How Does a Propane Pool Heater Work?

Enjoy Your Pool More, Heat It with Propane

A propane pool heater simply burns gas to warm water from the pool pump, then cycles the water back into the pool. That’s why propane pool heaters are an ideal choice for in-ground and aboveground pools and spas.

But you may ask, do I really need a pool heater in the first place?

For starters, while average temperatures in New York enable the typical swim season to last from late May through early September, we still have to contend with some below-average temperature days and evenings during that time.

And what will your plan be or the rest of the year—especially if you’re someone who enjoys a daily swim as a fun form of aerobic exercise? It seems a shame to travel elsewhere and just let that backyard swimming pool go to waste.

That’s where the best pool heaters come in. There are a few different types, each of which offers its own benefits to help keep your pool warmer when the temperatures cool down.

It goes without saying—but we’ll say it anyway—that our obvious choice should be a high-efficiency propane pool heater (sometimes referred to as a gas pool heater). It’s a popular option because propane pool heaters can quickly heat your pool to your desired temperature. Many people feel that this is the best pool heater around.

If you rely on one propane fuel and service provider, they know your home’s heating source and can seamlessly integrate your pool heater and install it quickly and properly for you. Your propane service professional can also take care of annual maintenance to ensure your pool heater runs problem-free.

What Are the Best Propane Pool Heaters?

The best propane pool heaters are:

• easy to install and maintain
• efficient
• durable and reliable
• eco-friendly
• available in a number of sizes and colors

Propane Pool Heaters Vs. Other Options

Propane pool heaters have distinct advantages over other pool heater types, including:

• Electric heat pump heaters – While these are more cost-effective than using a simple electric element pool heater, electric heat pump pool heaters need to use surrounding air to warm water in the pool – which means it can only produce water that’s slightly warmer than the temperature of the air. That’s a problem if you feel like a swim when there’s a chill in the air.
• Solar pool heaters –These have higher upfront costs and take longer to heat your pool compared to a propane pool heater. A solar system also doesn’t work at night and its operation is limited on cloudy days when the sun isn’t at its brightest. So, this type of pool heater is limited in how much heat it can provide. If you enjoy midnight swims, solar pool heaters aren’t for you.
• Natural gas pool heaters –Propane pool heaters give you the same performance of natural gas heaters without the expensive hardware and hassle needed to connect the pool heater to your home’s gas line.

To learn more about propane pool heaters and the many other ways you can take full advantage of propane inside and outside your home, reach out to your New York propane service provider and they’ll be glad to give you advice.

Read about the many benefits of using propane beyond pool heaters.

Ways to Use Propane in Your Home

Home Heating, Cooking, Hot Water and Much More

Consumer surveys have shown that while propane customers have high levels of satisfaction with both their fuel and their local supplier, most don’t realize all the ways propane can be used in the home.

But if you swap out your old electric appliances for those that are fueled by propane, you’re doing your part to help the environment. That’s because the average propane-powered home reduces carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30% compared to all-electric homes. What’s more, direct use of propane for space heating, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%.

Here’s a look at some of the many propane appliances and propane-powered equipment you can use in and around your New York home.

Plenty of Hot Water with Propane

For both traditional propane storage tanks and propane tankless on-demand water heaters, you’ll see more than just an increase in your supply of hot water.

You’ll also see savings since propane water heaters are generally less expensive to run when compared to electric heating units – even with a hot water recovery rate that’s about double that of electric models.

Taking up less space than other options, propane water heaters offer a higher level of accuracy in temperature adjustments and more choices when it comes to size and installation.

Propane Furnace: Heat Your Entire Home

When outdoor temperatures drop, a propane furnace will keep your home warm and cozy. Heat from your high-powered propane furnace will get the job done rather than leave you with a big chill like old, inefficient electric heat systems often do.

Propane furnaces can generate higher indoor temperatures than the typical electric heat pump. They’re highly efficient and will heat your home with thermal energy that does not require a backup system, saving you money on heating expenses.

Dry Your Clothes

Cut your clothes-drying costs in half with a propane-fueled dryer! These units take less time than electric dryers to reach the temperatures needed to dry clothes evenly.

Their moist heat also causes less wear and tear on your clothing, while the heat from electric dryers has been known to burn or discolor fabrics. Once your selected level of dryness is achieved, moisture-sensing controls turn your propane dryer off.

