What is propane gas?
Propane is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP gas, or LPG. It is produced from either natural gas processing or crude oil refining. About 90 percent of our propane is produced in America, making it a stable, domestic energy source. It is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless – but, for your protection, odor is added so it can be easily detected when necessary. The chemical odorant that is added is called ethyl mercaptan, which has a strong smell similar to rotten eggs.
Propane is an environmentally responsible fuel. It is much cleaner than home heating oil, kerosene, or electricity. It is also up to 99 percent efficient. Coal-burning, electric power plants emit twice as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as propane, at a 28 percent efficiency rate. Propane is a valuable alternative to electricity and significantly reduces emission of greenhouse gases.
Compact and easy to transport, Blossman propane is delivered to the most remote areas of a community, as well as local neighborhoods that don’t have access to natural gas.
Is propane flammable?
- Propane has a narrow range of flammability. The propane/air mix must contain 2.2 to 9.6 percent propane vapor to ignite. Any less than 2.2 percent and the mixture is too lean to burn. Any more than 9.6 percent and the mixture is too rich to burn.
- Propane will not ignite when combined with air unless the source of ignition reaches at least 940°F. In contrast, gasoline will ignite when the source of ignition reaches 430° to 500°F.
- Propane is released as a vapor from a pressurized container. Propane is stored as a liquid in its tank. In the unlikely event that liquid propane leaks, it will vaporize and dissipate into the air.
Who uses propane?
Propane is used by homeowners, businesses, and organizations. Many industries are increasingly choosing propane to cost-effectively fuel vehicles and equipment while lowering emissions. Propane can be used to power a variety of applications and equipment for residential and commercial construction, on road vehicles, landscape management, material handling, and agricultural needs.
What size propane tank is needed for my home?
Blossman Gas can help you navigate any decisions you need to make about your propane tank. We will provide guidance on appropriately sizing the tank – the average size is 500 gallons, but it may need to be larger or smaller depending on the propane systems installed in your home.
Can I put the tank anywhere in my yard to make it less visible?
Propane offers above- or below-ground tank options to maintain the aesthetics of your home. If your tank is buried underground, the propane supplier refills the tank via a small dome visible in your yard. There are regulations as to where the propane tank can be placed; Blossman Gas will work with you to ensure your tank is properly placed.
Does my propane tank get refilled automatically?
At Blossman Gas, you have the option to receive automatic deliveries or be a “will-call” customer.
Why is my tank not at 100% after just being filled?
This is known in the industry as “the 80/20 rule,” and it’s done for a very important reason: safety. Propane will expand when its temperature rises. This is why your propane delivery driver needs to leave extra space in your tank to allow for propane to safely expand. Aboveground propane tanks are typically filled to about 80% capacity; underground tanks can be filled slightly higher because they are insulated against the heat.
Can propane be used as an emergency fuel source in my home?
Yes! Propane is used in 48 million households for home heating and water heating, indoor and outdoor cooking, clothes drying, fireplaces, backup power, and outdoor living.
Why should I use propane appliances in my home?
With an all-propane home, you’ll enjoy greater efficiency and energy savings compared with all-electric homes. Propane also offers comfort, reliability, and peace of mind for your family.
Why is propane a smart energy choice for my business?
Propane keeps a business running at peak performance. Using propane appliances can help business owners slash energy costs and deliver key performance amenities that are vital to their business.
What type of construction projects can use propane?
Propane can be used in nearly any type of business or organization that is being built off the natural gas line. Restaurants and retail buildings, schools, religious buildings, hotels and resorts, hospitals, apartments and condos, and recreation facilities can all reap the benefits of propane.