An increasing number of people are choosing to go green, because they are concerned about the environment. People who use propane as a fuel source are helping the environment. Propane is one of the cleanest burning fuels, producing almost no toxins. However, the jury is still out on propane’s use as a primary heating source.
In 2011, 9.3 million U.S. homes used propane gas. 54 percent of those homes used propane for their primary heating fuel. Propane can be used in almost all appliances, including:
* refrigerator
* stove
* washer/dryer
* space/water heater
* furnace
Surprisingly, propane is more energy-efficient than natural gas. Propane contains about 2 1/2 times more usable energy content than natural gas. Users need to make sure they have a reliable supplier. Quinoco Inc. is a company that delivers Propane Torrington CT. They deliver other products, and have been in business for over 130 years. Many people are installing propane furnaces, which have energy efficiency rates of 95 percent and up. Another advantage is the furnace can be vented with PVC piping, and there is no need for a chimney. People with all-electric homes should consider propane as an alternative. Propane costs half of what it does to run an electric furnace. Propane is also a warmer heat. Propane furnaces warm the air up to 120 degrees fahrenheit. On the other hand, electric heat pumps produce about 95 degrees.
Propane does have some negatives. Propane is a byproduct of petroleum production. Consequently, if there is a shortage of petroleum, propane will be in short supply. Propane is a safe energy source, but there are some risks. Propane is heavier than air, so if a propane leak happens in an enclosed area, there could be an explosion. Further, propane burners do not work as well, as some using other liquid fuels, in cold temperatures. Since propane is a liquid, cold temperatures cause it to lose volume. The pressure in the system is reduced, and less gas gets to the burner. Homeowners will have the final say. They will have to weigh concern for the environment with what is cost effective. The price of adding a propane furnace, and adapting other appliances, must be factored in.
