miami_erie_propane

Propane Safety

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:39:21 GMT

Propane Safety

Don’t Ignore the Signs of a Gas Leak in Your Home

It’s hard to ignore the smell of sulfur -- most people agree that it smells like rotten eggs. Propane is naturally odorless. The “rotten egg” smell is purposely added to it as a safety measure in case of gas leaks. Safety is one of our top priorities at Miami Erie Propane, and that’s why we have your best interest in mind when it comes to preventing a gas leak.

What causes a gas leak in the first place? It’s more common for a gas leak to occur in older homes due to corroding pipe connections, but sometimes poorly fitted appliances, lack of maintenance, or faulty structures can cause gas leaks as well. Also, if a stove or dryer is moved improperly, the connecting hose could become bent in a way that creates a small leak. For health and safety reasons, it’s important to never try to fix a gas leak yourself. In addition to that sulfur smell, if there’s a hissing noise coming from your home, or around your yard, there’s a chance it could be the sound of gas escaping from a crack or hole in a pipe. If you believe you have a gas leak, evacuate the premises and call Miami Erie Propane right away. We will send an experienced professional to help right away. Better safe than sorry.

While gas leaks are uncommon, it’s important to pay attention always for your safety. Inside the home, there are other indicators of a possible gas leak, too. Dead plants, illness, and a stove’s flame color are three other indicators.

If there’s a gas leak, carbon monoxide will slowly begin to deteriorate plants by taking away the oxygen plants need to survive. More importantly, breathing in the chemicals from a slow gas leak are harmful to humans and pets. Over a long period of time, breathing in nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and methane can result in serious health problems. Some symptoms include; headaches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, ringing ears, skin irritations, fatigue, and more. A quick and effective way to find out if you have a gas leak is by checking the color of flame on your stove top. The flame should be blue, but if it’s yellow or orange, this is a good sign of a gas leak.

At Miami Erie Propane, we know that propane is a fantastic fuel to use in homes and businesses. But safety must always be a focus.

The Benefits of Installing a Propane Fireplace

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 18:45:25 GMT

The Benefits of Installing a Propane Fireplace

A fireplace during the cold winter months can provide the extra warmth and coziness you crave for your home. What if you could have a fireplace without all the hassle and messiness that a wood-burning fireplace creates? With minimal maintenance, heating efficiency, and a cost that is friendly to your family budget, installing and using a propane fireplace is a great way to keep you extra warm and cozy during the frosty Ohio winter months.

There are two different types of propane fireplaces to consider: vent free and direct vent. A vent-free propane fireplace won’t lose any heat through its exhaust, which makes it more efficient in heating. A direct-vent propane fireplace draws in outside air through a wall or roof, which affects the heat produced, while providing a safe way to burn a fire in your home.

Minimal maintenance is definitely a benefit for both kinds of propane fireplaces, because neither requires gathering wood, nor do they create the messiness of soot and ash that comes with a wood-burning fireplace. The warmth and ambiance of a fire is instant with propane, and it won’t dirty the surrounding area of your fireplace. Although some maintenance is required, it is minimal. We recommend a yearly inspection in order to guarantee your fireplace is working safe and efficiently with no potential hazards.

Efficiency in heating is a major plus with propane fireplaces. It’s estimated that when a propane fireplace is on, it uses about a gallon of propane per hour on average. Compared to a wood burning fireplace, propane burns 40 times longer, which adds more value to your dollar. Compared to an electric fireplace, propane heats five to six times more, or 80% greater than the capacity of an electric fireplace.

When it comes to fireplaces, an open flame should always be treated with respect for safety. With a propane fireplace, you can enjoy the benefits of a fireplace without the worry or concern. One doesn’t need to babysit the fire, unlike with a wood burning fire. So, you can spend less time monitoring the fire, and go about your day. Some propane fireplaces even include thermostats, which gives you more flexibility for controlling the temperature. Propane is also a safer option because it’s cleaner for the air. Without the harmful particles in the air, it’s better for those who have breathing issues, asthma, or allergies.

Keeping your budget in mind, a propane fireplace is a great option. A propane fireplace, depending on the style, can cost anywhere from $900-$3,000, which is an investment that will pay off. Since propane is the most efficient heating source, it can save you money on your electric bill. Depending on your budget and preference, propane fireplaces come in various styles both traditional and modern that are built to last.

At Miami Erie Propane, we know you will love the benefits of a propane fireplace. Why not enjoy the extra warmth and comfort this winter season?

DIY Home Insulation Ideas to Stay Warm During Winter

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 15:16:41 GMT

DIY Home Insulation Ideas to Stay Warm During Winter

It’s that time of year again when days are shorter, the temperature is lower, and snow is in the forecast. Ohio winters can be harsh, so keep the cold air outside and the warm air inside by properly insulating your home with some DIY solutions.

Think we are full of hot air? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Drafts can waste 5 to 30 percent of your energy use.” That’s a lot of money you could be saving when heating your home. At the end of the day, every little bit helps when it comes to saving money.

First things first--identify the problem. Basements, crawlspaces, and attics are common places for drafts, so inspecting your home is the start of turning a drafty home into a warmer one. Windows are common places for letting in cold air. Adding a layer of plastic sheeting and double-sided tape is an inexpensive solution to drafty windows. Seal the plastic sheeting with a hairdryer to secure the insulation. Installing thick curtains helps prevent drafts as well. This is another fairly inexpensive solution compared to purchasing new windows.

Something less obvious to homeowners is maintaining their HVAC system. Proper HVAC systems will prevent warm air from escaping your home. On a regular basis, check and clean your air filters. This allows for better airflow and air quality.

Seal the deal by sealing all vents, ducts, and doors. Poorly sealed openings and connections in HVAC ductwork can be problematic, but an easy solution is HVAC tape. Apply the HVAC tape on any slight openings on the ductwork. HVAC tape is stronger than duct tape, and won’t dry out.

