Propane is an excellent source of energy for heating homes, and most homes usually have a 250-gallon or 1000-gallon tank. In this special post, we will discuss the use of propane, essential safety tips, and some of other tips you need.
Propane used by different appliances
In case you wondering how long will your full tank of propane last, a lot of it depends on the appliances that are using the gas. To understand the terms and facts better, you can check websites of known suppliers such as Lingas. Back in school, you must have heard about British Thermal Units, which is a unit of measurement. BTU basically refers to amount of energy that’s required to heat one pound of water by a degree. Propane offers somewhere over 91,000 BTUs per gallon in an hour. So, a regular pool heater basically consumes around four gallons an hour, which is around 425,000 BTU. Some other appliances like HVAC Furnace consume more, while gas ranges and tankless water heaters consume much less propane. The use of propane or how long your full-tank will last also depends on the number of members in the household too, because it means that the appliances will be used more frequently.
Follow the safety norms
With propane, you must be extremely careful. Propane smells like rotten eggs, which is on purpose for detecting leaks easily. In case you are hooking more appliances to the tank, consider calling your local propane supplier to get references for technicians. Keep in mind that propane leaks can be threatening, and therefore, you shouldn’t ignore any of the signs. If you smell gas, call your gas supplier immediately, and if they are unreachable, contact 911. Check if it is safe to turn off the safe valve, and avoid using all electronic devices. It is best to vacate the house immediately in case of a leak, and make sure that the elderly and kids are assisted first. Once everything has been checked and double-checked by professionals, you can use your house as intended.
If you have a spare propane tank at home, do not paint it without reading the norms and guidelines. Usually, propane tanks are painted in lighter shades, such as white or silver, which tend to reflect light. Depending on where you live, there might be additional laws applicable. Check with your gas suppliers to know more on the respective aspects.