Things To Consider When Installing Propane Gas In Your Home
Propane gas, also called liquefied petroleum, is commonly used in residential properties as a fuel source for heat, cooking, and heating water. Residential lp gas is relatively inexpensive in some parts of the country and can be an excellent option for your home. Propane is different is some ways than other fuels but is an excellent choice for certain situations.
Understanding Propane Gas
Propane is a flammable gas that is stored under pressure in a liquid state. When it is delivered to your home, the fuel is pumped into the tank with enough pressure that the propane remains liquid until it is released from the tank. When propane flows out of the tank, it becomes a vapor that is heavier than air. The vapor is used in heating systems and stoves in your home because it burns very clean with minimal emissions.
Propane Safety
Because the vapor is heavier than air, if you have a leak in the system, the propane can collect in low areas. If you smell propane around the tank, you need to have a technician check things out right away. If you smell it in the house, call the propane company and the fire department because you could have a leak inside.
Propane Storage
Propane is available in containers sized from small cylinders all the way up to very large storage tanks. The propane company can fill the tanks on site for you in most situations. Most homes use one hundred pound cylinders, the tall silver ones you see outside many homes, but if you are using propane as your only fuel, a larger tank is an option.
Larger bulk tanks need a cement or concrete pad to sit on because they are heavy, and once the fuel is added, the soil in your area might not support the tank. Talk to the propane company that is providing the tank to find out how large the pad needs to be. You may also want to run the fuel pipes out to the pad and have them ready to connect to make the installation process a little quicker.
Tank Access
Once the propane tank is in place, the propane company needs to be able to fill the tank regularly. Don't put fencing or thick bushes around the tank to hide it. If the driver can not get to the tank, they will no be able to fill the tank, and you may be asked to remove whatever is obstructing access.
If you do not remove the fence or the bushes, the driver can refuse to service the tank, and eventually, you will run out of fuel. Keep the area around the tank accessible, and if you want to make the area look nice, use small flowers or some bushes that leave enough space between the tank and the bushes so that the driver can work with it.
If you are interested in learning more, try visiting sites such as Gas Production CO Inc.