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![]() Learn more about how propane compares with other fuels here. The takeaway: Gallon for gallon, propane burns more efficiently than natural gas (and other fuels, too). Now let’s put that all together and see just how efficient propane is:ġ cubic foot of propane produces 2516 BTU, and 1 cubic foot of natural gas produces 1030 BTU.ġ gallon of propane produces 91,452 BTU, and 1 gallon of natural gas produces 85,098 BTU. You can take a deeper dive in our BTU 101 post. Converting standard cubic feet (SCF) to BTU keeps everything on the same page for comparison. So why use it? Different fuels come in different forms and are measured in different ways, such as gallons, cubic feet, or kilowatts. And a BTU is tiny: basically, the heat generated by burning one match (hence the huge numbers on the appliance labels). Next - what is a BTU? Short for British Thermal Unit, it’s a measure of heat. * Natural gas is measured in standard cubic feet (SCF), which uses a slightly different formula to account for the variable molecular structure of natural gas. This table shows how these measurements compare and convert from volume to weight - or cubic feet to gallons: Because propane is in liquid form in the tank but a gas once it’s released, it’s not uncommon to see references to propane in both gallons and cubic feet. Let’s unpack it.įirst, it’s helpful to know how propane is measured. But rest assured, this is just one way heat is measured. 100,000 BTU, 95% efficiency… 66,000 BTU, 96% efficiency… The sizes of the numbers alone can be enough to make your brain blow a fuse. If you have shopped for any major appliance, you’ve already encountered the physics of propane. Good to know: 1 gallon of propane yields 91,452 BTU Energy Efficiency The science behind it: math But when properly installed and maintained, all your propane tanks should remain well within normal range. ![]() The pressure may fluctuate slightly - for example, a grill tank that reads 145 psi when it’s 70 degrees Fahrenheit outside will read closer to 175 psi when temps hit 100. How to use it: To keep propane burning correctly and safely, be sure your residential and grill tanks’ pressure gauges read between 100 and 200 psi. ![]() A carbon monoxide leak in your home could cause serious injury and even be fatal. The pressure in your propane tank or grill tank is too low, or if your appliances are not designed for propane or aren’t installed correctly, your equipment could start to release soot and carbon monoxide. Why it matters: Propane tanks are designed to be as safe as possible, but it never hurts to be aware of potential risks. (For your reference, propane emits about half as much CO2 as gasoline does - one reason it’s often considered a cleaner-burning fuel.) When you burn propane - adding oxygen (O2) to it - you get the heat you use for your furnace and appliances, plus water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which are released as exhaust. In English, that’s 3 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms. Good to know: C3H8 + O2 → H2O + CO2 + energyįor some of us, high school chemistry was a pretty traumatic experience, so no one will fault you if you don’t remember that the molecular formula of propane is C3H8. Whether you’re curious about the number of BTU per pound of propane or want to know how propane works, we’ll break down some of the science - and even show you how to use it. You can use the science behind propane to keep your tanks and appliances operating safely, understand why propane is such a powerful fuel source, and choose the most energy-efficient appliances. You’ve heard the school-kid complaint before - maybe even from your old high-school self: But when am I gonna use this in real life? Today’s your lucky day. How geeking out on propane can keep you safe and even lower your energy bills Eco Friendly Benefits click here to learn about eco friendly benefits.Propane Safety for Businesses Propane Safety for Businesses.Grilling Cylinder Safety Grilling Cylinder Safety.Carbon Monoxide Safety Carbon Monoxide Safety.Weather Related Safety Weather Related Safety.More Propane Safety click here to learn more about propane safety.Maintenance For Your Propane Appliances Maintenance For Your Propane Appliances.Propane Safety click here to learn about propane safety.Propane Appliances click here to learn about propane appliances.Converting to Propane click here to learn how to convert to propane.Portable Propane click here to learn about portable propane.Outdoor Living click here to learn about outdoor living.In The Home click here to learn about propane in the home.For Your Home click here to learn about propane for your home.Tank Installation click here to learn about propane tank installation.Home Propane Tanks click here for answers to residential propane tank questions.Propane Tank Sizes click here to learn about propane tank sizes.
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