Keep these benefits in mind as you look for the propane dryer that’s right for you—whether it’s for a weekly laundry marathon or the occasional light load.

Cozy Ambiance with A Propane Fireplace

If you have an old wood-burning fireplace, it’s easy to convert to a safe, clean-burning propane gas insert. Here are several reasons to consider doing so.

• Propane gas fireplaces are virtually maintenance-free and come in many different styles.
• There’s no need for you to ever add another log or discard ashes afterward.
• Propane gas fireplaces are less of a fire risk than wood.
• Propane fireplaces produce a much lighter environmental footprint than traditional wood fireplaces. They produce fewer particulate emissions and less carbon monoxide compared with wood-burning fireplaces.
• Propane gas fireplaces provide higher efficiency than other options, producing twice as much heat as wood fireplaces but only costing about a third of the price.

Now You’re Cooking

Looking for more precise temperature control when you cook? A propane gas stove/cooktop is your answer, without the many limitations that come with an electric stove. You’ll enjoy a quicker response to temperature changes, especially when you’re lowering the temperature or shutting off the heat entirely.

Use Propane in Your Yard

Enjoy the advantages of propane in your backyard as well! Your options include propane patio heaters, propane pool heaters, propane-fueled firepits and propane lighting.

Of course, the most popular use of propane outdoors is the reliable propane grill, which lets you skip the dangerous chemicals, starter-fluid smell and mess that come with charcoal grills. You’ll enjoy improved cooking performance also, whether you’re using a simple, portable grill or a high-tech, built-in design.

Read more about propane appliances.

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

Not All Water Heaters Need to Store Hot Water

If people were asked to describe a water heater, they might say it looks a lot like a giant tin can. Of course, what they would be describing is the storage tank for a typical water heater. The many gallons of water inside the tank stays heated thanks to a gas burner located at the bottom of the tank. If you have an electric water heater, your water stays hot due to electric heating elements. But not all hot water heaters need to store hot water.

Many of the new water heaters being installed today in New York and elsewhere simply heat water on-demand, accessing water directly from a water pipe. This type of unit is called a tankless water heater. Often fueled by propane gas, a tankless water heater is a great way to lower your energy bills while making the process of heating water much more efficient.

Additionally, tankless water heaters require such a small space that you will actually be able to reclaim all that square footage your old water heater was taking up. Most tankless units hang on a wall and are about the size of a small suitcase. You can expect them to last about twice as long as a standard storage-tank water heater.

How A Tankless Water Heater Works

A tankless system eliminates the standby energy losses that occur in storage-tank systems because they only heat water on demand. A propane instant water heater is compact in size, provides superior energy efficiency, and delivers a plentiful supply of hot water.

That’s because a tankless water heater can average a flow rate of about 222 gallons per hour, more than three times the delivery rate of a standard 50-gallon electric storage-tank water heater (62 gallons in the first hour). This dramatic difference in performance can mean the difference between taking a hot shower or a cold shower!

With a tankless water heater: when you turn on your hot water faucets or an appliance like a dishwasher, water is circulated through the tankless unit’s heat exchanger and delivered on-demand. Your energy efficiency will improve up to 40% and you’ll have access to unlimited amounts of hot water. That’s because you won’t have to worry anymore about your hot water tank draining and having to refill and reheat.

And while it’s true that a tankless propane water heater has a higher upfront cost than a traditional storage-tank water heater, you can save a lot of money on your water heating bills. Those savings certainly add up as the years go by.

Propane Tankless Water Heaters: 9 Benefits

1. Tankless water heaters deliver a virtually endless supply of water.
2. Their compact size saves roughly 12 square feet of floor space.
3. These systems are on-demand, so they heat water only when it’s needed. That feature eliminates standby losses that occur in systems with hot water storage tanks like the typical electric storage tank water heater.
4. On average, they save about $150 per year in energy costs compared with typical electric storage water heaters.
5. They generate 50-60% lower carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions compared with electric water storage tank systems.
6. Propane tankless systems also qualify for rebates, which can make them even more cost-effective.
7. Unlike with storage tank water heaters, you won’t have to worry about gallons of water spilling into your home if a major leak occurs.
8. Because the air supply and exhaust vents of a tankless water heater are sealed, carbon monoxide gas can’t leak into your home because of a back-drafting issue.
9. Tankless units make your home more energy-efficient while adding to its value as well.

So why not heat as much water as you need without paying to keep it stored? Remember, with a tankless model, you benefit from a constant supply. Simply turn on the hot water faucet!

