Are Propane Appliances Efficient?

Propane Packs a Lot Energy Power

Did you know that propane appliances are some of the most energy-efficient products on the market today? Let’s look at traditional storage tank propane water heaters as one example. When new and properly sized, propane water heaters generate abundant amounts of hot water, so you don’t have to worry about your morning shower running cold. Plus, innovative propane tankless water heaters produce virtually unlimited hot water on demand — using even less fuel than storage tank models.

Additionally, propane gas dryers also get your laundry dry fast and leave few wrinkles, cutting down on your ironing chores.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg for high-performance propane products. There are also professional-quality propane gas cooktops and ovens, dependable standby propane generators, propane gas fireplaces, outdoor propane products and much more.

Are Propane Gas Appliances Safe for My Home?

As a propane consumer, you can rest assured that propane is one of the safest sources of home energy available today when managed, stored and used per industry-standard safety guidelines and practices.

By the same token, all propane gas appliances are also safe to use, assuming they have been installed and maintained properly according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

Reasons Why Propane Gas Is Safe

Here are just a few of the reasons why propane is one of the safest ways to power your Florida home.

• Propane leaks are easy to detect due to their strong rotten egg odor (the smell is due to the ethyl mercaptan that manufacturers add to the naturally odorless gas). If you should detect this odor, be sure to follow proper safety protocols. Link to propane safety
• The propane industry is regulated by strict federal compliance codes, along with numerous state and municipal fire and safety laws.
• Propane will not ignite until the air reaches 940° F. Propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels (2.4– 9.5%). There must be a very specific combination of propane and oxygen to allow propane to burn.
• If liquid propane ever leaks, it vaporizes into the air, leaving no mess and no toxic burden on the environment; propane cannot contaminate water or soil.
• Propane tanks are constructed from carbon steel, under procedures developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
• All propane cylinders with capacities between four and 40 pounds must be equipped with an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) that cuts off the filling process when the tank reaches 80% capacity. This allows the propane gas room to expand safely when outdoor temperatures rise.
• All propane cylinders and tanks must be equipped with a pressure relief valve that opens to reduce excessive internal pressure in abnormal conditions.

Why Your Propane Gas Flame Should Be Blue

If your propane gas burner is working properly, the flame that comes out should be blue. However, if your propane flame is yellow or orange, it means the gas is not burning completely, which could cause a carbon monoxide buildup.

As you would expect, an orange or yellow flame’s temperature is much lower, at around 1,832° F. That’s about half the temperature of a normal blue flame. If you notice that your propane gas flame is not burning blue, it’s important to reach out to your propane service provider. They can adjust your gas burner to ensure your propane gas is burning safely and efficiently.

Tennessee Rebates for Propane Appliances

If you’re ready to replace your old propane appliances or add new ones, get in touch with your Tennessee propane company.

They’ll be glad to walk you through the process, and they can also tell you about current Tennessee rebates that will help you save money on a range of new propane equipment.

When you install any propane-powered equipment, it’s essential that you bring in a licensed propane technician. Propane equipment is extremely safe when installed properly. But as with all energy sources, improper installation can be dangerous. Certified propane technicians have the training, experience, and tools to do the job quickly, correctly, and safely.

You can only take advantage of available rebates if your installation undergoes a safety check. Please speak to your Tennessee propane company about this safety check.