Posted: February 26, 2024
What Is Propane?
The basics of the versatile fuel
If you are a homeowner there is a good chance that you use propane in one way or another around your home for either heating purposes, warming water or drying your clothes in a clothes dryer. If you are a business owner perhaps you use propane to power a generator, forklift or commercial cooking range that helps keeps your company up and running. But do you know what propane is and where it comes from?
A breakdown of propane
Propane, which is also sometimes called liquid petroleum gas or LPG, is an energy source and a fuel that is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining.
When it is being transported or stored in a propane tank it is a liquid. However, it vaporizes into a gas when pressure is released. When in the form of a gas, it can be used to power a wide variety of appliances and equipment systems.
A look at what propane can do
Propane is known as an incredibly versatile fuel. It can be used to power quite an extensive list of items. Propane can be used for:
- Home heating systems
- Hot water systems
- Drying clothes in a clothes dryer
- Cooking ranges
- Non-wood burning fireplaces
- Outdoor grills
- Pool heaters
- Backup generators
- Igniting outdoor fire pits
Why people choose propane
The versatility mentioned above is certainly one reason why many home and business owners choose to use propane. But the fact that it is versatile is just one of many reasons why propane is becoming more and more popular. Take a look at some of the other benefits of using propane:
- You can always count on propane: This holds true even when the power goes out. Since propane doesn’t rely on electricity or power grids, propane-powered appliances will work all throughout a blackout.
- Propane is incredibly efficient: Generally speaking, propane appliances operate more efficiently than appliances that are powered by electricity. For example, propane water heaters can make twice as much hot water as electric water heaters in the same period of time.
- Propane is accessible: Most of the propane that is used in the United States is also made in the United States. This helps make it reasonably affordable and more affordable than heating oil, gas and diesel fuel. The fact that it is locally made also means it is typically easy to find and obtain.
- You’re helping the environment by using propane: Propane is a clean burning, non-toxic, environmentally friendly fuel. It has a lower carbon intensity than both diesel fuel and gasoline and contains virtually no methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Propane produces hardly any particulate matter and, since it is non-toxic, it is not harmful to soil, water or plants in the event of a leak or spill.
- The propane industry is strictly regulated: When it comes to using propane, there are certain rules and guidelines that are strictly enforced that help keep propane customers safe. So you can rest assured that you, your friends and your family will be safe while using the fuel.
Propane from Valley Propane
Valley Propane has been providing reliable propane services to both home and business owners throughout Montana for decades. Whether you need propane for your home heating system, a gas grill or your company’s forklift, our expert team can help.
We have your propane tank needs covered as well. Valley Propane sells and leases both aboveground and underground propane tanks that we can install on your property.
If you are in Montana and are looking for propane services that you can count on, contact Valley Propane today!