Draft stoppers are efficient and easy to use, too. You can pick up a double-sided draft stopper at your local hardware store, or you could get crafty and make your own with some items you might already have in your home. Cut a pool noodle the length of your door, and it becomes a double-sided draft stopper. Sewn with any kind of fabric, you can use popcorn kernels, beans, or pillow stuffing, to create a solution that is helpful in insulating window sills as well.

Stay warm and healthy this winter season with a properly insulated home.

Fuel and Temperature: What Fuels are Best for Harsh Weather?

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 13:58:02 GMT

Fuel and Temperature: What Fuels are Best for Harsh Weather?

Just a year ago we saw snow storms and long cold spells in Texas that left the state with rolling blackouts that left many in dangerous conditions. Reaching record setting temperatures as low as -2° F, natural gas in Texas literally froze in the pipes which contributed to the blackouts and other problems, such as people losing the ability to cook and heat their homes. Because it's such an important issue, we’ve decided to cover how weather affects fuels and what energy systems are best to keep on hand for extreme weather conditions. We’ll talk about natural gas, propane, and gasoline and weigh just how well each fairs in extreme temperatures.

Although Texas is a special case as it belongs to its own power grid and hasn’t put in place the insulation that those in the midwest and rest of the country use, natural gas is still the most risky when it comes to the cold. Because of methane hydrates in natural gas, the freezing point is actually the same as water at 32° F. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a hydrate which means that each molecule carries very small particles of water. When natural gas is processed, there is extreme care in removing as much humidity as possible from the substance to reduce rusting and improve consistency. However, methane cannot be perfectly dried enough to counteract its relatively high freezing point. So, the colder the area is, the more natural gas lines need to be insulated and regulated to maintain its usefulness.

Propane, on the other hand, could easily operate under these same temperatures without freezing. With a freezing point of -188° F, liquid propane will not freeze unless encountering the harshest of temperatures. However, freezing isn’t the only issue when it comes to LPG. The main temperature factor to consider with propane is that it is stored as a liquid but is utilized as a gas as well as the fact that you need pressure to get it from the tank to whatever you are fueling. Because of this, the temperature and pressure needs to be high enough for this state change to occur or else you may get liquid propane coming through your line which is more concentrated and can thus create a hazardous amount of fuel, or your system may fail to work all together because of low pressure. Under about -44° F is when propane begins to shrink which can lower the pressure of your propane tank and prevent it from expelling fuel. Although this temperature is rare in the US, it is not unheard of. Northern states like Michigan and Oregon have both seen record lows exceeding -50° F. There are common practices for preventing such outcomes though such as keeping your tank filled, putting it close to your house, and making sure it has access to sunlight by clearing off snow and making sure it is in a nice sunny spot. It is also recommended to limit fuel use in these conditions. Doing so allows the tank to maintain pressure in between uses.

Finally, we have gasoline, the fuel many in Texas have turned to by using the heaters in their cars after their home systems have failed. Gasoline is actually a mixture of hydrocarbons that have a variety of freezing points ranging from -40° F to as low as -200° F. The general consensus though is that gasoline becomes mostly frozen around -100° F which would be extreme for anywhere in the US. This makes it quite reliable and preferential to natural gas in extreme conditions and slightly easier to use than propane when temperatures exceed -44° F. Something to keep in mind is octane which has a higher freezing point than other components in gasoline. This means that higher octane fuels can actually make your fuel more easily subjected to the cold, although it will not be noticeable under most conditions. It's also important to note that gasoline can separate out its mixture and lower its viscosity at colder temperatures which can be hard on engines and fuel pumps. This can also trick your fuel meter into thinking you have more fuel than you actually do. Gasoline has its own set of problems in the cold as it can threaten the life of your engine or generator, but it won’t usually freeze up and fail on you entirely which makes it quite useful.

All and all, conditions where propane and gasoline will fail on you in the winter is extremely rare in the US, while the same cannot be said for uninsulated natural gas which is quite vulnerable to the cold. For this reason, it is good to not rely too heavily on natural gas in the winter months and to keep backup sources of fuel and heating available no matter where you live in the country. Hopefully this article has helped you to better understand your fuels and their limitations and how best to protect yourself and your home when Jack Frost comes knocking at the door in winters to come.

How Safe is Propane?

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:00:56 GMT

Stay Safe with Miami Erie Propane!

As with all flammable gasses and liquids, propane has the potential to ignite and combust at a rapid rate. But just how often does this happen in a way that is dangerous to owners of a home or corporate office? Fortunately, it is not as frequent as we see in action movies and video games, but it can happen. Since the beginning of 2020, there’s only been seven propane explosion incidents across the world. Although incidents are few and far between, we’ll talk about some of the ways that propane can be dangerous and the best ways to prevent threats and handle them should they occur.

The first safety concern is the maintenance of a propane tank. Propane tanks are highly durable and include safety precautions, but if a tank is mis-used or damaged, it can increase the risk of a leak. Outdoor leaks are dangerous mainly because the gas can come into contact with an ignition source and catch flame. When outdoors, there is low risk of propane causing oxygen deprivation if breathed in for too long, but it is still best to stay away from the tank if you believe there is a leak. If you do believe your tank or gas line is leaking, you should call a propane expert immediately.
The main ways to prevent leaking is to never let your tank fall below 20% capacity for too long as this can cause rusting internally, make sure the tank is below 80-85% capacity after it is refilled so the LPG has room to expand under different temperatures, and to have a propane expert check the condition of the tank on a consistent basis. Ask your propane provider if they have a service agreement and automatic refills. These will set you up with periodic safety checks and will allow for the remote monitoring of your tank’s level so that more LPG can be delivered automatically when the tank is low. Doing so ensures that your tank is well looked after and stays in peak condition.

One other point of maintenance is to check your tank after large storms and to clear off any snow or debris that might have fallen around your tank. Make sure not to use metal to move debris or snow, as it can cause damage to your tank by scratching or puncturing it.
The other side of propane gas to keep an eye on is the dispensing of the gas into a building for heating and other energy purposes. Older propane heaters have a pilot light, and should a pilot light go out or a stove’s gas be left on without ignition, propane gas can fill the space and cause dangerous conditions for those that are present. In indoor instances like this, ignition is definitely still a possibility, but now the oxygen deprivation issue can be a lot worse. What makes this even more precarious is that not everyone can smell the rotten egg odor that is mixed in with propane (this is especially true at older ages). One of the best ways to combat indoor leaks is to install a propane monitor in the home to provide a more reliable indicator of when propane is leaking. Propane monitors work very similar to smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and we highly recommend installing one if you’re using propane to heat your home.

