Clearing Up 4 Common Myths Associated With Propane Energy

Ready for some lessons?

Most of us know about how propane runs our BBQ grill.

But if that’s where your knowledge about propane ends, we’ve got some great things to show you. Propane does much more than that, and it can do so much to improve the quality of life in your greater Portland home!

There are some myths about propane, and we’ll clear them up with some facts.

Myth #1: Propane isn’t Safe

This is so not true. Propane is as safe as —and may even be safer than — any other energy source for your home.

Government regulations and strict propane industry safety standards ensure propane manufacturing, handling, installation and service are kept safe. We have some propane safety information.

• Propane has the lowest flammability rating of any alternative fuel, and won’t ignite until the air reaches 940 degrees Fahrenheit
• The rotten-egg smell of propane makes it easy to detect a leak
• If there is a propane leak, propane gas simply vaporizes so there’s no mess and no clean-up needed
• Propane tanks and cylinders come with a device that cuts off the filling process when they are 80 percent full. This is so the tank or cylinder has enough space for propane to expand safely, which can happen in heat or sunlight
• Propane tanks are also 20 times more puncture-resistant and tanks for ethanol, gasoline or methanol

Myth #2: Propane isn’t environmentally friendly

Guess again! Propane is named as an alternative fuel in both the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy. Why? Because propane has around half of the carbon emissions of heating oil when it’s burned, and fewer emissions than electricity when the electricity is produced by coal-fired plants. Also, in the rare event of a propane leak, it won’t harm air, soil, water, plant life or aquatic life.

Myth #3: Propane is only good for grilling

Don’t get us wrong, we love what propane does for grilling. But we want you to see the big picture of all propane can do for your home. Propane provides even and comfortable heating, warmth and ambiance with fireplaces and space heaters, faster and more efficient water heating, faster and better clothes drying, and cooking with more precise control. And that’s just inside your home! Head outside, and it’s not just grilling that propane makes better. It can power your pool and spa tub heaters, extend your outdoor time with patio and deck heaters, create a comfortable gathering spot with a propane fire pit, and provide attractive gas lighting.

Myth #4: Propane is expensive

Nope! In fact, propane is incredibly cost-effective. Consider the total cost of ownership when it comes to not only propane itself, but propane equipment and services. Propane burns cleaner, so there’s less wear on the equipment. That means fewer repairs and a longer life expectancy. Also, today’s high-efficiency propane appliances achieve efficiencies of up to 98 percent!

Become a PitStop Fuels customer and enjoy all of the benefits propane brings to your home, today.