Clearing Up 4 Common Myths Associated with Propane Energy

Time to get educated about Propane Fuel

There’s so much more to propane than simply running the BBQ grill at your Hudson Valley home.

As you learn more and more about this versatile fuel, you’ll likely hear some common myths or questions that come up about propane as well. We’re here to help set the record straight!

Myth #1: Propane isn’t safe

Wrong! Propane is as safe as any other energy source for your home, and maybe even safer! That’s because of government regulations and strong propane industry standards for propane manufacturing, handling, delivery, service and equipment installation. Here are some other things you may not know about propane safety:

• Propane has the lowest flammability rating of any fuel
• Propane does not ignite until the air reaches 940 degrees Fahrenheit
• Propane is odorless, so an additive is put into it to provide the rotten-egg smell that makes propane easy to detect
• In the rare event of a propane leak, propane gas just vaporizes. That means no mess, no expensive clean-up
• Today’s propane tanks and cylinders have a device that cuts off the filling process once they’re 80 percent full. Propane expands in heat or sunlight, and this empty space allows it to do so safely
• Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture-resistant than ethanol, gasoline or methanol tanks

Myth #2: Propane is just as dirty as other fuel sources

Nope! Propane is named as an alternative fuel under both the 1990 update to the Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy. When burned, propane has around half the carbon emissions of heating oil, and less than electricity produced by coal-fired plants. Propane is also nontoxic. In the rare event of a leak, propane does not harm water, soil, air, plants or aquatic life.

Myth #3: Propane is only for grills

Propane is awesome for grilling in so many ways. It’s fast, easy and creates great results. But propane can do so much more both inside and outdoors. Here are some of the ways propane can enhance the quality of life at your home:

• Propane provides reliable, even, energy-efficient home heating
• Propane provides supplemental warmth and comfort with fireplaces, hearths and space heaters
• Propane heats your water faster and more efficiently
• A propane clothes dryer gets your laundry dryer faster and with fewer wrinkles than an electric dryer
• A propane stove gives you precise temperature control instantly and even cooking
• Outdoors, propane can run pool and spa heaters, fire pits, and deck and patio heaters

Depew Energy’s dependable propane delivery allows you to get all this and more!

Myth #4: Propane costs a lot of money

Not true! When you factor in total cost of propane equipment and services, propane is actually one of the most cost-effective energy sources out there. Propane burns cleaner, which means less wear and tear on equipment like your furnace, boiler and water heater. They need fewer repairs and have a longer lifespan. Throw in that today’s propane appliances can reach efficiencies as high as 98 percent, and you see why propane makes good fiscal sense!

The professionals at Depew Energy are glad to help you learn all about what propane can do for your home. Get in touch with us today to learn all about the services we can provide you this season – and beyond!

Depew Energy – proudly serving Orange, Ulster and Dutchess Counties in New York!