Why Propane is Safer Than Other Heating Fuels

Choosing a home heating fuel can be a tough decision. Comparing the cost, availability, and other features of various fuel types can leave you confused and without any clear choice. However, there is one important aspect where propane beats out the other heating gas: safety. Propane is one of the safest home heating fuels available. It has many scientific properties and characteristics that make it safe, as well as the way it is stored, handled, and transported by propane suppliers.

Whether you’re trying to decide on a heating source for a newly constructed home or you’re considering switching fuel sources in your current home, here’s why you can count on the safety of propane.

Propane Has a Lower Risk of Explosion

The risk of ignition leading to an explosion is extremely rare for both propane and natural gas. However, natural gas lines are widespread, leading from a community source into each individual home. In the case of a natural gas leak or some other situation where the gas becomes volatile, it can cause greater damage through the lines and a potentially bigger impact.

Propane, however, is stored in an individual tank with a single gas line from the tank to the home. If the tank or the line were to leak or ignite, the resulting explosion would be concentrated to a single area, causing less damage.

Propane is Safer for the Environment

Natural gas burns about 50% cleaner than coal, however, it is still considered a greenhouse gas. Propane is not considered to be a greenhouse gas in terms of emissions; therefore, it is safer for the environment than natural gas.

Propane is non-toxic and does not damage ground water or soil if leaked. Natural gas has a low toxicity, but it not considered to be completely non-toxic. Both fuels are eco-friendly, but propane has a  edge over natural gas as it is actually a green fuel.

Propane Leaks are Less Common and Easy to Detect

Due to the strong rotten egg odor that is added to propane when it is manufactured, it is easy to tell when there is a leak. Natural gas has a similar odor added, but in its natural state it has no scent.

Natural gas lines are more prone to leaks due to corrosion because there are some discrepancies about who is responsible for maintaining and repairing them. The natural gas supplier tells homeowners that repairs are their responsibility if something goes wrong, but most homeowners don’t have the ability to maintain gas lines. The homeowner is merely financially responsible in the case of a gas line problem. The repairs are up to the gas company.

When you receive propane deliveries from propane suppliers, the tank and the lines belong to the propane company. Therefore, propane suppliers are responsible for maintenance and repairs of propane tanks and equipment. This usually leads to better upkeep of tanks and lines, meaning increased safety.

Propane Suppliers Ensure Safe Delivery

Another way propane is particularly safe is the way it is transported. As a liquid, propane is not flammable. It has to be heated to a very high temperature (940 degrees Fahrenheit) state in order to burn, and requires a very specific combination of propane and oxygen to burn at all. It has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels.

Natural gas is delivered through gas lines underground that connect to the source. The gas travels through the pipes at high pressures that allow it to take up less space. The pressure also propels the gas through the pipes so that it moves along unassisted. The risk, however, is that if a leak occurs, the high pressure can cause a significant amount of gas to escape quickly before anyone is aware. This poses an increased safety risk.

Ensure Your Home’s Safety With Propane from Berico

Of propane suppliers in the Triad, Berico is a reputable name. Berico has been providing safe, reliable home heating services since 1924 and continues to proudly serve Greensboro and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a new propane supplier, Berico will get you started with a free tank swap out.

Call (336) 273-8663 today or request propane delivery.