Propane Why We Use It And WHere It Comes From


Owensboro ky propane

Propane is something that we rely upon on a regular basis. As you’ll read in this article, there are plenty of different uses for propane. It can be used in the city and in rural areas. Many people use water heating with propane; and many more use propane services to heat their homes. But despite the fact that propane has become an integral part of so many lives, some of us know very little about it — or even what it really is. Consider propane an unsung hero of sorts. It’s one of the main gas products used in the United States, and yet some don’ even know where it comes from. As with any product — and in particular fuel products — the more you know about propane, the better and more safely you will be able to use it. There are many different advantages to using propane, which is why it’s only rising in popularity. With that being said, let’s look into what is behind propane, and how it can be used on a broader basis. That way, if you’re ever faced with the choice between propane and another type of fuel — the choice will be easy to make.

Propane: What It Really Is

As with any essentially “invisible” product, propane is difficult for some people to wrap their minds around. In fact, the workings of propane are fairly simple, in the big picture. Existing both as a liquid and a gas, propane has an atmospheric pressure and temperatures above -44 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s non-toxic, colorless, and odorless. To make it easier to work with, it has an identifying odor added to it. This way, it can be detected, which adds to the safety of the product. As an energy source, propane is very versatile and used by a diverse clientele. You would be surprised by how many people take advantage of water heating with propane — and just as many people use propane for a number of other purposes. It’s used by over 9 million families for tankless water heaters, furnaces, stovetops, outdoor grills, fireplaces, generators, and much more. It’s clean, cost-effective, efficient, and reliable. How propane exists depends on its container. When contained by a cylinder or take, it can exist as either a liquid or vapor. The vapor is clean-burning fuel gas. However, propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid. Therefore, it’s much easier to transport in its liquid form.

What Do We Use Propane For?

Why do we use propane? Water heating with propane has become increasingly common since the invention of tankless water heaters. In fact, many prefer water heating with propane to any other water heating method. But that’s not the only reason why people prefer propane, and it’s not the only purpose it serves. Propane is actually very commonly used among farmers, and it’s practically a necessity for those in the agriculture industry. It’s often used for irrigation pumps, grain dryers, standby generators, and other types of farming equipment — by an estimated 660,000 farmers. Propane is essential for tasks like crop drying, flame cultivation, fruit ripening, space and water heating, and food refrigeration. Overall, propane is used by 60 million people in the United States, as well as 8.1 million households. In fact, of those households, 4.6% use propane as their main heating source. Propane is also used by over one million commercial establishments, including hotels, Laundromats, restaurants, and more. They use propane much in the same way those households do.

Where Does Our Propane Come From?

Like any energy source, propane has to come from somewhere. 90% of the U.S.’s supply of propane is produced domestically, while the rest is imported. 70% of the imported amount comes from Mexico and Canada. Equal amounts are believed to come from the refining of crude oil and from natural gas processing. Propane is readily available, with environmental benefits that are recognized in the scientific community.


Leave a Reply