Propane Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is propane safe to use in
my home?
Propane is a safe fuel to use in your home and business. Propane has
a narrow range of flammability and cannot be ingested like gasoline
or alcohol fuels because it is released as a vapor from a
pressurized container. In addition, award-winning preventive
maintenance programs like GAS Check (Gas Appliance System Check)
ensure that homeowners understand how to properly maintain their
propane appliances and enjoy a healthy, safe environment.
Q. Is propane dangerous to the environment?
No. Propane is an approved, clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air
Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is one of the
cleanest burning of all fossil fuels. Tests conducted by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency show that propane-fueled vehicles
produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50
percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than
gasoline engines. Propane also is nontoxic, so it’s not harmful to
soil or water.
Q. How can I be sure I’m handling propane
gas properly in my home?
The propane industry has developed a comprehensive maintenance
program called Gas Check, in which trained technicians inspect
propane systems and appliances in homes to ensure they are running
safely and efficiently. The program also educates homeowners about
proper maintenance of propane appliances and how to handle propane
safely. Contact your local propane retailer for details on this
program.
Q. Is propane really a convenient fuel?
Yes. In the United States there are approximately 70,000 miles
of interstate pipelines and more than 25,000 retail dealers making
propane readily available for most homeowners.
Propane is stored in portable tanks, so it can be used in areas
beyond gas mains. To fuel homes, large tanks can be buried
underground because propane is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that
doesn’t contaminate aquifers or soil.
Refueling a propane vehicle takes about the same
amount of time as refueling a gasoline vehicle. Nationwide, propane
refueling infrastructure consists of more than 10,000 public and
private sites.
Q. Who uses propane?
Propane is a trusted and reliable energy source that is used by
millions of Americans each day. It fulfills energy needs by burning
cleanly and efficiently, giving consumers more value for their
energy dollar. People use propane in and around their homes for
furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, outdoor grills,
fireplaces, and appliances; on farms for uses such as pest control,
crop drying, and irrigation pumps; for industrial uses such as
forklifts and fleet vehicles; and in millions of commercial
establishments, including restaurants and hotels that depend on
propane for heating, cooking, and other uses.
Q. Where do I go to find out more about
Propane?
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) was formed to
promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a
preferred energy source. PERC is committed to educating the public
about propane and propane safety. To contact PERC, call 202-452-8975
or visit the PERC website at
www.usepropane.com.
Sources:
National Propane Gas Association/Propane Education & Research
Council (2003)
U.S. Department of Energy (2003)
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (2003)
Governor’s Ethanol Coalition (2003)
