What Is Propane?
Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas, or LPG. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining, in roughly equal amounts from each source. Nearly 97 percent of propane consumed in the United States is produced in North America. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless. As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.
Is propane dangerous to the environment?
No. Propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and is one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane also is nontoxic, so it’s not harmful to soil or water.
Who uses propane?
Propane is used by millions of Americans each day, and that number is growing
People use propane in and around their homes for furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, outdoor grills, fireplaces, swimming pools, and appliances.
On farms, propane-fueled equipment and technologies control pests, dry crops, and power irrigation pumps.
Industrial uses include propane-driven forklifts and fleet vehicles.
And millions of commercial establishments, including restaurants and hotels, depend on propane for heating, cooking, and other uses.
Is propane really convenient to use?
Yes. Up to 56,000 miles of pipeline and more than 6,000 retail dealer locations make propane readily available throughout the United States. And because propane is stored in portable tanks, it can be used in areas beyond gas mains.
To fuel homes, large tanks can be buried underground because propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn’t contaminate aquifers or soil. Refueling a propane vehicle takes about the same time as refueling a gasoline vehicle. And propane is the only alternative fuel with fueling stations located in every state.
Propane is a safe and environmentally friendly fuel that is available now and widely used throughout the United States in homes, on farms, on the road, and in industrial and commercial operations.
The above information and more can be found at the Propane Education & Research Council website.
Call Genesee today for tank lease options, customized tank fabrications, and a service plan that will suit you.
Thanks to our Thurston County customer feedback, Genesee Energy is the preferred propane supplier in Thurston County. Genesee Energy is in Thurston County.
Read More >Winter is in full swing here in the Puget Sound. And given the La Niña forecast, we’re likely in for more wet, cold winter weather. To help you and your home be better prepared for the remainder of this tough winter, we wanted to share some more specifics through the National Weather Service’s long-term winter temperature forecast.
Taking these six simple, preventative steps now can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run, as well as keep your family warm this winter in the Pacific Northwest.
If your next Puget Sound home is heated with heating oil furnaces, here are five facts to know.
“After using two other major suppliers, Genesee is a refreshing change. Half the price and twice the service. I’ll never go back!” -Gerks Ski & Cycle, BrianRead More
Listen to our latest show on Home Matters. We talk about the history of oil & natural gas, the lower carbon output of bioheat, our friends at Sequential biodiesel, the minimal cost difference, and all about oil and gas leaks. It’s packed with really good info!
Read More
