Is Propane Really “Green”?

Yes!

Compared to other fossil fuels, propane ranks among the highest in terms of how cleanly it burns. Compared to electricity, propane also offers unique benefits to the environment. Some of these benefits are clear when you compare an all-electric home to one that uses propane for heating. The propane home will produce up to 30% fewer carbon emissions. A home that uses propane for heating as well as for water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and space heating will generate up to 50% fewer carbon emissions than an all-electric house.

Propane appliances are significantly more efficient than their electric counterparts. That efficiency produces a smaller carbon footprint. For example, a propane water heater can produce the same quantity of hot water in 1/2 the time it would take an electric water heater. Propane clothes dryers work 1/4 faster than electric dryers. And propane space heaters are significantly more efficient than electric space heaters. All that additional efficiency really adds up. It’s better for the environment and it better for your budget.

You can also have a tremendous amount of peace of mind when you use propane. It’s non-toxic. In the rare event of a leak, propane won’t endanger the environment. There’s no harm to the air, soil, water, plants, or water-based organisms.

Some propane stats

Here are a few more facts about propane and why it’s considered green:

1. Propane is the only alternative fuel included in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy Act.
2. Propane is the lightest and simplest hydrocarbon on earth.
3. As one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels, propane produces virtually no greenhouse gas.
4. The vast majority (roughly 90%) of America’s propane supply is produced domestically or in Canada, so the carbon footprint associated with its transportation is smaller than that of fuels which must be brought to the U.S. from abroad. And its price and availability isn’t subject to international variables.

Drawbacks to electricity

Although electricity is often hailed as a green option, it has its drawbacks. Most of America’s electricity is generated by coal-burning power plants. That helps to make electricity our country’s second-largest source of greenhouse gases. Only transportation produces more.

Additionally, when you calculate the energy required for extraction, processing, and transportation, propane is 87% efficient and electricity is only 32% efficient.

Propane Delivery in New England

Founded in 1952, Hocon has grown to be one of the largest family-owned propane and heating oil distributors in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. Click here to find the branch serving your neighborhood.

Because of our size, Hocon is able to provide our customers with safe, reliable propane delivery at competitive prices. Our tremendous staff also sells, installs, repairs, and services an array of appliances and heating systems.

Contact Hocon today to experience the best service around.