Should you discover a leak in your property, it is best to extinguish all flames that are near you, refrain from turning on lights and electronics as they can cause sparks, and evacuate the premises quickly with everyone else in the building until a propane professional can arrive to safely handle the situation. It is not recommended to re-ignite the pilot light yourself, especially if you are smelling or did smell propane in the home! As you’d expect, gas can continue leaking out of a non-lit pilot light, so you’ll want to contact a professional right away to make sure gas hasn’t built up before the pilot light is relit.

So, yes, propane can cause risk of harm, explosions, and fire, but this is largely a rare occurrence and a product of its usefulness as a fuel. With general maintenance, safety procedures, and knowing when to ask for expertise, propane can be among the safest ways to fuel your property. Utilize these tips, and you should be in the best possible shape to safely and efficiently use propane. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How to Check Propane Tank Levels and the Benefits of Autofill

Thu, 20 May 2021 14:36:03 GMT

How to Check Propane Tank Levels and the Benefits of Autofill

Propane is an incredibly convenient fuel for all sorts of activities and energy needs. However, it isn’t so convenient when you run out of the stuff mid-way through trying to use it. For this reason, it can be useful to check your tank’s level to see just how much you have left. We will cover a few methods to do just that, as well as, look at autofilling and why you may want to use such services to keep your tank consistently filled.

The first method to check your tank’s level is a bit more of a method of estimation, but it works in a pinch. If you heat up water and place it into a cup, you can pour the water from the top of the tank and let it run down the side to figure out the level. Because of the cold temperature of the propane, the hot water will instantly cool when it gets to the height of the tank where the propane sits. Using this method, you can figure out how full your tank is by figuring out where the water cools. The higher up the water cools, the fuller the tank is. This isn’t a perfect solution, but it does a good job of giving you a quick and easy idea of how much propane you’ve got.

If you’re looking for a more accurate measurement though, you can’t do much better than a pressure gauge. Pressure gauges provide a read out of the propane tank level in terms of percentages. This lets you know how full the tank is and whether or not it needs a top-off. Many propane tanks come with gauges pre-installed which can usually be found around the fill pipe, but you can also buy a gauge if your tank doesn’t have one. Using a gauge is quite straightforward and allows you to convert to the gas’s weight as well by simply taking the total capacity of the tank and multiplying it by the percentage and 0.01. This will tell you the weight of the remaining propane in your tank.

Perhaps you don’t want to spend the time and energy to constantly check and maintain the level of your tank though. This is where auto-filling services can be very useful. Propane delivery companies will often implement a propane tank monitor that will alert them when a tank’s supply falls below a certain level. This relatively new and evolving propane tank monitor technology is also available for personal use where you can monitor your propane levels right from your phone. However, it is most efficient to receive automated propane deliveries from propane retailers, as you’ll never have to worry about running out of gas or making an order for more. Essentially, it requires low effort on the part of the propane user and ensures that you’ll never be caught with an empty tank.

Assuming you don’t have autofill services set up, it is very important to keep an eye on your tank not only because of potentially running out, but also to maintain the durability of the tank by preventing internal rusting from moisture that can enter the tank when the pressure is low enough. On the other hand, it’s also important to make sure a tank isn’t too full. After a fillup, the tank should be at about the 80-85% range. This leaves room for temperature fluctuations and allows the propane to safely expand without damaging the tank or sending too much pressure to appliances that use the propane to function. For these safety reasons, automated refills can be quite useful and ensures the longevity of your tank.

So, do you monitor your tank and order when needed, or do you go a little further in investing in automated refills? At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Propane is all about using it how you want, and we encourage propane users to make informed choices for themselves on how best they want to do that.

Grilling Safety Tips

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:00:05 GMT

Grilling Safety Tips

The warmth of Spring is rolling in, and the outdoors and sunshine are calling people to go outside. It’s that time again; time for some outdoor grilling. About 7 out of every 10 US adults own a grill of some variety. However, alongside this popularity, there have been instances where mistakes have been made which have led to negative and unsafe outcomes. We’re here to tell you how to avoid those mistakes and minimize your risk when using a grill or smoker.

Before we get into starting the grill, the first important aspect to consider is where the grill is placed. The main thing to look for is wood and other flammable materials that might be close enough to the grill to either heat up from its use or come into contact with large flames should there be a problem with gas concentration. There’s nothing wrong with putting a grill on a deck. However, you’ll want to keep the placement away from wooden railings, walls, and trees to negate the potential for a dangerous situation to get worse. Of course, heat and fire tend to rise, so make sure there is nothing above the grill either which is at risk of combusting or catching fire. Finally, make sure that your grill is on a stable surface and won’t tip over. The last thing we want is to knock over a grill.

Once you have placed your grill in a safe spot, the next aspect to consider is the propane tank. Storing a propane tank is usually relatively low risk, but you should try to keep a propane tank as full as possible to maintain pressure and avoid water from leaking in and causing internal rusting. Hooking up a propane tank is relatively simple as well. First, place the propane tank around the base of your grill in a secure spot to where it can’t be easily bumped or knocked over. Next, you’ll take the gas hose, and twist the hose onto the propane cylinder nozzle located at the top of your standard tank. Make sure the hose is connected tightly, and you should be ready for the next step.

The next important thing to check is the general condition of the grill. If this is your first time breaking the grill out for the season, it is advised to check under the lid for insects and animal structures like bird nests that may have popped up since the grill’s last use. Once you observe and clear potential hazards, you’ll next want to look at the lower section of the grill to the gas hose. Check for indents and breaks in the hose to prevent leaks. A great way to ensure that all leaks are accounted for is to actually coat the gas line and its two connecting points with a soapy or bubbly mixture. Once the line is covered, turn on the gas and look for bubbles to form. Should you find leaks from the connection points, turn off the gas and tighten up the connections. A broken hose will need to be repaired or replaced. You shouldn’t use your grill until it passes the leak test.

