5 Things About Propane You Should Know

Friday 19 February 2016

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. You Can Go Green With Propane

While it is a gas that is produced during petroleum and natural gas refining, propane is not harmful to the environment. It is flammable, but if it leaks it will not harm the air or the soil or even harm our water sources. For people interested in lowering their carbon footprint or reducing their dependence on the grid, propane is an excellent choice and certainly far safer for our world than burning wood, using coal or natural gas. While natural gas is safer than coal and wood in theory, if it leaks it actually can do far more damage to the environment than either of these sources of energy.

2. The Price Of Propane Changes Often

Most energy sources experience price fluctuations, and propane is no exception to this rule. Propane prices drop or fall due to a variety of conditions. Because it is a byproduct of petroleum, the price of petroleum also can affect the price of propane. Supply and demand also make an impact. Propane is produced at about the same rate throughout the year, so when the demand is high, shortages can result. Usually shortages occur during the winter season because people simply need more propane. Propane prices can rise sharply during the colder months of the year, so it is usually best to stock up on propane and fill your propane tank in July and August, if possible.

3. Check Your Propane Tank Gauge

Propane tanks, if properly maintained, last for many decades, and you simply have to replace the valves occasionally. You can buy a tank or lease one for just a few dollars per year. There are some propane companies that give away free tanks for those who pre-purchase a large number of gallons of propane. At any rate, when your gauge reads about 30% full, it is time to schedule a refill. However, once the fill is complete, you might notice that your gauge reads only 80% full. This is normal and necessary because propane expands when the temperature goes up, and the propane company needs to leave some space for the gas to expand.

4. Finding Propane-Powered Appliances Is Easy

Most people think about propane and propane prices in regards to heating their homes and perhaps running an oven and stove. However, propane can be used to power just about any appliance. This includes the air conditioner, the dryer, a washing machine, water heater and more. There are even propane-powered refrigerators and television sets. If you have a large propane tank, switching many appliances over to propane appliances can be a great idea. This is especially true if you find low propane tank prices and fill up the tank when propane prices are very low.

5. Propane Vehicles & Agricultural Uses

Propane is used not only as a fuel for homes and businesses, but also as a green fuel for some vehicles. It is actually the most commonly used alternative fuel for vehicles and used by more the 350,000 vehicles in the United States alone. Propane also has many important agricultural uses. Propane is used to help ripen fruit and to dry crops such as corn and soybeans. In addition, farmers use propane-powered space heaters to keep barns and incubators warm enough for livestock.




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