Using Home Propane This Winter

Propane is a hydrocarbon of the molecular formula C3H8 and is comprised of Carbon and Hydrogen. It is produced as a by-product of two processes, petroleum refining and natural gas processing, which involves the removal of propane, butane and large amounts of ethane from natural gas. It can also be produced as a by-product during the conversion of petroleum into gasoline.

Propane is a liquid petroleum gas meaning it is stored as a liquid under pressure until it is later utilized as gas. It is highly flammable, meaning it is highly combustible, easily used as a fuel source for hot air balloons and home cooking appliances.

Propane is very cheap and affordable when compared to other energy sources like electricity. It is a clean fuel as it produces water and carbon dioxide during combustion. Propane boilers are easy to maintain and can be used widely as in dryers, cooking, fireplaces, outdoor heating, lighting and grilling.

For household purposes, people may either lease or buy propane tanks. Leasing is however, advantageous because the maintenance of the tank, protection of the user and propane deliveries are the responsibility of the propane company that owns the tank.

More people choose to buy propane over other fuels such as electricity and gasoline due to the increased comfort it provides. For example, propane furnaces heat faster and warmer than electric heaters, provides advanced features that make it efficient and thus has increased value. Propane is also more eco-friendly when compared to wood, coal or heating oil.

Propane prices are not government regulated but market is driven by supply and demand. Exchange and delivery of propane tanks are quicker and easier for clients as there are usually no extra costs for transportation.

Some propane delivery exceptions include:

• A special delivery charge for an off-route propane delivery.

• An emergency delivery charge when a customer requires a propane delivery after normal business hours.

• There is an automatic delivery charge for propane customers that want a consistent, predictable delivery.

About the Author:

This article was written by ThompsonGas. The 16th largest retail propane company in the U.S., ThompsonGas has been family owned and operated since 1946. The propane gas dealer provides cheap propane for residential and commercial propane gas service to customers across 10 states in the East and Southeast.