After you ensure that your grill is functioning as intended, we can go into safely turning on the grill. The first step is to open the lid so that any excess propane can escape and new propane won’t build up before the grill is ignited. Once the lid is open, you can go ahead and open up the propane tank release valve and turn the knobs of the grill burner to an on state. Now, you can press the ignition button if you have one or light the grill with a flame if you don’t. Doing so will start the grill, and you’ll be ready to go. Shutting off the grill is just as easy and largely involves the opposite process of turning off the burner, turning off the gas, and closing the lid. .

That about covers it for our grill safety guidelines. Grilling can be an excellent way to make the best of being outdoors and can undoubtedly cook some great tasting foods, but even seasoned grillers can make mistakes. The important thing to remember is to just be smart and follow the safety recommendations. This will get you the best experience and lifespan out of your grill while protecting people and property in the process.

Happy grilling!

Green Fuel: Weighing the Ecological Benefits of Propane Energy

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:54:11 GMT

Green Fuel: Weighing the Ecological Benefits of Propane Energy

Most of us are familiar with the concept of fossil fuels and the scrutiny they’ve come under over the last few decades in the context of damaging our ozone layer and polluting our resources. While many environmentalists point to carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions in addition to methane (also known as natural gas), other hydrocarbons can also get lopped in with more questionable fuel sources. But is this relationship justified, or are there other hydrocarbon alternatives that can help make our world a cleaner and safer place to live? The answer is yes, and perhaps the most prevalent example of one of these cleaner fuel sources is propane.

Propane, although having trace amounts of carbon, isn’t as rich in harmful carbon-based molecules as other combustible materials. Coal for example, emits 228.6 pounds of CO2 per million BTU (measurement of energy) compared to the 139 pounds that propane emits to create the same amount of energy. Meanwhile gasoline and diesel produce 157.2 and 161.3 pounds respectively. The difference between gasoline (157.2) and propane (139) might not seem like much, but when multiplied over years of use, those additional carbon emissions add up.

Besides being more carbon efficient than these other fuel sources, propane is also non-toxic unlike some of its other hydrocarbon counterparts. If spilled, propane poses no threat to air or water, which means leaks are much more forgiving to the environment than other fuels like gasoline which can kill animals and plants outright. This contributes to propane’s role as a camping and outdoor fuel which can be transported easily and with little risk to environmental factors if released in its natural state. However, this does not mean that propane won’t cause oxygen deprivation when breathed in at a massive rate or enclosed space. Oxygen deprivation is a potential safety hazard for all gasses that aren’t oxygen, but it's important to note that propane can fall into this category as well, so safety guidelines should be followed to avoid such dangers.

Natural gas, one of propane’s primary competitors, actually has a lower carbon footprint when burned at only 117 pounds of CO2 per million BTUs. However, natural gas is methane, and methane, when released openly into the air, can be an exponentially more harmful ecological threat than carbon-dioxide. Over a 20 year period, methane contributes about 84 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide, but subsides over time to about 24 times the potency over a hundred year period. This means that natural gas is indeed better for the environment when burned compared to propane, but is far more harmful to the ozone when a leak occurs. This largely offsets the benefits of natural gas’s low carbon footprint, as utilizing it as an ecological solution can be worse than the problem in the first place. You can weigh these aspects for yourself, but propane is seemingly the safer choice when you want an ecologically friendly option in all cases, and not just during use. It's important to note that methane is also relatively non-toxic, similar to propane, but its intense long-term effect on the ozone should make people think twice before adopting the fuel for general purposes.

Given these factors, it would seem that propane is the most optimal way to limit our ozone footprint. If ecological sustainability is something that you value, but you still require a gas for your daily energy needs like cooking, heating, and electricity, or perhaps you need a gas for your outdoor adventures but don’t want to jeopardize the wildlife around you, consider switching to propane. The ecological advantages might not be immediately apparent, but they will pay off in a massive way for decades to come.

How Propane Is Made

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 21:28:04 GMT

How Propane Is Made

Most people know that propane is an important aspect for many American lives. Whether you enjoy grilling out on a Sunday afternoon or the substance brings energy and heat to your house or farm, propane is a common energy source found in daily life. But do people know how the substance is produced or what makes it so influential in fulfilling its role?

Propane can be obtained in two ways. Either it can be extracted from oil after it is drilled from the ground, or it can be extracted as a byproduct of natural gas. Historically, the oil extraction method has been the most prominent. However, the increasing popularity of natural gas processing has shifted the scales in where people’s propane ultimately comes from to about 50/50. Having two extractable sources has helped to keep propane cheap and readily available across the country.

The processes are similar in both cases of oil and natural gas methods. Refineries have to separate the lighter gasses like propane from the rest of the chemical mixture in order to isolate the higher-octane fuels and collect them for distribution. Although the goal is the same for both extraction methods, the processes do differ due to the unique chemical makeup of each fuel source.

When oil is being refined, there are multiple stages in the process where petroleum gasses are isolated. These petroleum gasses make up about 1-4 percent of processed oil, propane being one of the most common as well as butane and isobutane. A process called fractional distillation is used to separate out these components when they are in their liquid form. During fractional distillation, the unseparated mixture is subjected to cooling and pressure which utilizes the different boiling points of each hydrocarbon. This effectively isolates different components further by turning them from a liquid to a gas, allowing the lightest hydrocarbons to rise to the top as purified products, which can then be collected for distribution.

Extracting propane out of natural gas also requires fractioning out individual parts, but it yields a higher average of 5% propane per yield. However, not all natural gas wells are optimal for collecting propane. Unlike oil or gas wells where natural gas is present and can be free-flowing in its raw state, condensate wells provide free flowing natural gas mixed together with a variety of other hydrocarbons. Natural gas processing actually removes these hydrocarbons known as “wet gas” to reduce the potential for rusting within its piping. In the natural gas world, dry and pure are highly preferred. To remove these more vaporous gasses which include propane, a similar temperature and pressure method is used to the oil method to separate the condensate from the natural gas mixture. Any residual oil is also separated out because of it’s relatively high weight. Once condensate is captured, it is further divided into its parts with a separator.

