Propane is an odorless, colorless gas that is energy-efficient and cost-effective. It’s a great alternative to natural gas if you’re looking for a more efficient way to heat your home.
Several appliances might also be run by propane, like water heaters or washer/dryers.
It also helps with the environment. Propane heat can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 68 percent.
It’s also known as LPG or liquid petroleum gas. In 1910, it was discovered some evaporating gasses in gasoline could be converted to liquid, as with propane. Chemist Walter O. Snelling devised a way to bottle this liquid gas, and the propane industry got its kickstart.
Tanks A Lot
Natural gas is delivered to the home via pipelines, but propane is delivered via propane delivery in tanks.
You might have seen a large white or gray tank outside a residential home before: this is most likely a propane tank.
Size Matters
Tanks range in size from eight gallons up to 2,000.
There are a range of tank sizes typically used for residential homes, depending on the size of the home.
A 1,000-gallon tank is for large homes that use a gas furnace as the main heat source during colder months. It’s also good for businesses or a space on which a farm is run.
These tanks can be found in cold weather climates, as gas heat heats up quicker than electric and burns cleaner. Propane heat overall creates a warmer heat than electric.
Tanks this large reduce the need for numerous refills throughout the year.
A 500-gallon tank is another good option for reducing yearly delivery needs. These are good for homes with generators or heated pools, as well as other large appliances that require gas heat.
A 420-pound tank is commonly used for heating homes, water heaters, pools, dryers and fireplaces. They are about four feet tall and three feet around.
A 120-pound tank is common in homes with two LP (or liquefied petroleum) appliances, like water heaters or stoves. They are also common in large motorhomes.
It’s Never Totally Full
Because of gas expansion caused by rising temperatures, a propane tank is never filled. Typically they’re filled to only 80 percent, leaving the extra 20 as room for gas to expand into.
How Delivery Works
If the tank is measured in gallons, a pump meter is used to show how much propane has been put into the tank.
If measured in pounds, the empty starting weight of the tank must be taken into account before the tank is refilled to the correct capacity.
How It’s Priced
Propane is also sold by both the pound and gallon. One gallon of propane is equivalent to 4.2 pounds.
Prices will differ depending on the region in which you live. In general, propane burns at less volume per hour than natural gas.
In it For the Long Haul
Propane heat is a great long-term solution for your home. A tank’s life span can last 15 to 20 years.