The Truth About Propane in Home Construction
Choosing the right energy source for a new build or remodel can be complex. Homeowners are looking for affordable solutions that are clean and reliable. Propane can be a top choice for builders wanting to integrate safe, sustainable energy systems into their homes, but there remain many misconceptions.
At the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), we provide research-based evidence on propane so that industry professionals can make informed decisions for their customers.
Here are some common myths about propane:
MYTH: Propane is bad for the environment.
Fact: Propane supports a clean energy future.
Propane stands out as one of the cleanest fuels available in terms of carbon emissions. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), propane has among the lowest carbon emissions per million BTUs compared with other widely used fuels. Natural gas measures 138.63 pounds of CO2 per million BTUs, while diesel and home heating fuel produce 163.45 pounds, and natural gas uses 116.65 pounds.
Using propane for home heating, hot water systems, and cooking significantly lowers the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are released. In fact, propane-powered appliances have been found to produce 52% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to electric equivalents, according to the PERC Construction Research Program.
Each year, PERC surveys builders as part of their Propane Construction Research Program to learn how propane appliances can reduce residential emissions. The 2023 results found that surveyed builders helped eliminate 19 million pounds of CO2e from the environment by simply implementing propane into their projects.
This impact is comparable to the energy needed to power 1,736 homes for one year, 2,094 gasoline-powered vehicles driven for one year, 990,023 gallons of gasoline consumed, and more than 580,836,652 smartphones charged. This makes propane an excellent choice for builders looking to reduce their carbon footprint while offering homeowners an environmentally friendly energy source.
Myth: Gas cooking appliances dramatically contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Fact: Gas cooking appliances can be a clean-burning low-carbon solution for the home.
As more people work from home, we have become more aware of a home’s indoor air quality and the impact that cooking appliances contribute to it. The belief that gas stoves, including those that run on propane, heavily contribute to poor indoor air quality is not true. Having appropriate ventilation, such as professionally installed range hoods and exhaust fans, most indoor air quality concerns can be solved—no matter the energy source of the appliance.
When properly installed and maintained, propane stoves produce lower levels of air pollutants compared to electric ranges. A PERC study found that propane-powered ranges generate up to 83 percent fewer sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions compared with electric ranges
Myth: Propane is not safe.
Fact: When used properly, propane is one of the safest energy sources available.
According to the EPA, propane in its liquid state has the lowest flammability range of any alternative fuel. It is non-toxic, colorless, and is virtually odorless. A harmless odorant called ethyl mercaptan (which smells similar to rotten eggs or sulfur) is added to propane to make leak detection easy. Even more, propane appliances are equipped with numerous safety features like automatic shut-off valves and pressure regulators, to ensure safe operation at all times.
Local propane professionals can perform inspections and maintenance on propane appliances to ensure they are working efficiently and safely. These simple protocols prevent unforeseen issues and provide peace of mind that propane appliances and tanks are being used safely and effectively.
Propane is a safe and clean energy source that building professionals and homeowners can feel good about. Its contribution to reducing carbon emissions and air pollutants makes propane a preferred choice for new home builds or remodels. By integrating propane into projects, builders can enhance their reputation for crafting quality homes while contributing to a cleaner environment.