Once propane is extracted, it is cooled to below -44°F for transport. Liquified gas is 270 times more dense than it’s gas version which improves space efficiency significantly. A rotten egg-like odor is also added to the gas before retail to add a safety system to an otherwise odorless and colorless gas. This helps propane users to identify a leak in the unlikely case that there is one.

Extracting individual compounds in their raw form can be quite the science experiment. It takes a strong knowledge of each compound and process to pull it off correctly and efficiently. Commercial gasses are subjected to quality control standards, so prospectors really have to know what’s in their product before relaying it on to distributors and customers. For those outside of the industry though, this means that propane is safe and pure and can be trusted to run propane-fueled equipment efficiently without interference from other types of gas. The process ensures that you get the optimal bang for your buck, so you can spend more time worrying about flipping burgers rather than the fuel that provides the heat.

Propane In Vehicles: Are Propane Fuel Systems Viable?

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 16:41:01 GMT

Propane In Vehicles: Are Propane Fuel Systems Viable?

It’s no secret that gasoline and diesel are the most prevalent automotive fuels on the market. However, there is one fuel that largely flies under the radar when it comes to propelling vehicles. Propane, also known as LPG, is a commonly utilized automotive fuel often used by public fleet setups such as police vehicles, school buses, delivery trucks, taxi services, and other bulk transportation systems.

Why do large transportation services opt for propane fueled vehicles? There are a variety of factors that come into play.

Most notably, propane powered vehicles burn much cleaner than their more popular gas and diesel counterparts. Free of methane and other toxic hydrocarbons, propane-based fuel systems help to improve environmental factors both for the air and water quality of local residents. It also has an impact on suppressing damage done to the Earth’s ozone.

Unsurprisingly, the ecological benefits of propane help to garner state, local, and federal tax incentives that help to bolster cleaner uses of energy in the operation of vehicles while being a huge benefit to the owners of these vehicles. These tax incentives come out of the tax rate at purchase and helps to improve the costs of going with propane.

So, does this give propane more bang for its buck? The answer is somewhat complicated, but is largely a yes. Propane offers much more energy security than petroleum as it is produced domestically and therefore is not subject to the complications of international supply chains and transportation costs. This ensures that propane is more consistent in its availability and price point.

The price of propane is also consistently lower on average than gasoline, ranging from 30% to 50% cheaper per BTU (unit of energy measurement). This means that propane is almost always the cheapest route, especially when adding on tax incentives. Additionally, propane helps with lowering maintenance costs, as it is less straining on engines making it quite a cost effective option.

So what’s the catch? The reason propane isn’t always the cheapest stems from the upfront cost associated with buying a propane-running vehicle or outfitting a vehicle to use propane. These upfront costs range in the thousands and are closer to that of diesel engines. But, unlike the majority of diesel vehicles, these costs can be easily offset in the long run thanks to propane’s cost efficiency, the vehicle’s greater lifespan, and a lesser need for maintenance.

The average fleet vehicle with it’s high rate of use can often have a payback period of 12 months or less, which means any further driving will result in direct savings. Residential vehicles will most likely have a longer payback period unless driven on a frequent basis but will almost certainly make its money back by the end of its lifespan. This translates into direct savings in the long run all while burning cleaner fuel.

So how does one obtain a propane powered vehicle? Propane vehicles come in two varieties: dedicated which runs purely on propane and bi-fuel which allows the user to utilize both propane and gasoline by switching between the two. Vehicles can be converted to use propane by certified technicians or you can buy a vehicle with a certified fuel system already installed. You can easily track down such vehicles by navigating the Alternative Fuels Data Center on the Department of Energy’s website.

If you’re looking for a way to cut costs and your ecological footprint while trying to meet reliable transportation needs, take a look into propane. It will undoubtedly be worth the effort.

Propane Safety: How to Reduce Risk While Handling Propane

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 18:01:23 GMT

Propane Safety: How to Reduce Risk While Handling Propane

Between its space, transportation, and ecological efficiency, we all know that propane can be an incredibly adaptable energy source. But, like many energy sources, the volatility of that energy can also pose a certain amount of risk if handled improperly. Here are some methods for staying safe and getting the most out of your propane supplies.

The main aspect to look out for when dealing with propane is leaks in your tanks and gas lines. Propane, although non-toxic unlike natural gas or gasoline, can still cause oxygen deprivation when breathed in at a concentrated rate. It is recommended to keep propane tanks out of basements and other enclosed living spaces to minimize the potential for breathing in dangerous amounts of the fuel.

Fortunately, there are helpful implementations that assist propane users in identifying gas leaks. Propane by itself is actually an odorless substance, so a smell reminiscent of rotten eggs was added in as a safety precaution. However, it is good to keep in mind that this added smell is not a fool-proof method to detect leaks, as there are certain conditions that can cause a loss of odor in the gas and, in rare cases, some people may not have the ability to smell the rotten egg odor even when present. As an extra measure of protection, users can purchase propane sensors which will trigger an alarm if a leak is found. If you wish to store or use propane accessories indoors, it is highly recommended to purchase one of these sensors.

In addition to the dangers of inhaling large amounts of propane, the bigger risk factor to keeping propane indoors or near structures is the substance’s flammability. One molecule of propane has 8 hydrogen atoms, which, when ignited, can burn quick and hot. Like gasoline, propane will combust most easily in its gas form as opposed to its liquid form which is starved of oxygen below the surface. Still, if a gas leak does occur out of the tank itself, the high pressure required to keep propane a liquid can be compromised, leading to a state change and the imminent depletion of your tank.

