Some facts about the fuel

propane Angier, NC There is plenty to know about propane beyond the fact that it is a reliable and effective way to power and fuel appliances and equipment around a home or business.

We certainly don’t expect our customers to be the experts when it comes to the alternative energy source. In fact, K.B. Johnson Oil & Gas takes on that role for you. However, the more a propane customer knows about the fuel, the better. This knowledge will help you use the gas safely, confidently and efficiently.

So let’s go over some facts about propane and review exactly what makes it a smart alternative fuel.

Where Does Propane Come From?

Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It can be made from multiple different liquid components such as butane, methane and ethane.

At atmospheric pressure, propane is a gas. However, it can, and does, become liquefied when the atmospheric pressure increases.

When propane is being transported and when it is being stored in a tank, it is a liquid. When it is released through a valve on a pressurized storage container, it vaporizes into a gas.

What Is Heavier, Air or Propane?

When in gas form, propane is about 1.5 times heavier than air.

When natural gas, which is lighter than air, leaks, it dissipates into the atmosphere. However, because propane is heavier than air, this doesn’t happen with this fuel. Leaking propane actually sinks and settles in low-lying areas. Therefore, it is easy for propane to accumulate in basements, crawl spaces and along floors. This makes it extremely important for propane customers to be aware of proper safety protocols.

What Do You Do If You Suspect a Propane Leak?

In its natural state, propane is colorless and odorless. However, during the production process, an odorant is added to it so that it smells like rotten eggs. This makes a propane leak easy to detect.

If you think you are experiencing a propane leak, you should:

Stop using any appliances or light switches and evacuate the area immediately.
Put out any potential sources of ignition, such as cigarettes and candles.
Once you are a safe distance from the site of the potential leak, contact emergency services and your propane provider.
Do not return to the site of the leak until a professional has said it is safe to do so.

Why Is It Smart to Use Propane?

Using propane in your home or business has some serious benefits and advantages. Propane is:

Reliable: Propane doesn’t need electricity or a working power grid to operate, which means that any propane-powered appliances you have will work normally throughout a blackout.
Efficient: Using propane helps an appliance or piece of equipment work more efficiently than it otherwise would.
Cost-effective: The fact that propane is so efficient equates to nice financial savings on energy and utility bills.
Eco-friendly: Propane has a lower carbon intensity than other fuels, doesn’t contain any methane and produces very low levels of particulate matter. This makes it a green and clean-burning fuel.

Propane from K.B. Johnson Oil & Gas

Homeowners here in Central North Carolina can count on K.B. Johnson Oil & Gas for the propane they need to keep their appliances and equipment up and running. We make fuel deliveries all throughout the area. Additionally, we carry a wide variety of propane appliances, such as fireplaces, gas logs, grills, heaters and water heaters.

Contact K.B. Johnson today to learn more about our reliable propane services.