5 Things About Propane You Should Know

By Cath Buhr


For most of use, we really don't think about our energy sources too much, but if you use propane as a source of fuel, there are many interesting facts about this helpful gas. Learning about propane as well as propane prices and propane tanks is a good idea for all propane customers.

1. Propane Is A Green Fuel

When you refine natural gas or petroleum, many byproducts are created and propane is one of these. When you think about petroleum or natural gas, you might not equate these substances to green and clean, but propane is very different from its parent product. Propane is green fuel and is not considered a greenhouse gas. Even if it spills, you needn't worry that it will affect groundwater or the soil in your area. The same cannot be said for the effects of burning coal and wood, and of course if natural gas does leak, it is one of the most harmful toxins on the planet. Propane, therefore, is one of the greenest choices one can make in regards to energy.

2. Propane Prices Never Stay The Same

When we fill up our cars with gasoline, the price we pay per gallon for that gasoline changes each day. This is also true of propane, and, to a certain extent, the price of petroleum can affect how much you pay for propane. In addition, it's important to note that supply and demand also affect your propane prices. This is because while the demand is higher at certain times of the year, the amount of propane produced stays the same throughout the year. During wintertime, shortages are not uncommon, especially if the country or parts of the country are experiencing a particularly harsh winter. Stocking up on propane during July, August or September is always a good idea, because the supply is usually fairly high and often the propane prices are very low.

3. Propane Tanks Are Never 100% Full

Propane tanks can be leased for a nominal fee or purchased, and propane tank prices vary by size and by company. Some companies will even give you a free tank if you pre-buy a set amount of propane. In addition to thinking about propane tank prices, you also need to know that when a company arrives to "fill" your tank, they won't actually fill the tank completely full. This is because propane, a gas, expands when the temperature rises. This means that the propane company must leave space in the tank in case the temperature spikes, providing room for this expansion.

4. Propane Is Versatile

Propane is an obvious option for heating your home, and many people use it to run the oven and stove, but there are many other options to consider. For instance, your dryer, water heater and dishwasher all can be powered using propane. There are propane televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, generators and freezers. If you are trying to live off the grid, using these types of appliances can make it easier. For people using many propane appliances, it would be wise to invest in a larger tank and keep an eye on propane prices and stock up when prices drop.

5. Random Fun Facts About Propane

While propane heats millions of American homes each year as well as some businesses, it also can be used on farms all over the world. Fruit, such as tomatoes, often is ripened using propane. Propane also can be used to help dry crops and to keep animals warm in barns and shelters or incubators. Millions of vehicles around the globe, including the United States, are powered using this green fuel. It is estimated that about 350,000 U.S. vehicles use propane, and it's actually more affordable than gasoline in most cases. When it's used for vehicles, it's known as LPG or liquefied petroleum gas.




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