Time To Bust Some Of The Biggest Propane Myths!

Ask some people what propane is used for and they’ll immediately think of the white cylinder under their barbecue grill or behind their RV. But the truth is that there’s so much more to propane than that.

In this week’s blog, we’ll clear up some common misperceptions about propane—one of the most efficient, green, and versatile home energy fuels around.

Myth #1: Propane Is Great For Grilling, But Not Much Else

The fact is: You can use propane to power just about any type of equipment—inside or outside your home. Not only will propane do the job of running your appliances, it will often do it better than other energy sources—especially versus electric counterparts. At home, you can use propane to power your:

• Furnace or boiler
• Space heater
• Water heater
• Clothes dryer
• Fireplace or gas log set
• Cooktop
• Spa or pool heater
• Outdoor patio heater
• Outdoor fire pit
• Outdoor gas lights
• Outdoor kitchen grill

And remember, no matter how many propane appliances you have, they can be supplied with gas from a single, refillable propane tank on your property—no need to deal with utilities or living “on-the-grid.” Propane is also the perfect all-around fuel for your farm or commercial construction project.

Myth #2: Propane Is Dangerous

The fact is: Like any energy source, propane is perfectly safe if used with proper care. In fact, because federal, state, and local propane handling and use laws and codes are so strict, propane may actually be safer for home use than other forms of energy. Consider these propane safety facts:

• Most propane equipment shuts off automatically if a problem develops.
• Because of its rotten egg smell, a propane leak is easy to detect; if a propane leak does occur, the gas simply dissipates, leaving no mess or cleanup.
• Propane has the lowest flammability rating of any alternative fuel.
• Propane tanks are equipped with a device that cuts off the filling process when the tank reaches 80 percent of its liquid capacity during a propane delivery —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).
• Carbon steel propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than tanks filled with ethanol, methanol or gasoline.

Myth #3: Propane Is Expensive

The fact is: To evaluate any fuel source, you have to consider the how much it costs to use, not just purchase. That means when comparing propane and alternatives, you need to factor in not just the cost of the fuel, but also the efficiency of the equipment, the lifespan of the equipment, and other factors.

When you consider this bigger picture, 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. For comparison sake, many electric appliances have efficiency ratings in the 60- and 70-percent range. And, because propane is clean burning, investing in propane equipment saves you money too. Your equipment will need less maintenance and enjoy a longer shelf life on average.

Myth #4: Propane Is Bad For The Environment

The fact is: Burning propane produces less than half the carbon emitted by heating oil combustion, and less than electricity when you consider the inefficiencies and by-products of electrical generation and delivery. And because it is not toxic and doesn’t pool, propane cannot contaminate water or soil in the event of a leak.

Myth #5: Propane Is In Short Supply

The fact is: Propane is available all over the U.S., and most of it is produced right here at home. Because it is a byproduct of the petroleum refinement process, the means to produce and distribute propane are already available without the need for additional investments of time and money.

Considering making the switch to propane in your southwest Virginia home or business? We can help. Contact Midway Gas today to learn more!