It’s no secret that heating your home takes a lot of energy. The good news is that there are more options than before on ways to heat your home. More than 9 million homes use propane around their home for things like their furnaces, water heaters, outdoor grills, generators and other household appliances. Propane is not only used in family homes but on farms as well. More than 660,000 farmers rely on propane for irrigation pumps, standby generators, and other pieces of farm equipment. With so many people using propane across the United States, it is no surprise that you may have questions if you’re thinking about heating your home with propane. Here are some frequently asked questions with answers to help you better understand propane and its benefits:
What is propane and what is it used for?
Propane is a flammable hydrocarbon gas at standard temperature and pressure, but can be compressed into liquid form at a much lower temperature and pressure than natural gas. Similar to natural gas, propane fuel has a recognizable odor. It’s a reliable, versatile source of energy that is clean as well as cost effective. It is mostly used as fuel for things like generators, appliances, water heaters and furnaces. In the U.S. alone, almost 60 million people use propane.
What are the benefits of using propane compared to other sources?
To start, propane is more affordable. Propane costs about half as much as electricity and propane gas fireplaces cost up to two-thirds less than wood burning fireplaces. It is reliable in the event of a power outage. Propane can keep things like heat, hot water, and household appliances running even in the worst weather conditions. For those with tank-less water heaters, propane costs about a third less to operate and has a significantly lower reheat time than electric heaters. Most of all, propane creates less pollution than many other power resources and is not harmful to use in soil and ground water supplies.
How do I choose a propane company?
While browsing and comparing propane companies for propane services and propane accessories, check for their safety record. If you are not able to find anything on your own, ask a member of management if the associate is unsure. Because each state is required to have an agency regulating its propane industry, check with your local agency for safety records and compliance. Check to see if companies are members of nationally recognized associations like NPGA. These associations tend to have up to date info on its member companies. Lastly, check with the Better Business Bureau as you would any business. Find out how their past customers feel about their propane service and how they rank among the industry.
Now that you have some info on the basics of propane, you are in a better position to make an educated decision on propane use and choosing a propane provider.
If you still have questions about heating your home with propane, feel free to contact us today.