You can read about the pros and cons of a tankless unit if you’re considering a water heater replacement.

And be sure to read about the value of choosing propane when you’re ready for your next water heater installation.

The Truth About Gas Stoves

Will All Gas Stoves Be Banned in New York?

Are you aware that starting next year, certain types of new buildings in New York City will have a gas stove ban? Besides gas stoves, in most cases builders in the city will no longer be allowed to install any equipment that relies on a fossil fuel to operate.

But that’s just the beginning. In an effort to reduce emissions and combat climate change, Gov. Kathy Hochul is also a proponent of a similar ban on fossil fuels in new construction throughout the state, beginning in 2025. The governor is also in favor of outlawing the sale of all heating equipment that burns fossil fuels — such as oil and gas furnaces and boilers–with a phase in expected to start in 2030.

This particular ban on all fossil fuel heating equipment, however, does not apply to gas stoves, according to Katy Zielinski, the governor’s spokesperson on energy and the environment. Exemptions may also be carved out for newly-built restaurants.

And while the state government is not going to force you to remove your existing gas stove, there has been a lot of confusion, fear and anger about what all of these bans are going to mean for New Yorkers. Learn more about gas bans in New York and what you can do.

This all comes in the midst of similar emotions recently experienced by a lot of people all around the country. In January, rumors spread rapidly that the U.S. government planned to confiscate all existing gas stoves from people’s homes. This is false.

At the moment, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is only seeking to obtain public input on hazards associated with gas stoves. The CPSC is the government agency that strives to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths associated with faulty consumer products.

Focus Shifts from Outdoor Emissions to Indoors

The issue of gas stove bans reached a new flash point throughout the country when the focus shifted from the environment outside to harmful pollution inside the home. This was due to recent studies that showed the potential for indoor air pollution hazards associated with the use of natural gas stoves.

So, what’s the truth about the potential hazards of gas stoves? Do all New Yorkers who enjoy cooking on their propane gas stoves have any reason to be concerned?

Evaluating Recent Studies

Last December, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a study that concluded that “12.7% of current childhood asthma nationwide is attributed to gas stove use…”

Unfortunately, the researchers seem to confine their description to just “gas stoves,” apparently not realizing that there are some key differences between a stove powered by natural gas and one that’s fueled by propane. (More on that soon).

Cooking—On Any Stove–Produces Particulate Matter

Research that’s raised alarm bells over the potential risks involved in cooking isn’t new, however. All cooking—whether it happens on a gas, electric or wood stove—produces some particulate matter (PM). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines PM as microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.

“Anything with a red-hot element is going to generate particles,” said Iain Walker, an engineer at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab who studies home indoor air quality and ventilation. “That includes most stovetops, ovens and even small appliances like toasters. Frying and roasting cook methods both produce a lot more particulate matter than boiling or steaming.”

As an example, think about all of the smoke that’s produced when you’re searing a steak in a frying pan on your cooktop. It’s not healthy to be breathing that in because of all the particulate matter the smoke contains.

This is why indoor air quality experts always advise using your kitchen range hood to vent particulate matter to the outside whenever you are cooking. If you don’t have a range hood, open a nearby window to achieve at least some ventilation.

The Stanford Study

An earlier study, done by researchers at Stanford and published in January 2022, revealed that all of the 53 natural gas stoves observed leaked methane gas, even when turned off. The research team also wrote: “In addition to methane emissions, co-emitted health-damaging air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into home air and can trigger respiratory diseases.”

Nitrogen dioxide has been shown to contribute to breathing problems like asthma. A 2016 study at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab found that the simple act of boiling water on a natural gas stove produces nearly twice the amount of nitrogen dioxide than the outdoor standard established by the EPA. Considering that about one-third homes in our country use natural gas for cooking, that’s something that needs to be addressed.

Propane Gas Stoves Vs. Natural Gas Stoves

Here is a critical point we have not seen addressed in either of these studies. Concerns have long been raised about methane leaks coming from natural gas beyond indoor emissions from stoves fueled by natural gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and it’s the main component of natural gas.

Now, compare that to propane. In its original form, propane is not a greenhouse gas and it’s considered a “green” fuel because of its low carbon content. Unlike natural gas, propane does not contain any methane gas!

