What you should know about heating a home with propane gas

Propane plays a vital role in heating homes, offering a reliable and efficient source of warmth. In this guide, we will explore the basics of propane heating, propane heaters, and the advantages of using propane for your home's heating needs. 

What is a propane heater?

Propane heaters are designed to convert propane from its liquid state into a gas, and then disperse its chemical energy output in the form of heat. These heaters come in various forms, including wall heaters, space heaters, and central heating systems, and efficiently provide a source of heat fit for residential or commercial use.  

How is propane stored?

Propane is stored in pressurized tanks, which can be placed above or below ground outside of the home. These tanks are designed specifically to store propane gas safely, and they come in various sizes to accommodate different usage levels. 

Where can my propane tank be located?

Propane tanks can be placed in various locations on your property, but they must adhere to safety regulations. Common locations include backyards, above-ground, or buried underground. Most propane tanks must be at least 10 feet from a home or structure, but ultimately, the ideal location depends on your local regulations and your specific needs. You can contact Ferrellgas for more details.  

How big are propane tanks?

Propane tanks come in a range of sizes to suit different needs. Common sizes include 100-pound cylinders for medium-sized homes, and larger tanks for more substantial heating requirements. The size you need depends on your home's size and heating demands, and our Customer Service Professionals are here to assist you.  

Who owns my propane tank?

The ownership of propane tanks can vary. Some homeowners own their tanks and are responsible for tank maintenance. Others may lease their tanks from propane suppliers who handle maintenance. It's essential to clarify the ownership arrangement with your propane supplier. 

How to take care of your propane tank

Proper year-round propane tank maintenance is crucial for safe and efficient heating, as the amount of propane a household uses fluctuates from season to season. In addition to routine maintenance, you also need to determine the type of propane plan that is right for your needs. With Ferrellgas, some homeowners choose Will Call. Other qualified customers choose Auto Fill, a special Ferrellgas plan. You can also add Ferrellgas's Digital Tank Monitoring System if you are using our Auto Fill plan, which allows customers to check their propane tank's level in real-time. Regardless of which plan you choose, a qualified Ferrellgas employee will inspect your tank before every fill.

The basics of central heating

Central heating systems are an efficient way to heat an entire home or business. These systems consist of a central unit, either a furnace or boiler, that distributes heat through ducts or pipes. They offer consistent and even heating throughout a space, making them a popular choice for homeowners. 

If you’re new to a home with propane-powered heating, our propane homeowner’s guide offers a handful of helpful tips to get you acquainted. 

What’s the difference between a furnace vs. boiler?

Furnaces and boilers are two common central heating systems. Furnaces use propane to heat air, which is then distributed through ducts. Boilers, on the other hand, heat water, which is circulated through radiators or underfloor heating systems. Both can be powered by propane, offering reliable and cost-effective heating options for your home. 

Advantages of heating with propane gas

There are several compelling advantages to heating your home with propane gas: 

• Energy Efficiency: Propane heating systems are highly efficient, offering quick and effective warmth while consuming less energy. 
• Clean-Burning: Propane is a clean-burning fuel, producing fewer emissions and reducing your carbon footprint. 
• Reliability: Propane is stored on-site, ensuring a continuous heat supply, even during power outages.  
• Cost-Effective: While there are simple changes you can make to lower your energy bill, propane is often a more cost-effective energy source than electricity or other heating sources.  
• Versatility: Propane can power a wide range of appliances, from heating systems to water heaters, stoves, fireplaces and more.

Heating your home with propane offers an array of benefits, making it an attractive choice for homeowners looking for efficient, clean, and cost-effective heating solutions. The cost of a propane furnace varies, but our Customer Service Professionals are here to guide you.  
 
Interested in making the switch? Converting a home or business to propane heat only requires a few easy installs. Give us a call or reach out via our chat service to get started today.