The HVAC Contractor's Guide To Heating Your Home With Propane
If you're currently home shopping and are unfamiliar with HVAC systems that utilize propane gas instead of electricity, then this guide will tell you everything you need to know to assist you with deciding if a home heated with propane is right for you.
Liquid Propane Gas is Safe to Store and Use for Residential Applications
Typically, homebuyers who don't have any experience with propane are leery of its safety. However, liquid propane gas is very safe to store and use in a home.
Propane tanks are made of puncture-resistant carbon steel and have built-in safety devices and emergency shut-off valves.
By simply keeping children and pets away from the storage tank, you can safely live with your gas storage tank.
Electronic Igniters vs. Pilot Lights
Older propane-fueled appliances had pilot lights that would continually burn. The purpose of the pilot light was to ignite the appliance when it was time to use it.
In contrast, newer propane appliances use electronic igniters. These igniters save on propane and make residential appliances more energy efficient.
If the home you buy has gas appliances with pilot lights, you can easily retrofit them with electronic igniters.
You Have Many Choices for Propane Filling Schedules
When it comes time to fill up your propane storage tank, you have the choice of topping it off each month or filling it once or twice each year as it gets low.
Having propane delivered each month allows you to spread the energy cost over the year. However, propane is typically cheaper in the summer, so filling up once or twice a year can result in an overall lower cost.
Regardless of your chosen filling schedule, it's vital you never let a propane tank drop below 20% full. Empty tanks will let in moisture that can cause problems with rust. Additionally, tanks that are empty can leak once they are refilled.
Install Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors in Homes Utilizing Propane Fuel
All homes that use propane for heating, cooking, and heating water must have both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed.
While it is completely safe to store propane on your property, burning it inside of your home produces carbon monoxide gas. Since this gas can be fatal if too much of it builds up in your living space, a detector is a requirement.
Finally, the open flames of pilot lights and working appliances necessitate you have smoke detectors installed as well.