Besides the type of gas used to power your stove, the major difference between a propane stove and a natural gas stove are the gas jet nozzles. Because propane is highly pressurized, the nozzles have much smaller holes. Natural gas isn’t pressurized as much as propane, so the nozzles have larger holes. That’s the reason propane and natural gas stoves can’t be interchanged as is. If you wanted to switch from a natural gas stove to one that’s fueled by propane, you would need to get a propane conversion kit for stoves. This is needed to replace the gas jets. This job is best left to a professional, however.

The Propane Industry Responds

The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) pointed out that there are competing studies about the adverse impact to indoor air quality that various types of stoves produce.

PERC cited The Lancet Respiratory Medicine abstract, which states: “…we detected no evidence of an association between the use of gas as a cooking fuel and either asthma symptoms or asthma diagnosis.”

PERC also found flaws in the Stanford study’s findings (noted above). “These are based on an extremely small sample size and unrealistic cooking conditions and don’t provide a clear picture of …particulate matter generated from electric cooking,” according to PERC. (Electric stoves produce particulate matter…and emit dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde that can be toxic.)

Tucker Perkins, PERC’s president and CEO, points to a 2020 study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that found that electric ranges cause household fires at a rate 2.6 times greater than gas ranges; civilian injuries at a rate 4.8 times higher; and civilian deaths at a rate 3.4 times higher.

“Am I suggesting we ban electric stoves? Of course not,” said Perkins. “Many factors affect things like indoor air quality and fire safety, and policymakers must weigh all of them.”

Perkins emphasized that work must continue to eliminate the presence of harmful emissions in and near homes.

“Rather than gas bans, states should focus on natural gas supply chains and mitigate potential hazards…This, along with proper installation, ventilation, and yearly checkups by qualified technicians constitutes a common-sense approach to addressing health and safety concerns around gas appliances.”

Residential Propane Tank Sizes

What Propane Tank Is Right for My Home?

Deciding on the correct size for your propane tank can be pretty simple, although there are some variables involved. Your New York propane supplier has a deep knowledge of typical usage, especially during the winter, so they’ll have a good idea what your propane heating needs are. Here are some of the other factors they will take into consideration:

• The square footage of your home
• What propane appliances you have in your home, such as a furnace, water heater, cooktop/stove, and clothes dryer
• The total BTUs of all of your propane appliances
• Whether you have a pool heater, which is a high BTU appliance

If you are concerned about price spikes in the propane market during the heating season, you could upgrade to a larger propane tank to get yourself fully supplied before winter. It also means you will require fewer propane deliveries. Your New York propane supplier can help you decide if that’s the right choice for you.

Here’s a look at the wide range of propane tank sizes available and how they can fit the needs of your household.

20-Pound Propane Tank

This is the size that most people are familiar with, especially for New Yorkers who just use propane for outdoor cooking. With a capacity of about five gallons, these portable cylinders are used to fuel outdoor gas grills. They can also be used for outdoor heaters. If you only have a propane fireplace or hearth you use occasionally, this can also be an option since you can store multiple tanks outside (NEVER indoors!) for backup and you can easily refill or exchange 20-pound tanks at a propane retailer.

100-Pound Propane Tank

These tanks are the next step up from 20-pound propane tanks and can be refilled onsite. Here are some reasons to choose a 100-pound propane tank:

• You have an indoor fireplace but don’t want to travel to exchange propane tanks frequently.
• Your only propane appliance is a gas range or cooktop with wall ovens.

420-Pound Propane Tank/100-Gallon Propane Tank

Depending on your propane provider, this tank is referred to as a 420-pound propane tank or a 100-gallon propane tank. (A gallon of propane weighs 4.2 pounds). If you only have two or three propane appliances like a water heater, fireplace, clothes dryer or stove, this tank could be right for you.

150-Gallon Propane Tank

This propane tank size is used for low-BTU appliances and smaller demand uses like water heating and cooking. It can also fuel propane space heaters and wall heaters. But it is generally not enough for whole house heating.

250-Gallon Propane Tank

If you have more than three propane appliances such as a fireplace, clothes dryer, water heater, and stove, this may be a good size. It can also be used for whole-house heating, depending on your square footage.

500-Gallon Propane Tank

If you heat your home with propane as well as run your stove, fireplace, water heater, and clothes dryer, you’ll need a larger propane tank like this. A 500-gallon tank is 10-feet long and shaped like a submarine.

