About Propane
Propane is a gas that becomes liquid when compressed. Propane is commonly used for grills, stoves, generators, hot water heaters, refrigerators, swimming pool heaters, mosquito control ans heating and cooling homes. In addition, propane has several uses in the commercial world, and is widely used in agriculture and industrial production, along with many uses in the military. Does this Spark an idea?
The Facts
Propane (also referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG) is a clean-burning fuel used worldwide for many purposes. As a by-product of crude oil and natural gas, the price of propane tends to follow the lead set by the price of oil. However, the efficiency of propane-powered products is what usually makes propane a better financial bet over the long run than oil. Houses that use propane have large tanks outside, which are filled by propane delivery trucks similar to the way that heating oil is delivered. Propane, while odorless, has a distinctive smell added to it so that users can detect leakage.
Misconceptions
The biggest misconceptions that surround propane are its safety issues and environmental impact. While there is danger present when dealing with any gas, injuries to propane users are extremely rare. Another fallacy is that it is expensive. Though the price tends to rise when oil prices rise, it can be less expensive than standard heating oil because of the efficiency of the appliances. For example, a propane-powered water heater is less expensive than one that attaches to the furnac, because it supplies hot water "on demand" and doesn't need to keep a batch of hot water ready at all times.
Risk Factors
Though dealing with any gas or accelerant poses the risk of fire or explosion, mishaps with propane are rare. Still, a specialist should perform any work that involves propane tanks and hookups. Faulty propane appliances may emit carbon monoxide, so the same safety precautions should be followed when dealing with any appliances or furnaces.
Benefits
Propane powered appliances, although more expensive initially, generally cost less to run than electric powered counterparts. Also, propane burns cleaner than most other forms of energy, emitting only water vapor and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere because there is no lead or sulfur; propane delivers lower greenhouse emissions.
Type
The most common use of propane is for gas grills. Most gas grills are attached to a 5-gallon tank, which supplies enough fuel for a season of grilling. Larger tanks, with a capacity that ranges between 124 and 2,000 gallons, are designed for more robust use, including gas stoves, refrigerators and generators. One type of this tank is simply a larger version of the standard gas grill variety, while some resemble submarines and there are others that can be buried underground.
Features
There is no shortage of propane dealers (or propane, for that matter). While larger tanks require a propane truck to be filled, smaller tanks can be refilled quickly and cheaply. Many gas stations, discount stores and even grocery stores offer a tank exchange where the user exchanges an empty tank for a full one. While this certainly is convenient, the buyer is paying a premium for this service. Generally, the least expensive way to fill small tanks is to eliminate the middleman and take them directly to a propane dealer.
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