Thursday, 18 February 2016

5 Things About Propane You Should Know

By Cath Buhr


If you are an existing propane customer or considering using propane as one of your main energy sources, it's always a good idea to learn a little bit about this fuel and about propane prices and propane tank prices Here are a few facts that propane users might enjoy learning.

1. Propane Is Not A Greenhouse Gas

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. The Price Of Propane Changes Often

Of course, the price of just about everything does change from time to time, usually going up rather than down. With propane, the price per gallon can rise and fall every day and there are several reasons why this is so. For one thing, the price of petroleum changes daily and this can influence propane prices. Usually, it's an issue of supply and demand. When demand is high, prices tend to be higher and we tend to see this price increase during the winter. It's important to understand that because propane is always created at the same rate each month when demand goes up, there can be shortages. If possible, one should buy as much of their propane as possible when demand is lower and prices are lower, which often happens during the summer.

3. Propane Tanks Are Never 100% Full

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

While you have seen electric cars, diesel cars and cars and trucks powered by natural gas, propane also can be used to power vehicles. More than 300,000 vehicles use propane in the United States and many more vehicles throughout the world. Propane also is used by farmers and not just as a heating source to keep livestock warm. Propane can be used to dry a variety of crops and also to speed up the ripening of some fruits.




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