If you sense a leak, it can be well worth your while to quickly extinguish any sources of flame, combustion, or electricity. However, you’ll only want to take this chance if you can safely do so. The slightest spark has the ability to set the gas ablaze. In other cases, it is recommended to get away from the leak and call your propane supplier who will provide situational guidance and will most likely send a technician to ensure that the problem is resolved. If you can’t reach your supplier, your second call should be to 911. If the tank is outside but the gas leak is coming from within the house, it is recommended to shut off the main gas supply valve on your tank which will stop more propane from flowing into your home. Following these steps in the case of an emergency should help to reduce the potential risk to your health and property.

Although these emergencies are a possibility, if you keep up with the best practices for preserving your propane accessories, you shouldn’t ever have to deal with a leak. When installing propane systems, technicians will check for leaks before okaying the line for use. You can also schedule routine tank inspections to ensure the security of your infrastructure.

As we mentioned before, it's important to keep in mind that there are instances where propane loses its smelly scent. The two main potential reasons this can occur is from underground leaks from gas lines, where the odor is filtered out through the soil, and rusting from moisture getting trapped inside the tank which can also filter out the odor. Inspections can help to pinpoint and nullify these cases, but a good rule of thumb is to never leave your tanks empty as that can allow moisture to get in and cause rusting to form.

Propane can be an invaluable asset to having full control over your energy grid, but like with any gaseous energy source, it comes with a bit of risk. Follow these steps to get the most out of your propane setup while maximizing the safety of your home.

Propane Pricing: What Factors Dictate the Price of Propane?

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 19:27:28 GMT

Propane Pricing: What Factors Dictate the Price of Propane?

Throughout the years, the price of propane has fluctuated quite a bit. From 1990 to 2020, the price has largely doubled from $1 to $2 per gallon. However, propane has seen greater average prices in the years leading up to now such as the winter of 2014 high point of $3.69 per gallon. But what factors cause these prices to shift, and what can propane enthusiasts look to to estimate their future expenses?

There are a variety of answers to this question, but probably the most obvious day-to-day factor comes from the fluctuation of temperatures throughout the seasons. Seasonal changes can shift prices around 20 cents which can be a big difference if you’re buying in bulk. Due to propane’s application for heating homes, supply can often dip in the colder months, which often means an increased price. Consumers can expect to get the best short-term deals in the warmer months when supply is high and consumers aren’t in dire need.

The power of supply and demand doesn’t stop there though. In the broader sense, it’s important to keep an eye on industries that rely on propane such as farming, heating, public transportation, and petrochemical production in addition to any new propane-fueled industries or fads that may pop up. If an industry is struggling, growing, or innovating in your state or local area, it may be safe to assume that there will be a price adjustment to match. It can take some research, but you can often see fluctuations based on these factors. Figuring out the pattern just right can help consumers pin down the best times to buy in bulk. A third important factor is the distance the propane travels to reach it’s retailer. Location is an important factor with any product, so it can be smart to shop around and compare prices for different regions and retailers. When buying propane in bulk, shipping will often be an add on to the price tag, so balancing out a low upfront cost and transportation cost can lead consumers to the optimal price for their area.

Another important aspect is the materials used to produce propane. In contrast to what most might assume, gas and oil prices are not the best indicators of the cost of propane in today’s market. Although propane has been regularly extracted from crude oil since it’s cultivation, the quickly advancing natural gas market has been creating processes that no longer require crude oil extraction to obtain propane. As of now, the production of propane is largely split evenly between the two methods, so it actually follows both industries. However, even if propane were strictly developed from extracting natural gas, this would not be a perfect correlation either, as there are many other factors that separate the retail of natural gas and propane such as the cost to produce, transport, and store each substance. Unlike propane, natural gas often requires cooling to optimize it’s space effectiveness during transportation. On the other hand, natural gas can also be directly linked to multiple locations with gas line systems, so the technology necessary to make either work can distort the cost relationship between natural gas and it’s propane extract. So, it is important to not only monitor natural gas activity in your area, but also the technological costs, materials, and advancements that allow each product to function and reach its consumer.

It is ill-advised to wait until the last minute to refill propane tanks as you may get stuck with a less than favorable price tag in the middle of the winter. Keep an eye on these important factors if you’re in the market for stocking up. Whether your propane use case is residential or industrial, nailing that good deal can save you a bundle down the road.

Propane Applications: What Are the Uses of Propane?

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:41:59 GMT

Propane Applications: What Are the Uses of Propane?

Most people think of grilling or camping when they think of propane, but, being the versatile energy source that it is, the hydrocarbon undoubtedly has many other uses that people may not consider.

Propane’s usefulness in residential settings extends far beyond cooking. Homes can be outfitted to use propane as a central heating fuel which is commonly used in rural locations where there may not be natural gas lines readily available.

However, rural areas aren’t the only places where this is appropriate. Propane is also an excellent fuel for backup generators as it boasts more efficiency than its competitors in categories like shelf life, energy per mass, and its footprint on the environment. This extends to applications like heating water or propane powered fireplaces, which can function as a backup in the event of a power outage. This gives propane users access to heating and cooking potential, while those relying solely on the power grid will be left waiting for the system to come back up. If you’re like my family back in the Winter of 2019, that could mean waiting 4 days without any power, heat, or electronics. We resorted to burning wood in our fireplace, but that stunk up the house with smoke. Propane powered utilities would have been the perfect thing to combat such a situation.

While we’re wiser about the risk of power grid dependence, the commercial sector is no stranger to this risk either. Many businesses like hotels utilize propane to power their amenities and keep things warm and running smoothly for their customers much in the same way you would want to keep your house as well equipped as possible. This is especially valuable for farmers who may have a variety of use cases spread across their land and need to power each device in a way that is adaptable and keeps their fields intact. Propane can power vehicles, irrigation pumps, and plant dryers on a farm to further optimize yield and is quite an important fuel to consider when planning out a farm’s workflow.

Similarly, propane is also a key factor to consider in industry. You’d imagine propane would be useful for powering machining technology and motor vehicles. But propane’s molecular properties don’t just act as a fuel source in this setting. In the case of chemical engineering, propane is also utilized as a resource that can go into various goods and materials such as synthetic fabrics, cleaning products, plastics, and even cosmetics.

