Propane: 3 Commonly Asked Questions

If you’re considering using propane for your newly built home – or if you have you recently purchased a Lansing-area home powered by propane – you’ll probably need to do a little research to understand if you’re making a good choice (spoiler alert: we think you are!).

Here are three commonly asked questions about propane to help get you started on the road to knowing propane. If you have any more, just contact us – we’re happy to help.

Propane Q&As

Q. What can I use propane for?
A. Just about any home comfort appliance that runs on electricity can also run on propane – in fact, propane equipment will usually outperform electric-powered equipment in terms of power and efficiency.

• Propane can power everything from space heaters and fireplaces to water heaters, outdoor lighting, ­and spa heaters. It can even power your commercial vehicles!
• Propane whole-house gas generators not only keep the lights on – they can also power your home security system, your sump pump, and other systems that can protect your family and property.
• Propane gas ranges enable precision and instant temperature control – which is why nearly 95 percent of professional chefs choose to cook with gas.
• Propane hearths operate at more than four times the efficiency of a wood-burning fireplace or stove, without the ashes, soot, or hassles.
• Propane clothes dryers work faster and do less damage to your clothing than electric dryers.

Q. Is propane environmentally friendly?
A. Yes – in fact, propane was labeled a “low-polluting fuel” in the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act.

• Propane gas emits less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of electricity; in fact, propane exceeds the requirements for clean fuel regulations.
• Propane gas doesn’t spill, pool, or leave a residue; this makes it harmless to soil or water if a tank leaks.
• Propane furnaces can be up to 95 percent efficient, saving energy without you having to give up comfort (propane water heaters can achieve even greater efficiency – up to 98 percent!).

Q. Is propane safe?
A. Propane is one of the safest energy sources around.

• The entire propane industry – from manufacture to delivery and everything in between – is rigorously regulated by federal DOT, OSHA, and EPA compliance codes, along with state and local fire and safety laws. Propane contractors (including our own) are required to undergo extensive training to ensure their work complies with every one of those laws and codes.
• Propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels, and it won’t ignite until the air reaches 940° F. Even then, it must be combined with oxygen in particular ways to ignite.
• Propane leaks are easy to detect due to their strong rotten egg odor.
• Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than other common fuel tanks, thanks to a carbon steel design developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
• All propane cylinders and tanks must have a built-in pressure relief valve to reduce excessive internal pressure in abnormal conditions.

Want to learn more about the power of propane, or propane delivery in Ingham, Eaton, Shiawassee and Clinton Counties? Contact Lansing Ice & Fuel today!