One of the most environmentally friendly methods for providing heat to a building is propane gas.

When you own property, it is your responsibility to take care of it. Whether you live in the building, lease it out to other individuals, or allow business tenants to occupy the space, it must be kept comfortable for human use. A big part of maintaining a comfortable space is the utility systems that you have set up.

In particular, providing heat to the property is important, especially if you live in areas that experience cold weather. However, even without chilly temperatures, you still have heating needs for warm water and cooking. The fuel source for your home or commercial property affects the environment, so it is important to make a decision that is earth-conscious.

The majority of homes and offices may rely on natural gas or electricity to keep the interior spaces warm, but propane is another option to consider. Let’s discuss some of the differences between propane and other heating resources and why it is a greener option than most.

What is Propane?

Propane is a liquid gas that is a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It is separated from other gases and chemicals during this production process and can then be stored as a separate fuel.

This is part of the reason why it is more environmentally friendly than natural gas since it does not contain many of the harmful greenhouse gases. Manufacturers then sell this propane in tanks or as a refillable fuel for property owners who have tanks.

You can either rent a propane tank from a supplier or find propane tanks for sale so you can shop around for the best rates once you own and install the storage tank.

Storage Differences

One of the main differences you’ll notice if you start using the fuel is how it is stored. If you heat your home with natural gas, then that gas is simply pulled from the public pipeline that is attached to your property.

Whenever you turn on your stove or the furnace comes on, it starts to pull gas from that source. Propane is stored in a tank either above ground or below ground outside the building. The size of the tank will depend on the heating needs of the property.

Some owners may not like the sight of a large propane tank in their yard, so there is the option to have it buried underground.

Environmental Impact

Using propane as a fuel source is a great way to promote a greener earth. First, the burning emits far less pollution than natural gas usage. For example, methane is a gas that gets released into the atmosphere whenever natural gas is used for a heating purpose.

The burning does not release any methane into the atmosphere. This cuts down on the amount of greenhouse gases that your property is contributing to the atmosphere. It also releases less carbon dioxide than natural gas.

If you cannot plant a tree to help save the earth and make up for the CO2 your natural gas usage releases, then switching to this fuel is another way to cut down on this greenhouse gas.

Adopting Propane Systems

Perhaps the idea of propane as a cleaner fuel source sounds appealing. Maybe you want to make this an option for your tenants or your own home. Fortunately, it is not as complicated to transition to a propane system.

If you already have a building that uses natural gas for heating, then there are just a few components to install or replace to adopt the propane tank as your new heating source. Additionally, a property heated by electricity will not have to undergo massive changes.

The initial costs for propane heating are higher than other systems, but the long-term benefits and impact on the environment can easily outweigh those expenses. You can even use propane as an alternative fuel for vehicles by purchasing a car that uses this type of fuel system.

The Benefits of Propane

Several advantages have already been mentioned for propane. First and foremost, it is a greener fuel alternative that produces fewer greenhouse gases. Second, you can buy a tank yourself to take advantage of competitive rates from suppliers.

Another benefit is that it can be an easy conversation starter with your children. If you want to teach your children about being environmentally conscious, then your propane system is a simple way to get started. You can tell them about greenhouse gases and how propane is better for the earth. Switching to propane can be a good decision for your carbon footprint and your bank account.

Is Propane the Future of Heating?

Currently, electricity and natural gas still dominate the heating market. However, as more people come to understand the differences between propane and other fuel sources, more property owners will continue to make the switch.

Society is trending toward caring more about the environment, and simple changes like using this fuel may become far more popular because of this movement.