What Is Propane?

Propane — An Affordable, U.S.- Made Fuel

When you choose propane for your home or business, you’re getting fuel that offers a wide range of advantages. But do you know why propane is so efficient, and where it comes from? Read on to learn more about what propane is and how it can help make a difference for you.

What is propane and where does it come from?

• In America, propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing. When condensation is removed from natural gas pipelines, the propane is gathered and stored.
• Propane is a clean-burning fossil fuel because it is considered a lightweight hydrocarbon.
• Propane is nontoxic, colorless, and odorless but suppliers add an odorant to propane that smells like rotten eggs! This makes any leaks easy to detect, though leaks hardly ever occur when propane is stored properly.
• Propane is stored and transported as a liquid to make it more portable since it’s about 270 times more compact as a liquid than a gas.

Propane is energy-efficient and affordable

It’s pretty simple – propane gives a big bang for your buck on your energy bills. Since propane naturally burns hotter, it feels warmer, and the energy produced creates a larger impact. Your utility bills will cost less with such an efficient fuel working for you, especially when paired with propane appliances.

Modern propane-fired heating systems and appliances are incredibly efficient.

In short, propane appliances work more efficiently and use less fuel. Very little heat energy is lost in combustion. That means that you use less fuel, saving you money. In fact, propane-fired water heaters are significantly less expensive to run than electric models — 50% less expensive for tankless propane water heaters! Propane clothes dryers take 25% less time to dry laundry than electric. Less wasted energy means more savings for you.

Propane is safe

Because of strong regulations and practiced industry standards, propane has an outstanding safety record, and we’re proud to be a part of that, since safety is our top priority. In fact, propane is among the safest fuels for heating and beyond.

Propane is sustainable

Propane is one of the cleanest fuels around. Because it burns incredibly efficiently — reaching 90% efficiency in modern equipment — very few emissions escape into the atmosphere. Propane releases less carbon dioxide than any home fuel besides natural gas. It also contains virtually no particulate matter, a carcinogen. That’s why the U.S. Department of Energy’s 1992 National Energy Policy listed propane as an alternative fuel like biofuel and hydrogen power.

Propane is reliable

Rinker Oil & Propane has extensive background delivering propane to homes, farms and businesses throughout McKean, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Steuben Counties.

• Propane is made in America: That doesn’t make it entirely protected from market fluctuations, but it IS more dependable and insulated from a volatile global market than some other fuels.
• Avoid an emergency: No need to rely on the power company to be on their game. With propane, you don’t have to worry about the electric grid. It’s a smart option if you need to be off the grid, or just to have as a backup.
• Say goodbye to supply problems: Your tank is on your property, and any potential shortages across the geographic area won’t be an issue when you have your own supply.
• You’re in control: With propane, you’re in charge, but only if you want to be. You can manage your tank yourself and call for deliveries when you’re getting low. Or, with our automatic delivery option, our fuel experts can calculate your propane levels based on your historic fuel usage and current weather conditions. We then use that information to schedule a propane delivery to your home when we estimate you’ll need it, so you don’t have to monitor anything, and you’ll never run out of propane. Whatever you choose in terms of propane management, you won’t be beholden to the electrical infrastructure and power company.

Trust Rinker Oil & Propane with your propane needs!

You can kick your home comfort up to the next level with propane. For reliable propane delivery and equipment installation and service in McKean, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Steuben Counties and nearby communities, contact Rinker Oil & Propane.