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Pros & Cons Of Propane
Pros and cons of using propane as an energy source.
The Pros Of Propane:
- Supply.
- Due to the fact that propane is actually a byproduct of petroleum, there is plenty of it to go around when petroil is widely available! Additionally, you can easily obtain a small propane tank at gas stations and hardware stores, or larger tanks through fuel companies. A smaller version, such as a 20-pound tank, will fuel your fire pit for about 10 hours. For those that use their fire feature more frequently, we recommend having a larger tank installed by your home.
- Cost-effective.
- For the amount that you shell out for a tank of propane, you're reaping the benefits! Propane produces more BTUs than other fuel sources, making it super efficient and easy on your wallet. Compared to natural gas, propane will deliver almost twice the BTUs per cubic foot!
- Clean combustion.
- Perhaps the cleanest burning fossil fuel option available, propane does not leave behind soot, ash, or residue when burned. If however, you do notice soot build-up, this may be due to a connection that was not installed properly. We would recommend having a certified gas professional inspect your set up to determine what the issue may be.
- Environmentally-friendly.
- Tests conducted by the EPA show that propane is not harmful to soil or water, and it does not pollute environment when released into the atmosphere. It is non-toxic and colorless. In fact, it is odorless in it's pure form (ethanethiol is typically added to propane so that gas leaks can be detected).
The Cons Of Propane Energy:
- Availability.
- This can be a double-edged sword. While we learned that supply is an advantage of propane, we need to make it clear that when petroleum reserves are running low, this directly and negatively affects the availability of propane.
- Density.
- Propane is heavier than air and will settle at the bottom of outdoor features. For this reason, it cannot be used with fire glass and ceramic stones, as this media will inhibit air from reaching the gas, leading to explosion. A special orifice must be installed on the fuel line to help dissipate the propane and make it safer and cleaner to burn.
- Temperature sensitive.
- If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, your propane burner will not work well during the winter season! Cold conditions will cause propane to shrink, thus reducing the pressure within your setup, which means less gas will be supplied to the burner.
- Flammable.
- Just like any fuel, propane is quite flammable. If it gets trapped in a confined space (such as at the bottom of a fire bowl topped with ceramic stones, the build up of pressure will cause an explosion once exposed to a spark or flame. Always make sure you have a certified gas professional install and inspect your fuel lines to ensure the safety of your setup.
There are plenty of good reasons to use propane as your energy source. Conveniently supplied and a great alternative to areas that do not have access to natural gas, propane ranks high when it comes to reliable energy sources!
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