Clark Gas Co. — the source for all your propane needs,
serving Northwestern Alabama and South Central Tennessee

Using propane benefits more than just pocketbook. You’re probably aware of the fact that propane is a less expensive alternative to electricity. But do you know the other benefits of this exceptional energy? Here’s a sample of some of the ways propane can make your life better.

Warm, Fuzzy Feeling

The heat generated by propane makes you feel good. A typical propane-powered heating system warms air to about 140 degrees. Compare this to a typical electric system, which only warms the air to 96-98 degrees, and you’ll understand why electric heat feels like a cold draft on your skin.

Better Efficiency

Propane gas stoves and fireplaces also heat more evenly and more efficiently than wood-burning ones. They can also heat a larger area, meaning less reliance on primary home heating systems and significant cost savings.

Wood-burning fireplaces can lose up to 90 percent of their heat through the chimney. Fireplace heat also tends to fade just a few feet from the hearth.

Cleaner Burning

A Colorado Clean Air Campaign study showed gas logs burn 40 times longer than wood-burning fireplaces and still not produce the same emissions. The difference is so significant that in some states the use of wood-burning fireplaces is prohibited on days when air quality is poor. (See our Clean and Green section.)

Lower Cost

Propane gas fireplaces can produce twice as much heat as wood-burning ones at about a third of the cost. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a gas fireplace costs 30 percent to 60 percent less per hour to operate than a wood-burning fireplace.

Turning to a more efficient propane furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, range or other propane-powered appliances will save you money, help the environment and keep you warm.

What color is propane?

You may appreciate the warmth and efficiency of propane, but did you know it’s also green?

Propane is an approved alternative fuel in both the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. It is nontoxic and insoluble in water. Because it is used as a gas, it does not spill, pool or leave a residue. It’s a safe fuel to store underground, as it will not contaminate groundwater, even in the unlikely event of a leak.

And its carbon footprint, a measure of it’s impact on the environment, is much less than other fuels. A gallon of propane burned produces about half the carbon dioxide (CO2) as a gallon of fuel oil. Compared per Btu of fuel, propane releases less CO2 than ethanol, gasoline, bio-diesel, kerosene, or coal.

In traditional tank water heating, electric heaters produce 150 times the greenhouse gas emissions of a propane heater. A tankless propane water heater can even further reduce emissions.

Source: Propane Education and Research Council, climatecrisis.net

How to choose a reliable heating professional:

Check their reputation. Ask you friends, family and neighbors about their propane suppliers.

• Check their experience.
  • How long have they been in business? How many customers do they deliver to each year? Will they be around to continue providing me with service?
• What about their employees?
  • Are they well-trained? Are the service technicians up-to-date on the latest installation and service procedures? Do the employees regularly attend seminars and training schools? Are they certified through the Gas Association Program? Ask about the specific training their employees have gone through.
• Can they perform Gas Checks?
  • Gas Check is a licensed voluntary program to inspect the residential propane system (lines, furnace, appliances, etc.) to ensure safety.