Most homeowners and business owners are aware that making more sustainable energy choices is a crucial consideration. Energy choices are most important when it comes to things like heating. Heating structures require a lot of energy during the winter months, so this is one area where your choices matter regarding sustainability. If you use fuel to heat your home, you need to understand which fuel types are most eco-friendly. According to the experts at the National Propane Gas Association, the direct use of propane for space heating, water heating, cooking, and drying clothes reduces greenhouse emissions by up to 50%. Let's take a look at a few reasons why a propane tank continues to rank high as an eco-friendly fuel source.

Small Carbon Footprint

One way to determine how sustainable and eco-friendly something may be is to measure the carbon footprint. This refers to the carbon dioxide the product or activity produces. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas that affects our environment and atmosphere. It is a by-product of fuel combustion. It's impossible to use a fuel without creating carbon dioxide, but some fuels produce less than others. Propane and natural gas are often being compared to determine which has the lower carbon footprint.

Although natural gas produces lower CO2 when being burned, there are other factors at play when it comes to determining the overall carbon footprint. Even though natural gas produces less CO2 when burned, there is more CO2 produced overall during the entire process of producing natural gas. The emissions created during the entire refining process are called, “upstream emissions,” and they must also be considered. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, when compared to each other, propane creates the least amount of emissions overall during the entire process of production, delivery, and consumption.

Fewer Greenhouse Gases Overall

Although carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas that is most often discussed concerning sustainability, other greenhouse gases must be considered as well. Methane, for instance, has a more potent greenhouse effect than CO2, and the primary component of natural gas is methane. Propane doesn't contain any greenhouse gases which is why it's considered a clean energy source. This was determined in 1991 by the Clean Air Act.

Naturally Cleaned From The Environment

Another reason why propane is considered a more eco-friendly fuel option is that when propane is released into the air it vaporizes and dissipates, according to the Propane Education & Research Council. This means it won’t contaminate items like groundwater, drinking water, and other ecosystems. This decreases the chances of propane compounds affecting the atmosphere negatively.

These are just a few reasons propane is a more eco-friendly fuel source than natural gas. If you're looking for a propane tank or fuel options for your home or business, please contact us at Charlton Oil & Propane Company today.