplaces and more! Propane is also invaluable as a versatile fuel for just about any farm or commercial construction project.

How safe is propane?

Propane is perfectly safe when it is used with proper care, just like any other heating fuel. Propane has a remarkable safety record, due in large part to the stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). And in Arizona, your professional propane dealers and their technicians, drivers and staff, comply with state regulations that require periodic testing and training in order to ensure your safety. Read more about propane safety.

Is propane bad for the environment?

No. Here are three reasons why using propane instead of other fuels benefits the environment.

  1. Propane emits less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of electricity to produce the same amount of energy. That’s primarily because more than 40 percent of the electricity used in our country is produced by coal-fired plants. Propane also has a lower carbon content than fuel oil, gasoline, diesel, kerosene and ethanol – a big part of the reason it was added to the Clean Air Act as a clean fuel in 1990.
  2. Propane-powered appliances are typically much more efficient than electric models of similar size and output. Less energy used equals less environmental impact.
  3. Propane is not toxic and does not spill, pool, or leave a residue, which makes it harmless to soil or water in the event of a rare tank leak. With propane, there are no risks for long-term damage to your home or property if a leak occurs.

Does it cost a lot to use propane?

To evaluate the economics of any fuel source, you have to consider the big picture, which includes the cost of the fuel, the efficiency of the equipment, the lifespan of the equipment, and other factors. When looked at from this this perspective, propane is one of the most cost-effective energy choices around.

Propane heats fast and effectively, with many propane appliances reaching efficiencies of 98%. And because propane is clean-burning, investing in propane equipment saves you money since your equipment will need less maintenance and last longer.

Read more about propane.