With a wide variety of use cases, propane is still one of the most adaptable, mobile, and useful fuels out there. Take some time to consider how you could utilize propane to enhance your daily life.

Rural Energy: How Propane Can Energize the Off-the-Grid Lifestyle

Fri, 15 May 2020 20:33:48 GMT

Rural Energy: How Propane Can Energize the Off-the-Grid Lifestyle

Whether you’re an urbanite, who loves the hustle and bustle of society, or an enthusiast of rural living, drawn to the silence and naturalism of the countryside, current events have driven us all into the mindset of isolation. While, for many, this means inhabiting our homes until the pandemic passes, many others will be urged to use the opportunity to get away from their day-to-day lives in pursuit of adventures and entertainment far from the general population. This is where propane can help.

Propane, when compared to its competitors, is the most efficient energy solution for camping, cooking, and generating power and heat to rural buildings. Although not as prevalent as natural gas within city limits, the qualities of propane help its users to excel when away from residential gas lines, allowing them to freely take their energy anywhere that they go.

The great strength of propane boils down to its space to energy ratio. Unlike natural gas, which wields 1,030 BTU of energy per square foot and needs to be cooled to a liquid form in order to travel at maximum capacity, propane is a much more manageable compound. Wielding over double the energy per volume of natural gas without the need for cooling in order to reach liquid form, propane dominates the competition with 2,516 BTU of energy per square foot. When it comes to a truly mobile fuel source, it can’t be beat. The density of propane’s chemical energy pool is vital in reducing refill rates, bringing energy on the go, and for storing energy in bulk.

Propane offers more of a no-strings-attached approach to energy storage. For general camping devices, such as grills and camping stoves, there is no need for expensive, upfront installation costs like there is with other energy alternatives.

In fact, propane allows for a lot of scalability in how people decide to use it. Tanks range in sizes from standard 5 and 20 pound tanks to the installation of tanks that can hold anywhere from 500 to 30,000 gallons of propane. Additionally, these larger tanks can both be installed above and below ground without the price tag and headache of working within the rules of a residential energy grid.

Having such adaptive energy at your disposal lends to a lot of opportunities for using energy how you need it. If you opt for a larger, in-ground storage solution, you can even refill your own hand-held tanks for re-use with the help of an adapter.

To top it all off, propane is actually a clean-burning fuel, devoid of methane gas, and is completely non-toxic. It can even be used in custom engines for cars and boats, but often at the risk of losing some gas mileage due to the high energy output needed to run such vehicles at their maximum potential. However, propane is much more feasible in the case of home generators, as the fuel has a longer shelf life than petrol or diesel and boasts a quieter engine noise. Additionally, propane facilitates a longer engine life for generators, which is vital for long-term use.

Whether it is being used for a weekend camping trip, cook out, or helping someone to make the jump to moving completely off the grid, propane is a very powerful tool to consider when you need your fuel to be adaptable, storable, and nature-safe. If you need a fuel that can lead the charge into truly rural living, look no further than propane.

Know Your Fuel: Is Propane or Natural Gas the Smarter Choice for Central Heating?

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 18:07:25 GMT

Across the United States, cold weather can hit many regions hard. As homeowners see the temperatures drop, so too do they see their utilities rise as the cold months march on.

Home furnace systems use a variety of fuel sources to warm up houses. However, contrary to what homeowners might think, not all fuel sources are created equal.

Natural gas is the most popular heating source in America with an estimated 50% of residential homes utilizing natural gas lines to heat their rooms. Natural gas, based on varying prices, is largely the cheapest option on paper, which may be a factor in its popularity. Since the average cost of natural gas has been in decline throughout the years due largely to the growth of domestic fracking that has swept the United States, natural gas has seen prices fluctuate while propane has stayed consistently priced. Another large factor leading to natural gas’s popularity is that many residential homes that are built close to gas lines will often be mandated by local laws to use this method. Natural gas can be a cheap and accessible way to get energy if the gas line infrastructure is already put in place.

However, despite the low annual price tag, there are many other complications and additional costs that bring into question natural gas’s viability over the long term. For instance, installing natural gas lines in your home can be one of the most expensive energy systems to implement, running homeowners anywhere from $3,500-$10,000. Additionally, gas line infrastructure also requires upkeep. Pressure inconsistencies in gas lines will occasionally cause them to burst which will leave you with a bill if the rupture occurs on your property. Any work on gas lines will require digging through the ground, which can leave your lawn, flower beds, and other infrastructure with repair needs.

On top of installation costs, natural gas takes a large toll on the environment. The excavation of natural gas, otherwise known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves drilling deep into the ground and pumping chemically active water into the hole to loosen rock and release the gas. This process has been utilized in national parks and previously protected lands, which can cause irreversible damage to environments and the structural integrity of soil. Fracking has even caused small earthquakes in locations where it’s implemented.

On the other end of the process, natural gas also has harmful ecological implications when it is burned. Although the fuel source is a clean burning fuel, compared to coal, natural gas is still made up of a variety of hydrocarbons. Included in these various gases, methane, is one of the fuel sources most highly rejected by scientists for it’s dangers to the atmosphere. Methane gas is estimated to be 30 times more efficient at trapping heat than CO2, which could have disastrous implications on the planet’s ozone layer. Natural gas can be quite profitable over the long term but has many steep downsides that can lead to consequences in both price and a home’s ecological footprint.

Residential propane, on the other hand, is a much more ecologically friendly fuel source. Although it is still a product of petroleum and is one of the gasses that exist in natural gas, you can think of propane as a purified type of natural gas. Propane lacks the methane gas of its competitor and is also non-toxic. Breathing either gas disproportionate to oxygen intake can still cause symptoms of oxygen deprivation, so neither is entirely harmless. However, propane, within itself, is definitely safer than the hydrocarbon cocktail of natural gas, which includes nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and methane, all gases that have been proven to cause respiratory problems from long term exposure.

The other beneficial aspect of propane over natural gas is the mobility and versatility of the fuel. Propane is most prominently bought and transported through propane tanks and is optimal for more rural locations that might not have access to a dedicated natural gas line. Additionally, propane has over double the space efficiency of natural gas, yielding 2,516 BTU per square foot compared to natural gas’s yield of 1,030 BTU for the same volume. This makes propane a very viable option for “going off the grid” and is something people should take into consideration when purchasing products that require energy.

