Compared to other energy alternatives, propane has earned the title of America’s chosen alternative energy. This isn’t based on mere speculation, either. It’s based on fact.
According to the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), about 90% of the propane Americans use is produced in the United States. Additionally, the amount of propane fueling stations in the United States (2,715) beats out other types of fueling stations that supply alternative sources of energy. The only kind of alternative fueling station that’s more popular is the electric station. (To see the amount of different alternative fueling stations there are in the U.S., visit the AFDC’s Natural Gas Fueling Station Locations page.)
In addition to its Made in America appeal and increasing popularity across the country, propane is also environmentally friendly. Something interesting that many people don’t know is that the most damaging effect of a propane spill is freezing to elements in the spill’s immediate area.
For these reasons and more, Americans are using propane in many different ways on a daily basis.
- Propane-powered school buses. School districts and bus companies caught wind of propane’s benefits and now the production of propane-powered school buses is through the roof. It’s even beating out compressed natural gas. To grasp how major this switch to propane really is, read more about school buses going green here.
- Propane-powered personal vehicles. Everything from sedans to SUVs are using propane and achieving superior emission ratings. Nearly all propane-powered vehicles meet the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards and sometimes meet the “unheard of” Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards.
- Heating for homes. As oil and electric are becoming antiquated and pricey for in-home heating, people are making the switch to this less costly, abundant source of heat. What many homeowners don’t know is that propane-powered home heating generates 120-degree air – that’s about 25 degrees warmer than air generated by electric heating systems. Also, in addition to heating living space, propane also heats water used in the home.
- Farming. Back in 2001, the NPGA conducted research and found that 660,000 farms used propane for many different agricultural applications. That number is much higher today and propane is still used on farms for everything from fruit ripening to crop drying.
- Outdoor entertainment. Gas grills, heated swimming pools, hot tubs, and outdoor gas lights are powered by propane.
- Commercial vehicles. Ever wonder what that tank is on the bank of a fork lift? Well, if you ever did, now you know it’s a propane tank. Also, many other commercial vehicles use propane as a fuel source just like them.
- Home generators. Have you ever looked across the street during a power-draining storm and seen your neighbor’s lights on? If so, there’s a good chance they have a generator that’s powered by propane. There’s also a good chance they’re continuing to live a life of convenience with hot water, a cold fridge, and a televised sporting event. At our propane headquarters in Bucks Country, this is one of the most sought-after pieces of equipment propane powers.
Since the Energy Policy Act of 1992, propane has been labeled a dependable alternative fuel by the U.S. government – long before other types of today’s sources of alternative energy existed.
If you’re thinking about switching from a costly energy source that produces harmful greenhouse gases, contact Gastec today. We’re always happy to answer any question you have about the opportunities and benefits propane presents.