Top 5 Reasons to Switch from Oil to Propane

If you are using oil to heat your home, you might be surprised to learn that propane has several benefits that might have you considering switching to propane, as an alternative, and clean burning fuel. Heating your home in the winter can be difficult with the recent unpredictability of Midwest weather, let alone worrying about extra expenditures or environmental impact. So, what are the benefits to propane? We have laid out 5 reasons you should consider switching from oil to propane.

Environmental Impact

Propane is a clean-burning, alternative energy source that has very little impact on the environment. Unlike oil, which can leak and cause severe environmental damage, propane is a gas that dissipates into the atmosphere and therefore cannot contaminate soil or water. Propane has a lower carbon footprint as well, producing nearly 40% fewer emissions than oil, with low carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. High efficiency propane furnaces emit 10,000 fewer pounds of carbon per year than standard oil-fueled furnaces.

 • One liter of leaked oil can contaminate 1 million liters of drinking water.

 • A pinhole in an oil tank can empty 1,000 liters of oil.

 • Pinhole leaks are often undetected for months, and sometimes years

Safety

Propane is one of the safest alternative fuels you can use. It has a unique odor added to it by manufacturers so that it can be easily recognized and detected in the case of a leak. It is non-toxic, cannot be ingested, cannot contaminate soil or water, and is stored in highly regulated tanks with safety valves and other safety mechanisms to prevent ruptures

Heating Efficiency

Oil furnaces typically produce heat at about 60% efficiency while propane furnaces, on the other hand, are much more efficient, with ratings typically 90% or above. By switching to propane, you are ensuring you are heating your home in the most efficient manner

Cost Savings

Because propane furnaces are much more efficient, you end up saving money as well. It is also worth considering that the cost of an oil leak can range in the hundreds of thousands due to the rate it can contaminate soil and water.

Supply

America produces more than enough propane to meet demand. In fact, the U.S. is propane’s leading producer. Propane is an abundant bridge fuel, making it a clean-burning alternative to gasoline and diesel that can address energy challenges while long-term renewable technologies are developed.