1,000-Gallon Propane Tank

Often used in commercial applications, this tank has the same shape as a 500-gallon storage tank, but it’s about six-feet longer. If you have a large home, use a lot of propane appliances, and heat your pool with a propane pool heater, you may need to go this big.

Learn more about your options in propane delivery or read more about propane tank sizes.

What is Propane Autogas?

It’s the Third Most Popular Vehicle Fuel

With diesel fuel prices still painfully high and inventory levels in the Northeast much lower than average, propane autogas is looking like a better option every day.

Propane autogas describes propane when it is used as a fuel for vehicles. Propane autogas is the world’s most popular alternative fuel, which is defined as any product that bypasses the two big traditional petroleum fuels: gasoline and diesel.

In 2022, there were an estimated 27 million vehicles in the world that relied on propane autogas. This includes school buses, taxis, shuttles, delivery and construction trucks, and more. There are also thousands of propane autogas fueling stations in the U.S., with stations in every state. Read more facts about propane autogas.

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, 60% of alternative-fuel vehicles nationwide are powered by propane. Overall, propane autogas is the third most popular vehicle fuel, next to gasoline and diesel. Its popularity has led to an array of innovations in vehicles that use propane autogas.

Propane vs. Diesel and Gasoline Vehicles

Here are three key areas where propane-fueled vehicles have an edge over those that rely on diesel or gasoline.

Fuel: You can generally count on an average savings of 30 to 40 % per mile driven with propane autogas, considering both the cost of the fuel itself and the expected fuel economy. Historically, propane has been 30% less than gasoline, and the savings are even greater over diesel now, especially in the wake of the alarming price increases we’ve seen this year.

Fluids: New, lower emissions diesel technology presents extra costs because diesel emissions fluid needs to be purchased, stored, and changed. Plus, in cold temperatures, diesel vehicles need anti-gel fluids to prevent fuel filters and fuel lines from clogging. If your fleet runs on propane autogas, however, you will benefit from reliable performance in any type of weather without the need and extra expense of additional fluids.

Filters: To meet emissions requirements, today’s diesel technology requires diesel particulate filters that must be cleaned. Excessive idling accelerates cleaning intervals. These extra maintenance expenses just add more to the total cost of ownership.

Propane Vs. Electric Vehicles: Which Is Cleaner?

There has been much talk about achieving net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050, and transitioning to all-electric vehicles has been a big part of the conversation because electricity is considered a “clean fuel” by many.

Although a battery-powered electric car itself doesn’t produce any emissions, the power plant that generates the electricity used to charge those batteries probably does. And those power plants are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas pollution in the United States.

Other obstacles slowing the move toward electric vehicles include low supply, charging infrastructure challenges, expensive upfront costs, and limited mileage range.

Converting Engines to Propane Autogas

For fleet owners who want the cost benefits of propane autogas but need the flexibility of a gasoline backup or who aren’t ready to purchase new vehicles, EPA-certified bi-fuel conversion kits can be installed on existing vehicles.

You can count on propane refueling technology to deliver as dependably as the vehicles themselves. Refueling with propane autogas is quick, quiet and safe. It’s the same experience as refueling with diesel or gasoline, making the transition to propane autogas easy for fleets.

Propane autogas fleet operators can also save money by taking advantage of the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit, which was recently passed by the U.S. Congress as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Read more about how you can qualify to claim a credit for every gasoline gallon equivalent of propane autogas purchased.

Learn more about propane autogas in New York.

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Propane vs. Electricity

Which One is Better for the Environment?

There are many ways using propane benefits the environment, especially when you compare it to electric power. To start with, propane produces 43% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the grid. That’s something to think about the next time you get a propane delivery.

In terms of efficiency, propane also generates more Btu’s than an equivalent amount of electricity. That means you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat energy. Also, clean-burning propane appliances are efficient, because they waste very little fuel in the combustion process. Propane also has a lower carbon content than gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, kerosene and ethanol, which is a big part of the reason it was added as a clean fuel to the Clean Air Act in 1990.

Those are a few reasons why, hands down, propane is better for the environment and for your home.

Propane Can Be Used as a Motor Fuel

There has been much talk about achieving net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050, and transitioning to all-electric vehicles has been a part of the conversation.

Although a battery-powered all-electric car itself doesn’t produce any emissions, right now, the power plant that generates the electricity used to charge those batteries most likely does. Those power plants are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas pollution in the United States.

