Wednesday, February 17, 2016

5 Helpful Propane Facts

By Cath Buhr


Whether you have been using propane for decades or are thinking about setting up propane as an energy source, learning some key facts about propane is a good option. It is wise to understand a little bit about propane in general, as well as learning about propane tank costs and the propane prices in your area. Here's a bit of useful knowledge about propane and propane prices.

1. Propane Is A Green Fuel

While it is a gas that is produced during petroleum and natural gas refining, propane is not harmful to the environment. It is flammable, but if it leaks it will not harm the air or the soil or even harm our water sources. For people interested in lowering their carbon footprint or reducing their dependence on the grid, propane is an excellent choice and certainly far safer for our world than burning wood, using coal or natural gas. While natural gas is safer than coal and wood in theory, if it leaks it actually can do far more damage to the environment than either of these sources of energy.

2. Propane Prices Never Stay The Same

Most energy sources experience price fluctuations, and propane is no exception to this rule. Propane prices drop or fall due to a variety of conditions. Because it is a byproduct of petroleum, the price of petroleum also can affect the price of propane. Supply and demand also make an impact. Propane is produced at about the same rate throughout the year, so when the demand is high, shortages can result. Usually shortages occur during the winter season because people simply need more propane. Propane prices can rise sharply during the colder months of the year, so it is usually best to stock up on propane and fill your propane tank in July and August, if possible.

3. Filling A Propane Tank

With natural gas or electricity or water, these substances or energy sources simply flow into our homes and we don't give it a second thought. However, with propane, you do have to monitor the gauge on your propane tank. When the tank is only about 1/3 full, it is wise to call and set up a delivery time. After the propane company comes and fills the tank, it still will not be 100% full. This is because propane expands and contracts depending on the temperature. It contracts when the temperature drops and expands when it heats up outside. The tank cannot be completely full because then there will be no extra expansion space for your propane.

4. Propane Can Power Just About Any Appliance

We all know that propane can heat a home and run a stove and the backyard grill or the camping stove, but propane can do much more than that. Name any large appliance and there's probably a version that runs on propane. You can buy a propane water heater or a dishwasher or a washer or a dryer that runs on propane. Propane refrigerators and TVs can be purchased, and you even can heat a swimming pool with a propane heater. For those who wish to live off the grid, propane truly provides you with an excellent and affordable source of energy for many appliances.

5. Propane Vehicles & Agricultural Uses

Propane is used not only as a fuel for homes and businesses, but also as a green fuel for some vehicles. It is actually the most commonly used alternative fuel for vehicles and used by more the 350,000 vehicles in the United States alone. Propane also has many important agricultural uses. Propane is used to help ripen fruit and to dry crops such as corn and soybeans. In addition, farmers use propane-powered space heaters to keep barns and incubators warm enough for livestock.




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