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BBQ with propane

Propane

What is propane? How LPG fits into your daily life

Propane heats your home, fires up your grill, and powers your business. Learn how LPG keeps your life running.

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The basics of Propane

What is propane?

Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is a versatile, efficient and clean burning fuel used worldwide. It comes from natural gas and oil, compressed and normally stored as a liquid. Propane gas is known for its safety and affordability compared to other fuels, and due to its colorless and odorless nature, an identifying odor is added for safety purposes. LPG consumption in the United States has grown significantly, becoming a commonly used energy source that currently powers millions of homes, businesses, and industries.

Propane vs natural gas

There is normally a confusion between propane and natural gas, but they are different fuels with distinct properties. Propane has twice the energy of natural gas, burning less volume with the lowest carbon content among fossil fuels, which means less carbon monoxide and greenhouse gas emissions. LPG is also widely available, low-cost and easy to transport. All these aspects combined make propane more energy-efficient and considered to be “green-fuel” compared to natural gas.

How is propane made?

Propane is a naturally occurring gas found in the earth, extracted from petroleum through key processes. When underground oil fields are tapped, the extracted mixture also contains LPGs. It is then sent through a gas trap where the heavier crude oil sinks, while the "wet gas" (which includes propane) rises to the top. This gas is then refined at a gasoline absorption plant, where propane is isolated from the other LPGs. Once purified, propane is distributed to companies.

What is Bio-propane?

Bio-propane is chemically identical to propane but it is not found in fossil fuels. Instead, it is made from a blend of wastes and residues such as cooking oil and animal fats. LPG gives the same great performance and is used in the same way. However, due to its origin in renewable sources, bio-propane has a lower carbon footprint, making it a more environmentally friendly option for daily use in cooking, heating and transportation.

The key advantages of Propane

Why Propane could be the energy upgrade you need

  • Domestic Production

    The U.S produces most of its propane which reduces reliance on foreign energy sources.

  • Versatility

    Propane can be used for various daily needs, from powering your home with heat to industrial processes.

  • Reliable & Off-Grid Use

    Propane works even during power outages, making it ideal for rural areas and emergency preparedness.

  • Cost-Effective

    Propane provides consistent energy prices and it is often more affordable than electricity or other energy sources.

  • Safe & Easily Stored

    Propane has built-in safety features and can be stored in tanks and cylinders for long-term use.
Propane for home cooking

What is propane used for?

Propane popular use cases in the USA

  • Cozy winter nights

    Inside your home, propane will reliably fuel furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters..

  • Cooking your meals

    A kitchen fueled by propane is more efficient, providing more heat and giving you better cooking results.

  • Weekend BBQs

    A propane grill is one of the most popular outdoor cooking tools for its hassle free way of cooking.

  • Fueling agriculture businesses

    Easy to deliver in rural locations, it is a great source for agricultural vehicles and other engines.

  • Commercial use

    In the construction industry it can fuel heavy equipment like forklifts, bulldozers, and cranes.

Did you know?

In the winter, propane is sometimes used in de-icing operations for airplanes. That’s right! In cold weather, ice can accumulate on airplane surfaces, affecting safety during takeoff. To prevent this, propane-powered de-icing equipment is used to melt the ice quickly.

Frequently asked questions

There is no official "expiration" date listed on a propane tank, however, the manufacture date will be stamped on the tank's collar. Add 12 years to this date to figure out how old your propane tank is and if you should replace it with a fresh tank.
When propane tanks are exposed to extreme hear and pressure it causes a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion). LPG proper storage and safety measures prevent this from happening.
Propane is safe when handled properly. It’s non-toxic and has a strong odor for leak detection. Also, all propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your BBQ grill, are required by law to have a safety relief valve installed by the manufacturer.

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