While production of electric vehicles and related infrastructure continues to grow, some technology remains in the development stage. In contrast, propane autogas has seen impressive technology advances in the last decade, providing fleets with reliable performance and savings while reducing emissions right now.

Autogas is already powering buses, police cars, street cleaners, and other vehicles in cities worldwide. Many businesses are also using propane to fuel their vehicles.

Propane’s lesser environmental impact is what makes this fuel a leading alternative for vehicles of all kinds. Since propane has a lower carbon content than petroleum products, it creates fewer toxic emissions and burns cleaner. Some estimates show that converting a vehicle to propane autogas can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. Your vehicle’s engine could even last longer with propane.

On the Horizon: Renewable Propane

The success story of propane and the environment doesn’t end here. Renewable propane represents the next step towards a zero-carbon emissions future.

While it is not in common use yet, renewable propane gas has positioned itself to be a major part of the clean fuel conversation in the years ahead.

Just as conventional propane is a coproduct of crude oil and natural gas extraction, most renewable propane can be considered a coproduct of biofuel creation. Many of the same feedstocks that go into creating biofuel — animal oils, vegetable oils, biomass — are used to create renewable propane.

Read more about why having a propane tank on your property to heat your home is better than relying on an aging electrical grid that’s prone to power outages. And then contact your New York propane company if you want to explore ways to expand your use of propane.

A Byproduct of Oil Refining. Natural Gas Production

After you get a propane delivery or turn on your gas appliance, do you ever stop to wonder where that propane comes from in the first place?

Propane was identified as a volatile compound in gasoline in 1910. Over the years, business leaders and scientists have worked to make propane the viable fuel source it represents today. The process itself of making propane has evolved over the last century or so. Today, there are two primary ways propane is produced.

Natural Gas Production

The majority of propane is derived from natural gas production. To stop condensation from forming in natural gas pipelines, propane is extracted from liquid compounds as the natural gas is being processed. Butane is also extracted during this process. Propane, being much denser as a liquid than as a gas, is stored and transported as a liquid in this form of production.

Crude Oil Refining 

Propane can also be created during the process of crude oil refining. There are a lot of products that can be derived from crude oil refining, including gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, jet fuel, heating oil—and propane as well. During the stabilization phase of the refining, the heavier hydrocarbons fall to the bottom. But propane, being a lighter hydrocarbon, is at the top and it’s easily extracted.

Propane: An American Made Fuel

Because propane is created through the processing of natural gas and crude oil, it is a fuel that is largely a domestic product. In fact, about 90% of the American propane supply is generated right here in the United States!

Getting Propane Gas vs. Natural Gas

Natural gas can only get to your home through an underground pipeline. If something goes wrong with that pipeline, you can’t get any gas. Propane gas is easier to move around because it gets compressed, or squeezed until it turns into a liquid. It is then put inside tanks and your propane supplier delivers it right to your home’s propane tank.

It’s similar to the air in a car tire, which gets squeezed to about two or three times the normal air pressure. But the gas in a propane tank gets squeezed about 100 times more than that. This is why even a small tank can deliver a lot of propane gas.

Adding to the Mix: Renewable Propane

While renewable propane is not widely available yet, homes and businesses all over the U.S. will eventually be able to easily use it. Since renewable propane is molecularly identical to conventional propane, there will be no need to replace or alter existing propane appliances and equipment.

What is renewable propane gas made of? Just as conventional propane is a coproduct of crude oil and natural gas extraction, most renewable propane can be considered a coproduct of biofuel creation. Many of the same feedstocks that go into creating biofuel — animal oils, vegetable oils, biomass — are used to create renewable propane.

This method of producing propane is as safe, cost-effective, and dependable as that for propane generated from natural gas. And when compared to electricity, renewable propane has a considerably smaller carbon footprint.

Read more about renewable propane gas.

Do Tankless Water Heaters Use a Lot of Propane

Comparing Usage with Other Propane Appliances

If you’re looking to replace your home’s water heater, the best time to do it is before your water heater fails, which will force you into “panic-buying” a replacement system quickly.

When you have the time to shop around, you’ll discover the great value and convenience of propane tankless water heaters. These types of units offer many advantages over electric water heaters as well as conventional storage tank water heaters.

Hands down, using propane for water heating is a better choice than electricity. That’s because propane gets water hot faster than electricity for about 30% less cost!

How Much Propane Does a Tankless Water Heater Use?

