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Propane 101: The Basics

Propane is a safe, efficient, and portable fuel. It is produced during the processing of natural gas and oil refining activities.

Propane is considered a light hydrocarbon (chemical symbol C₃H_8). Classified as a natural gas liquid (NGL) when seperated from natural gas feedstock, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) when produced from oil refining. Other members of the NGL and LPG families include butane and ethane.

Propane is one of the hottest, cleanest burning, and most versatile fuels in existence. Canada’s Alternative Fuels Act – and British Columbia’s Low Carbon Fuels Act – both recognize Propane for its low environmental impact and low carbon intensity. In fact, propane’s greenhouse gas (GHG) and particulate emissions are significantly lower than most other carbon-based fuels, including coal, gasoline, diesel, firewood, and heating oil. 

Ready’s bulk propane supply is derived from North American oil & gas. By supporting the North American oil & gas industry, we help ensure our critical oil & gas supply is both secure and ethically produced. Not unlike other major resource industries, the energy industry is a major provider of government tax revenue and supports hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Not to mention their families! 

Propane is not new technology. So why are so many homes and businesses switching to Propane?  

Safe, simple, and time-tested, many homes and business are rediscovering the practical and proven benefits of using Propane. As our world becomes more unpredicatable -yet more reliant on energy than ever before- propane provides the kind of  “certainty” people are looking for. 

Propane Heat vs. The Heat Pump 

• BE VERY WARY OF THE HEAT PUMP PROPAGANDA! Virtually all air-source heat pumps struggle to produce heat quickly -or efficiently- below 5 degrees Celsius. On Vancouver Island, expect overnight temperatures to fall below that level from October thru to April.
• During colder periods, heat pump systems utilize a “back-up” heating system to produce warmth more effectively. These supplemental heating systems are often powered using propane, natural gas, or electricity. Resistance heating using electricity (electric furnace or baseboard heat) is one of the most inefficient forms of all heating. And in BC, it is costly.
• The new generation of small “Mini-split” heat pumps are relatively inexpensive to purchase, but are designed for use in small spaces. Their indoor aesthetics, heating efficiency, maintenance requirements, and working life are all subject to debate. Recent nationwide recalls on these units being a prime example. Before investing your hard earned after-tax dollars in one of these units, educate yourself. Google “Heat Pump Nightmares” or “Heat Pump Fails” and read what comes up. Freeze-up problems, slow heating, mold buildup, defective components, and costly breakdowns are all common complaints. 
• Proponents of Heat Pumps love to talk about their small electricity bills. But only when it’s mild outside… What they don’t talk about is the up-front costs of their Heat Pump. Or the costs of service or repairs over a relatively short service life. Even with all the Government rebates available, a quality whole-home Heat Pump system is expensive to purchase and install. $25-40k has become the new normal. Upfront installation costs are even higher if changes to the electrical panel, insulation, or duct work are required. 
• With very few moving parts, propane systems operate for decades with very simple maintenance, and little additional expenditure. The same can’t be said for Heat Pumps. Expect reduced life expectancy if your Heat Pump needs to cycle on and off constantly due to low outside temperatures. 
• As BC pushes to electrify the provincial economy, it is not unreasonable to expect BC Hydro’s prices to rise significantly in the coming years. Chronic project overruns (think Site C), increased electrical demand, growing deficits, and aging infrastructure costs will all place significant upward pressure on rates in the years ahead. There are already many stories of Heat Pump and EV converts being “bill shocked” into reality. It will only get worse.
• When the power goes out -as it often does in winter- relying 100% on an electric heating system can have serious and dangerous consequences for some people. Freezing pipes can also cause expensive damage to your home or business. 
• Find out more here: https://bccade.ca/ 

Propane vs. Wind & Solar power

• Wind Energy is often intermittent, and only feasible in certain areas. The wind also typically dies down at night – right when you need energy the most. 
• Solar Power is great -in theory- but powering your entire home or business with solar panels will only work during certain times of the year. People are shocked when they discover that Vancouver Island averages only 4-5 hours of useful solar energy a day during the critical winter heating season!  
• Without an extreme investment in windmills or solar panels, and expensive batteries, the energy needs of the average home or business are significantly higher than these systems can produce. This means maintaining some reliance on a grid-tied, or back-up fuel system (e.g. propane) to provide guarenteed base-load power. 

Propane vs. Natural Gas

• Indeed, Propane is more expensive than Natural Gas on a per-liter basis. This difference is primarily attributable to the higher costs of transporting and handling the fuel (Pipeline vs. Truck). 
• However, Propane contains nearly twice the heating energy (BTU’s) of Natural Gas. In other words, you require only half as much propane by volume to produce the same amount of heat energy.
• Natural Gas services are usually only available in densely populated residential areas, industrial parks, or high consumption commercial areas. Conversely, Propane is the perfect solution for rural living. Propane systems can be installed anywhere a delivery truck can gain access, or a person can physically pack a full propane cylinder.
• If a Natural Gas line is not currently fronting your home or business, installing a new propane system is far less complicated and costly than extending Natural Gas lines. Depending on your annual consumption and existing ground conditions, it could take years to recoup the up-front costs of installing a new Natural Gas service.
• Propane tank rental charges are much less expensive than the monthly meter fees associated with Natural Gas service. 

Propane vs. Heating Oil (Diesel)

• Heating Oil and Diesel are essentially the same product. On a per-liter basis, propane costs significantly less than both. 
• Remediation claims caused by old leaking oil tanks are not uncommon. Ground contamination concerns are completely eliminated by simply switching from Heating Oil to Propane. If you currently own an oil tank, it’s likely your Insurance Agent has already asked you about it!
• Propane burns much cleaner, and produces far fewer carbon emissions than Heating Oil. Using a cleaner burning fuel also results in less equipment maintenance.  
• Propane can be stored safely in a tank or cylinder for decades without spoiling, and without having to add fuel stabilizers. This makes propane the ideal choice for back-up power systems!

 Propane vs. Wood Heat 

• We agree, there is nothing like the warmth of a wood fire. However….. 
• Wood fires are extremely carbon intensive. Whether it’s summer wildfires or winter woodstoves, health concerns related to wood smoke are now a major concern in many communities.
• Abundant supplies of firewood are no longer available for many people. Most Forest Companies now charge for this once-free resource. On Vancouver Island, commercial firewood cutters and special interest groups get first access to the local supply. 
• Even when sourced for “free”, firewood is the furthest thing from free. Think of all the hours and effort required to source and then cut the firewood. Then add up all the costs of your equipment & gasoline. Once cut, you still need to haul the firewood home in your truck or trailer. Then split it, stack it, dry it, etc. 
• If you prefer to pay for your firewood split and delivered, this is no longer the cheap  and easy option. Dry & split firewood costs can cost anywhere from $300-$500 per cord, plus delivery. When used as primary heat, it’s not unheard of to burn through 6-8 cords per season!
• Finally, you need to have the space to stack all this firewood. Then you gather and split the kindling, then drag the splintered mess inside your house. Then light (and re-light) the fireplace night after night, deal with all the dust, and continually dispose of the ash. There are much easier ways to stay warm…  

PROPANE. IT’S THE LOGICAL CHOICE.

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