Common Propane Myths Explained

Ask most people what propane gas is used for and they’ll probably mention something about barbecues and RV camping. But the truth is that propane is one of the most versatile, efficient, and eco-friendly sources of home energy around.

In this week’s post, we’ll explore some common propane myths – and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Propane is camping fuel

Fact: Propane is the perfect fuel for much more than camping – in fact, it can power just about any appliance in your home, including your:

• Furnace or boiler
• Space heater
• Water heater
• Clothes dryer
• Fireplace
• Cooking range
• Patio heater
• Spa or pool heater
• Outdoor fire pit
• Outdoor gas lights
• Outdoor cooking grill
• Backup generator

There are even propane-powered refrigerators!

Best of all, propane will usually do a better job at running these appliances than any other alternative – especially electricity. And no matter how many appliances you have, they can be supplied with gas from a single, refillable propane tank.

Myth #2: Propane is dangerous

Fact: Propane is as safe to use as any other home energy source – in fact, because propane manufacturing, handling, installation, and service laws and codes are so strict, it may be safer for home use than other forms of energy.

Consider these propane safety facts:

• Most propane equipment shuts off automatically if there is a malfunction.
• The smell of propane makes a leak easy to detect – and if a leak does occur, the gas simply vaporizes, leaving no mess or cleanup.
• The entire propane industry 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 cylinders include a device that cuts off the filling process when the tank is 80 percent full – a safety measure designed to allow propane gas to expand harmlessly when a tank is in a hot environment (outside in the sun, for example).
• 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.

Myth #3: Propane is costly

Fact: When you consider total cost of ownership of propane equipment, propane is one of the most cost-effective energy choices around. Propane heats fast and effectively, with many propane appliances reaching efficiencies of 98 percent – and because propane burns clean, your equipment will last longer and need less maintenance.

Myth #4: Burning propane is bad for the environment

Fact: Burning propane emits less than half the carbon of heating oil when burned, and less than electricity when it is produced by coal-fired generation plants. And because it is non-toxic and doesn’t pool, a propane leak cannot contaminate water or soil.

Considering converting to propane, or using propane for your new home heating system or heating system upgrade? We can help. Contact Parker Gas today to learn more or get a FREE, no-obligation estimate on propane installations for your North Carolina home.