Posted: January 15, 2024

Where Does Propane Come From?

A look at the fuel’s origins, its benefits and what it can do

Many of us use propane appliances and equipment on a very regular and sometimes even daily basis. And while we may be familiar with how these appliances and pieces of equipment work, that doesn’t necessarily mean we know very much about propane itself.

The origins of propane

Propane is a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining (otherwise known as crude oil refining). At atmospheric pressure it is a gas, but if and when that pressure increases it can become liquefied. It is kept in liquid form for storage and transportation purposes. However, propane can easily vaporize into a gas – all you need to do is release it through a valve on a pressurized storage container. It can be made from a few different liquid components such as butane, methane and ethane.

Why use propane

Propane and propane appliances are becoming increasingly popular among both home and business owners. Part of the reason why is because the gas offers some really beneficial advantages.

Curious to know what those advantages are? Here’s a look at a few:

• A long shelf life: Compared to diesel fuel, propane lasts much longer. In fact, propane’s shelf life is more or less unlimited. Diesel fuel usually only lasts about 6 to 12 months.
• It’s environmentally friendly: Propane is green and clean burning. It also has a lower carbon intensity than other fuels, doesn’t have any methane and barely has any particulate matter. All of this is beneficial for both the environment and your health.
• It’s reliable: Since propane doesn’t need electricity and power to operate, you can count on propane appliances to fully function all throughout a blackout.
• Efficiency: Propane appliances are known for working better and more efficiently than their electric counterparts. This helps propane users save both time and money.
• Lower bills: The fact that propane appliances are so efficient helps customers save money on their energy bills. Additionally, propane prices are usually more stable and lower than the prices of alternative energy sources.
• Versatility and convenience: Propane can be used to power and fuel numerous different appliances and pieces of equipment, which makes it incredibly convenient.

Ways to use propane

As mentioned above, propane is extremely versatile. It can do a whole lot around a home or commercial space. Here are a few ways propane can be used:

• Powering construction equipment and generators
• Heating a home or commercial space
• Heating water, swimming pools and spas
• Cooking on a gas grill or a gas range
• Fueling fire places
• Powering space and patio heaters
• Drying clothes in a clothes dryer

Get your propane and propane appliances from K.B. Johnson Oil & Gas

Homeowners in Central North Carolina can count on K.B. Johnson for the propane they need. We also offer home delivery service to all of our propane customers who qualify.

Additionally, we are stocked with an extensive selection of propane appliances including propane fireplaces, gas logs, propane grills, propane heaters and tankless water heaters.

So if you are a homeowner in the area and are looking for a residential propane company you can count on, contact K.B. Johnson today!