Millions of Americans use propane to heat their homes. In fact, 5 percent of all households depend on propane as their primary source of heat. Propane fuels furnaces and fireplaces, space heaters, water heaters and patio heaters. Propane offers you new ways to make your home affordably warm and comfortable year round.

Did You Know?

• Approximately 8.1 million households use propane gas to fuel their home-heating system.
• A propane furnace consistently supplies air at 120°F. Electric heat pumps dispense air at 95°F, which is less than body temperature (98.6°F), so the air feels cool, not warm.
• Propane gas furnaces last an average of 20 years, while electric heat pumps last an average of 12 years. It costs less to repair propane gas furnaces than electric heaters.
• Propane gas fireplace systems cost between 30 percent to 60 percent less per hour of operation than do wood-burning fireplaces.
• Propane gas fireplaces can be turned off easily with a switch — or even a remote control — eliminating worry about remaining embers.
• Vent-free, propane-fueled space heaters are 99.9 percent efficient and include oxygen depletion sensors that automatically turn units off if oxygen levels drop below specified thresholds. They can also include thermostats and heat distribution blowers.
• Propane-fueled space heaters produce fewer air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions than do those fueled by fuel oil and electricity.
• Propane-fueled patio heaters enhance your outdoor living by keeping you warm and comfortable long after the end of the official outdoor patio season. Some even use a 20-pound cylinder, just like a grill.

Safety Tips

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), water heating accounts for approximately 20 percent of an average household's energy expenditures. Propane gas water heaters cost approximately $10 less per month to operate than comparable electric units. On average, propane water heaters are 42 percent less expensive than electric heaters.
• Propane gas water heaters have a quicker recovery rate than electric water heaters, nearly twice as fast. That means you can get more hot water from the same size tank so you'll have hot water when you need it.
• Over an average unit's life span, propane gas water heaters can save homeowners nearly $2,000 when compared to an electric unit.
• Propane gas water heaters heat more than twice as much water in an hour as does a comparable electric model.
• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the safest way to heat is with gas. However, as with any energy source and appliance, there are steps you should take to further ensure your and your family's safety:
• To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like. Propane retailers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff spot so that your entire family can recognize the smell. Propane leak detectors also are available.
• If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the house and call your local propane supplier or the fire department from your neighbor's telephone. Do not remain in the house, use the telephone or light switches, or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.
• Be aware of where gas lines are located, especially when digging or working in the yard.
• Water can damage the internal safety mechanisms in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance controls may have gotten wet, have a trained technician replace them immediately.
• All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Contact your local propane supplier for information on proper cleaning and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Drain your hot water tank periodically to get rid of sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank.

Energy Saving Tips

• Saving energy translates into saving money. Here are some tips on how you can get the most out of your energy dollar:
• Have your heating system tuned up regularly.
• Change your furnace filter monthly.
• Invest in a furnace thermostat timer that can save money by lowering your home's temperature when you are not at home.
• Caulk and/or install weatherstripping around windows and doors to minimize drafts.
• Consider installing a propane-fueled fireplace. Propane fireplaces burn more efficiently than wood-burning models and distribute heat more evenly throughout a room.
• Turn down your water heater from the standard 140°F to 130°F to save more than 10 percent on your water-heating bill.
• Drain your water heater every 6 months to remove lime deposits and sediment that decrease energy efficiency.
• Install flow-restricting showerheads.
• Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,200 gallons of water a year.