Thanks to its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and environmentally-friendliness, propane is gaining popularity among homeowners. It’s estimated that more than 14 million households in the country now use propane.
What makes propane becoming so popular? Burch Oil, Southern Maryland’s choice for heating oil and delivery services, lists propane’s advantages in this post.
Cost-Effectiveness
Roughly 80-90% of the country’s propane supply is produced in US soil. In fact, with the current rate of infrastructure development, it’s projected that the country will be able to produce enough propane to meet its needs well into the 21st century. Since the US sources the majority of its propane supply domestically, producers don’t have to ship the gas from overseas and can pass on the savings to customers.
Efficiency
Another reason why propane is cost-effective is its efficiency. Propane provides more than twice the energy produced when burning natural gas, which means propane-powered devices can produce more electricity than electric-powered ones. For instance, propane-powered water heaters can produce twice as much hot water as an electric unit, saving homeowners an average of $175 each year. And one cubic foot of propane equals 2,516 BTUs while one cubic foot of natural gas equals 1,030 BTUs
Eco-Friendliness
If you’re trying to go green, propane would be a smart choice. Thanks to its efficiency, propane—a clean fuel that was recognized in the 1990 Clean Air Act and Energy Policy of 1992—doesn’t produce as much soot as dirty fuels. And with less soot produced from burning fuels, your appliances will require less maintenance, saving you time and money.
Plus, compared to natural gas, propane produces 60% less carbon monoxide, 20% less nitrogen, and 20% less greenhouse gas emissions. And since propane is non-toxic, it won’t cause any harm to the environment in the unlikely event there are any leaks.
Safety Record
Propane has an impressive safety record. Not to mention the National Fire Protection Association has stringent regulations in place. To make sure your propane tank is installed properly and heating oil is delivered safely, only an experienced contractor should handle its installation.
Looking for experienced contractors in your area?
Burch Oil, family-owned and -operated company, has been providing heating and cooling and HVAC services to local residents since 1928. For inquiries, call us at (301) 373-2131 or fill out this form.
