Get To Know Propane and How It Compares To Other Fuels
Considering that more than 50 million U.S households use it in some way, it may be surprising that many people don’t know what exactly propane is. It can serve many purposes in a home, from space heating and hot water to cooking and gas fireplaces. One of the most noticeable things is that homes with propane don’t need to rely on a gas utility for their fuel. They have a dedicated propane tank on their property.
But what exactly is propane, and how is it made? How is it different from other fuels? At Blue Flame, we are dedicated to getting this superb, American-made fuel to homes from Cape May, NJ, to Doylestown, PA. We’re happy to answer your questions about propane!
What is Propane Gas?
Propane is a coproduct of natural gas processing, but oil refining can also produce it, too. You might sometimes hear people refer to it as “liquid petroleum gas” or “LPG”. Propane is nontoxic, so it won’t contaminate soil or water even if there’s a leak.
When compressed, propane is a liquid. This is how it’s transported. When pressure is released, propane vaporizes for use in equipment and appliances.
Where Does Propane Come From?
By and large, the propane used in American homes and businesses is produced domestically. It comes from the same production process as U.S. natural gas and oil. As a matter of fact, we currently export more propane than we use.
Are Propane and Natural Gas Different?
Propane and natural gas have different chemical compositions and different densities. Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which is lighter than air and rises. Propane is denser than air and often settles toward the ground.
Is Propane a “Green” Fuel Source?
In both the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy, propane is identified as a clean alternative fuel. It’s a crucial tool in decarbonizing our homes, businesses and vehicles. Consider these facts:
- Propane is methane-free.
- Propane emits less carbon dioxide than any other home fuel besides natural gas.
- Propane contains virtually no particulate matter, which is a carcinogen.
- Propane autogas buses reduce nitrogen oxide emissions (which contribute to acid rain and respiratory illness) by up to 96 percent!
And propane is only getting greener with the advent of renewable propane. This product is chemically the same as conventional propane, but it’s made with organic and recycled feedstocks. Renewable propane is carbon-neutral at the point of combustion!
Is Propane an Affordable Fuel?
As a U.S.-made product, propane is more stable, pricewise, than many other fuels. But what makes it remarkably affordable is its heat production and energy efficiency:
- Propane has double the heat generation power of natural gas.
- In today’s heating equipment, propane burns with efficiencies of 90 percent and higher.
- The total cost of ownership for a propane water heater is 30 percent less than an electric water heater.
- Propane clothes dryers work 25 percent faster than electric dryers.
Altogether, propane is an eco-friendly, efficient, affordable and American-made fuel for your home and appliances. Blue Flame is proud to offer the most dependable propane delivery in Southern New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Contact us to become a customer today or to learn additional information on propane gas and its benefits for your home.