Why Is Propane Considered “Green”?

Written on: December 6, 2021

Propane has environmental benefits

Compared to other fossil fuels, propane is one of the cleanest burning. Propane also offers environmental benefits above and beyond electricity. If you compare an all-electric home to one that uses propane for heating, the propane home will produce up to 30% less in carbon emissions. A home that uses propane for heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and space heating will produce up to 50% less in carbon emissions than an all-electric house. That’s because of how efficient propane appliances are.

Appliances that run on propane are extremely efficient. That efficiency means a smaller carbon footprint. For example, a propane water heater can produce twice as much hot water in the same time span as an electric water heater. Propane clothes dryers work 1/4 faster than electric dryers. And propane space heaters are significantly more efficient than electric space heaters. All that increased efficiency really adds up. Using propane instead of electricity to cook, warm water, heat your home, and dry your clothes could cut your carbon emissions by up to 50%.

Additionally, in the rare event of a leak, propane doesn’t pose a danger to the environment. It doesn’t harm the air, soil, water, plants, or water-based organisms. It just dissipates.

Propane stats

Here are some additional facts about propane and why it’s considered green:

1. Propane is the only alternative fuel included in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy Act.
2. Propane is the lightest and simplest hydrocarbon on earth. As one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels, it produces almost no greenhouse gas.
3. Nearly 90% of the U.S. propane supply is produced domestically, so the carbon footprint associated with its transportation is smaller than that of fuels which must be brought to the U.S. from abroad.

What about electricity?

Although many consider it a greener option, electricity has its drawbacks. Most of America’s electricity is generated by coal-burning power plants. Because of this, electricity is our country’s second-largest source of greenhouse gases—second only to transportation.

When considering the energy required for extraction, processing, and transportation, propane is 87% efficient. By comparison, electricity is only 32% efficient.

Propane Delivery in MA and NH

Brideau Energy has been serving the residents of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire since 1987. Click here to see if your home is in our service area.

Our family-owned business offers fair prices and personalized service. When you’re a propane customer with us, you can choose the convenience of automatic propane delivery or the autonomy of remaining a will-call customer.

You can count on Brideau Energy to deliver your fuel on time, every time. Contact us today with any questions or to become a customer!