Popularity of Propane On the Rise

More Home Owners Warm Up to Propane(January 30, 2006) --

Home owners typically use propane only for their gas grills. If the propane industry has its way, that could change as more households use the gas throughout the home for heating, cooking, and fireplaces.

Over 6 million residences have propane heating systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Jim Hitzemann of Ray Murray Inc. believes propane will gain popularity in suburban areas that are not linked to natural gas lines. Homeowners would spend less money if they used propane in gas-powered water heaters and gas-burning fireplaces, with the latter offering savings of 30 percent to 60 percent in comparison to wood-burning hearths, Hitzemann says.

Home owners do not have to have unsightly propane tanks on display, as the newest models are placed undergroundl. Propane also is considered more efficient than electric heat, as it maintains a consistent temperature and is not affected by outside air temperatures.

Hitzemann, whose company supplies customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, speculates that manufactured housing also could fuel greater demand for propane, because such homes are "set up for gas at the factory."

Source: Washington Post, David Bradley (01/30/06)