One question that consumers commonly ask is: how much propane does a propane tankless water heater use? The short answer to that question is that a typical propane tankless water heater producing 40,000 BTU/hour will consume about 1.5 gallons of propane per day. Here’s the explanation behind this calculation.

Because a British thermal unit (BTU) tells us how much heat energy is in a gallon of propane– one gallon of propane equals 91,452 Btus–we can make estimates about how much the average homeowner will use.

However, the amount of propane your own appliances will use—including your propane tankless water heater– depends on factors ranging from the size and efficiency of each appliance to how well it was matched to your space, as well as the quality of the installation and the frequency of maintenance.

How Much Does a Propane Tankless Water Heater Cost?

Prices range from about $170 for small gas-fired units to more than $2,000 for high-output heaters that can supply two showers at the same time; on average, the cost is about $1,000 per unit.

But keep in mind that propane gas-burning tankless water heaters should operate for 20 years or more. That’s two or three times longer than most storage tank water heaters as well as electric tankless water heaters.

If you experience an average energy savings of $150 per year, these savings should pay for your investment in a tankless water heater in about six or seven years. After that, you can pocket all of the savings on heating the water in your home.

How Much Propane Do My Other Gas Appliances Use?

Now that you know tankless water heaters on average use 1.5 gallons of propane per day, you may be wondering how your other propane appliances compare. The following estimates below should give you some idea of how much each propane appliance typically uses to do its job.

Please note that these appliance measurements are expressed as BTU per hour. This is a way to represent a measurement of deliverable power applicable to each propane gas appliance. (Think of it like the horsepower rating of a car). As an example, a typical furnace is about 100,000 BTU per hour. You can go here to read more about BTU per hour.

• Furnace – 100,000 to 200,000 BTU/hour: about 1 to 2 gallons/hour
• Fireplace with ceramic logs – 26,000 BTU/hour: 1 gallon / 3 hours
• Gas cooktop/range – 65,000 BTU/hour: 5 to 10 gallons / month)
• Gas clothes dryer – 35,000 BTU/hour: less than 1 gallon/ day)

You can read more about propane tankless water heaters by going here. After that, reach out to your local propane service company for good advice.

How To Get the Most Out of Your Propane Grill

Using Different Temperature Modes or Heat Zones

Today’s propane grills are renowned for providing precise temperature and heat control, which is a major reason so many New Yorkers have one in their backyard.

Simply by turning the dial, you can instantly adjust the grill to give off more or less heat. If you’re grilling a variety of dishes, whether it’s a quick weeknight supper or a backyard barbecue party, that control gives you the power to cook everything to perfection.

You have the choice of using different temperature modes or heat zones when you’re using a propane grill. Turn the dial to high heat on one side and low heat on the other, and that allows you to sear on the hot side and transfer it to the cooler side to finish cooking.

Using Direct Heat and Indirect Heat

Being able to use direct heat or indirect heat, or both at the same time is another reason why propane grills are so versatile and popular.

Direct heat cooks food hot and fast. It’s great for searing meats or grilling thin cuts of meat and quick-cooking foods like vegetables. Indirect heat is how you grill barbecued chicken and pork shoulder. You can even use indirect heat to bake bread. To grill with indirect heat, simply turn off the burners directly under where you want the food to cook, keep the other burners on, and close the grill lid.

But keep in mind that indirect heat takes longer, so be patient. But that patience will pay off when you hear the praise you get from family and friends for the food you have prepared for them!

Searing on a Propane Grill

If you’ve ever marveled over the beautiful crust that steakhouses get on their meats, you can do it at home on your propane grill. It’s all about searing, whether it’s beef, lamb, or pork. Here’s how to do it.

• Take the meat out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before grilling.
• Pat the surface of the meat dry with paper towels before seasoning; wet meat steams instead of sears. If you’ve marinated the meat, use paper towels to blot off excess marinade.
• Turn your propane grill on and set it on high.
• Wait about 10 to 15 minutes until the grill is hot before putting the meat on. Go here to read more about this.
• Once the meat is on the grill, leave it alone for at least one minute before turning it, at least two minutes if you have a thicker cut. After turning the meat, reduce the heat.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure your meat is grilled to the safe and desired doneness.

Propane Grill Maintenance and Safety

Your propane grill will work better for a longer time if you take care of it with regular maintenance. If you use your grill often, you have to be diligent about keeping it as clean as possible and inspect it regularly for any potential problems that could put a damper on your next barbecue.

Read more about overall propane safety.