Like natural gas, there is a certain amount of installation required to fit propane heating onto a house. However, you’ll find that this cost is a bit lower and more consistent than the average cost for installing natural gas. Propane heating installation can cost $3,000 to $5,000, which beats out natural gas’s $3,500 – $10,000 initial cost.

There are many factors to weigh when choosing the correct fuel source for heating a building. Although natural gas can be cheaper, it’s important to keep in mind those hidden costs and consequences. Climate change might be a controversial topic in some circles, but cleaner air and water, along with protecting our natural wildlife is something we can all hopefully value.

Propane stands strong as one of the more sustainable and versatile fuel sources out there. You can feel a bit more secure knowing that natural gas prices have swung wildly throughout the years while the cost remains relatively the same for propane. Future climate legislation could shake this balance, so it’s good to stay vigilant on energy trends coming down the pipeline. At the end of the day, this decision comes down to annual trends, the location of the property, budget, and your goals towards energy efficiency.

A History of Propane and Where It’s Going

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:26:52 GMT

A History of Propane and Where It's Going

When the average person thinks of propane, we might envision grills, farm equipment, water heating, or blow torches. However, few consider the history of the dynamic energy source and the way in which it has gained traction throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries.

First synthesized in 1857 by the renowned French chemist, Pierre Eugene Marcellin Berthelot (1827 – 1907), propane was just one of many chemical compounds that would be discovered in Berthelot’s studies. Through chemical synthesis, the chemist was able to produce several sugars, fats, hydrocarbons, and more, leading to fundamental understandings in organic, inorganic, physical, agricultural, physiological, and industrial forms of chemistry. Although Berthelot was the first to discover propane gas, he would not be the first to recognize it as a fuel source. Berthelot wouldn’t see the rise of propane into a household tool during his lifetime. Instead, Berthelot’s discovery of propane and other chemical compounds led to fundamental advancements in the field of chemistry.

Contrary to the prevailing theories at the time, put forward by the Swedish chemist, Berzilius (1779 – 1848), that all organic compounds required organisms to synthesize new compounds, Berthelot’s scientific findings practiced chemical synthesis, often free of organisms, weighing heavy contradictory evidence against the understandings that had been put forward by Berzilius. Berthelot’s discoveries ultimately revealed that organic substances can be chemically manipulated in the same ways that affect inorganic matter, creating the groundwork for understanding that energy is the source of chemical change.

In addition to propane, Berthelot also synthesized many other hydrocarbons, such as the popular welding gas, acetylene, as well as, ethylene and methane. During the siege of Paris in 1870, as the President of the Scientific Committee of National Defense, Berthelot even used his scientific discoveries to construct explosives to fend off the invading German forces during the Franco-Prussian War.

Following Berthelot’s synthesis of propane, Dr. Edmund Ronalds, an industrial chemist and English academic, happened to discover the natural occurrence of propane dissolving out of Pennsylvania crude oil in 1867. This was the first discovery of propane occurring naturally, without synthesis. However, this discovery wouldn’t yield production implications until 43 years later, in 1910, when the chemist, Walter Snelling, would label propane as a volatile substance in crude oil and would begin manufacturing it for mass markets.

Snelling was the first to discover the energy potential of propane and other light gasses in oil while he worked as a researcher to make mining safer in West Virginia. Snelling labeled these lighter, high vapor pressure gasses as “wild gas” and gained a patent on the system of extracting these gasses out of raw oil. He also cultivated a process for creating liquified propane for travel and storage purposes. This method of transportation would be vital to the distribution of the product.

On March 31st, 1910, the New York Times reported on the innovation and unveiled to the world that “…a steel bottle will carry enough gas to light an ordinary home for three weeks.” The secret was out and Snelling was ready to take it big.

Establishing contact with a group of natural gas researchers, Snelling joined forces to open American Gasol Co. on November 11, 1911, in West Virginia. The company’s directors included Frank Peterson, C.L. Kerr, and Snelling, who held equal shares of the company. With Snelling’s patent for his LP gas process and another patent attributed to Peterson for a separate method of liquifying LP through compression, the pieces were in place to start growing the business.

In 1912, John Gahring would become the first person to purchase liquified petroleum. He made the switch for use in his home. Following slow initial growth, American Gasol Co. received funding from two financers in 1912 and, on August 25th, 1913, the directors were given an offer for the company from E. W. De Bower, who gave them a mere 30 minutes to decide whether or not to sell their company. The directors of American Gasol Co. reluctantly chose to sell the company for $50,000. Later that year, Snelling also sold his propane patent for an additional $50,000 to the founder of Phillips Petroleum, Frank Phillips. The story of propane would fall out of Snelling’s hands. In 1917 he would go on to work as a research chemist for Trojan Powder Company, maintaining his employment there through the World Wars and into his retirement.

As the years have gone by, propane’s usefulness has continued to grow as more devices are created to utilize it. The 1930s saw the implementation of aromatic gasses being added to propane to detect leaks. The gas that was added was often ethyl mercaptan, which smells of rotten eggs. The 30s also saw the implementation of railroad transportation for LP gasses and the use of propane in bottle factories.

By the beginning of the 1950s, over 60% of US houses had adopted propane or natural gas energy systems. The Chicago transportation system was even calling for propane powered bussing as the propane industry hit a national sales record of 7 billion gallons in 1958.

Past the turn of the century, US propane sales have soared even higher, eventually being valued as a $10 billion industry in 2004. Given the steady climb of the sale and development of propane and the growing climate concerns of the 21st century, the outlook is high for the industry. Some predictions even estimate that the propane industry will be worth $109 billion by 2027.

Starting as a small science experiment, propane has made it a long way to its place in the United States and other societies all around the world. Sometimes, we may take commonplace materials, such as propane, for granted, but there is no doubt that these discoveries have had a significant influence on how we are able to manufacture products, travel, and live our lives each and every day.