10 Propane Facts You Might Not Know

Today you learn science, history—and more!

If you have propane powering your home heating systems—or even just supplemental appliances within—you know how amazingly versatile, efficient, and clean burning it is.

There is, however, so much more to know about it! Here are 10 interesting facts about this clean, green source of energy.

1. The chemical formula for propane is C3H8.
2. Walter O. Snelling was the first to discover that propane is a volatile component in gasoline, in 1910. He developed a method for bottling liquid propane and patented it. In 1913, he sold his propane patent to Frank Phillips, the founder of Phillips Petroleum, for $50,000 ($1.3 million in today’s dollars).
3. In its natural state, propane has no color or fragrance. The propane delivered to your home or business has that distinct “rotten-egg” smell because it is treated with an odorant, commonly ethyl mercaptan, for safety reasons. The smell allows propane leaks to be quickly detected.
4. About 90% of the United States’ propane supply is domestically produced, making it a very reliable and secure energy source.
5. The majority of the country’s propane supply is created via natural gas processing.
6. The propane sector accounts for roughly $40 billion of the United States’ overall gross domestic product.
7. Propane is considered a clean-burning fossil fuel under the 1990 Clean Air Act and the National Energy Policy of 1992, which name it as an alternative energy. What it is not named at is a greenhouse gas.
8. Propane does not harm the air, soil, water, aquatic life, marine life, or plant life in the rate event of a leak.
9. Propane is one of the most cost-effective energy solutions available, making it very budget friendly. Today’s high-efficiency propane heating systems and other propane appliances have efficiency ratings of 95%, or even higher!
10. Propane is one of the safest forms of energy available. Propane will not ignite unless the surrounding air reaches a temperature of 940 Fahrenheit. Propane tanks are made of carbon steel and are 20 times more puncture-resistant than ethanol, methanol, or gasoline tanks.

What’s something else you should know? Advanced Propane can’t be beat for dependable propane delivery and service—all year long. Become a customer today and make a difference in your home or business!