February 2025
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Propane,
A Clean Energy Source
What is Propane?
Propane (often referred to as LP or LPG) is a clean-burning, safe, and energy efficient fuel that is widely used for a variety of household needs such as space and water heating, cooking, fireplaces, drying, and backup generators.
This, as well as outdoor living like grilling, firepits, lighting, and pools. Propane is naturally odorless and colorless, so a chemical called ethyl mercaptan is added, giving it its distinctive odor, which resembles sulfur. This aids in leak detection.
A Clean Energy Source
In terms of carbon emissions, propane is one of the cleanest fuels available. Carbon emission is measured by how much carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced per unit of burned fuel¹. Propane’s CO2 emission is 12.68 pounds. Compared to other heating fuels, propane’s low emissions make it one of the most environmentally friendly heating solutions. See the chart below to learn more about CO2 emissions for some of the most commonly used fuels and how propane measures up against them.
Propane is not a greenhouse gas; it does not trap heat and contribute to global warming. Though propane is made from purified methane (CH4), it does not share in its damaging emissions rate. Instead, propane’s low emission places it near renewable energy sources on the carbon continuum and “designate[s] [it as] a clean energy alternative under the Energy Policy Act of 1992”³.
High Energy
Not only does propane have low CO2 emissions, but it is also very energy efficient. Energy sources that need to be piped or transmitted lose energy from source-to-site. This is especially true in the case of electricity, which has a source-site ratio of 3:1, where every 3kW of source energy only results in about 1kW of energy at site-of-use. That’s a lot of energy waste! Propane’s source-site energy ratio is 1:1, meaning that no energy is lost from source-to-site³.
Indoor Air Quality
What about indoor air quality? This is a common question, especially in terms of using gas stoves. Since propane is clean burning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not consider it to contribute to adverse air quality inside the home. If you use a gas stove, it is recommended that you periodically have a trained technician inspect your stove to assure it’s continued safe use3. For more information on maintaining air quality in your home, visit epa.gov.
Why Does Propane Work This Way?
Though propane, like all hydrocarbon gases, is flammable, its molecular structure makes it very stable. This means it is safer to store, transport, and use than other types of gases. Propane, or C3H8 as it is called in the chemical world, belongs to a family of gases called Alkanes. Alkanes, unlike its sister gases Alkenes and Alkynes, contain only single covalent bonds.
Covalent bonding is when atoms (in this case, carbon and hydrogen) bond by way of sharing electrons. Why does this matter? Well, this is the strongest and most sustainable form of bonding. Chemicals that are composed of covalent bonding are far less reactive and don’t deteriorate when stored correctly4. In the case of propane, it is important to keep it stored in an airtight container and away from flames or any point
of ignition.
The Breakdown
Propane that is stored correctly will not “expire”. So, even if your propane use is limited to keeping your pool heated in the summer, you won’t need to worry about it going to waste over the winter months. Keep in mind, even though the propane will remain viable, tanks do eventually require repair or replacement. It is suggested that you get your tank(s) inspected annually to check for leaks, signs of physical damage, and valve functioning. Our service team is available for equipment maintenance and emergencies 24/7. If you ever think you smell propane gas, evacuate and call us immediately at 603-898-7986.
Propane gas is the clean and energy-efficient fuel used in over 50 million homes in America today. If you are interested in learning more about it, we’d love to hear from you! Our customer service team can provide you with supplemental literature and links, as well as connect you with a knowledgeable member of our sales team for a no-obligation consult. You can reach us by phone at 603-898-7986 or email us at info@palmergas.com.
Sources:
- Walsh, Shelby. “How to Measure Your Carbon Emissions.” Carbon Direct, 5 Feb. 2024, www.carbon-direct.com/insights/how-to-measure-your-carbon-emissions.
- “U.S. Energy Information Administration – EIA – Independent Statistics and Analysis.” EIA, 18 Sept. 2024, www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/co2_vol_mass.php.
- Council, Propane Education & Research. “Myth Busting.” Propane, 26 Mar. 2024, propane.com/environment/myth-busting/.
- “Covalent Bond.” Covalent Bond – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, 2023, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/covalent-bond.