Using Propane For Heating And Cooling
With the limited availability of natural gas and the rising cost of oil, there is a good reason that people are switching to propane because it is one of the most cost-efficient options in the marketplace today. People in the Philadelphia area are realizing the benefits of propane over the disadvantages of oil, natural gas, and electricity.
When comparing propane furnaces and fuel oil, oil has 30% higher emissions. Plus, propane heaters need almost no maintenance and because of this, have almost zero annual maintenance costs! With the added benefit of having the option to store the tanks above or underground, homeowners and commercial buildings are discovering the benefits.
Homeowners can usually expect to get about 20 years from their propane furnace, whereas electric heat pumps only last an average of 12 years. Additionally, when propane for gas fireplaces is compared to wood-burning fireplaces they emit 40 times fewer emissions and cost a staggering amount less to operate. Pool heaters are even becoming a more popular option than traditional electric heating.
It’s easy to see that propane heating is making a big impact on homes and businesses alike. Contact us now to learn about our propane furnaces and the rest of our propane services.
More on Propane For Heating And Cooling
Installing a propane tank: What to consider!
So, you have finally decided to install a propane tank after much consultation and due diligence. Well, that is a smart decision because propane is a very efficient, versatile, and safe source of energy. However, there are many things you have to consider, look out for and do before installing the propane tank. You have to buy materials, find the right technician and choose the right dimensions.
We have put out some of the essential questions you have to ask yourself before you do the installation.
How close should the propane tank be to my house?
Before installing a propane tank, you have to scout for the best location to put the said tank. The best thing we advise you to do is put that propane tank at least 10 feet away from your property and any source of ignition or electricity.
Also, as a rule of thumb, the propane tank should be visible from your driveway, so when you’re refilling, putting it in, or taking it out, it is easily accessible.
What size propane tank do I need?
To ensure you get the best out of the propane tank installation, you will need the right size of the propane tank. However, you should be aware of how the propane tank is measured—sometimes, it is estimated based on the amount of liquid it can hold in gallons, and other times it is calculated based on how heavy it is empty or full.
Anyway, to have a general idea of the size, you need to note the following.
- A 20lb or 5-gallon tank is best for small appliances you have like grills
- A 33lb or 8-gallon tank is generally used in construction and not in homes
- A 100lb or 25-gallon tank is used for places that need to be mobile but consume energy a lot, e.g., food trucks.
- A 200lb or 57-gallon tank produces heat in households and runs big appliances.
- A 420lb or 120-gallon tank is ideal for running big applications for a long while
- A 500-gallon tank is suitable for commercial spaces.
- A 1000-gallon or 2000-gallon tank is used in large commercial property 3500 or 6,000 square feet, respectively.
Storing your propane
Will my propane ever go bad or expire?
Having propane as an energy source will give you serious peace of mind because it doesn’t expire or go bad. Yes, so you can leave it for long periods and come back, and it will still work as well and efficiently as ever.
Will my propane freeze during an extreme cold?
One of the primary uses of propane is heating, so it is bound to be used in very cold regions. Even in a very temperate area, you may not have to worry because propane freezes at -44 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it contracts when cold and reduces in level. So, make sure you fill up your propane tank when the weather goes cold.
Finally, to ensure you don’t encounter any problems after installing a propane tank, make sure you call experts like us to the rescue.