Whether you are buying a new property off the grid, looking to find a new cost-effective way to power your business or simply need a gas supply to operate your barbecue, you have probably heard of propane gas before.
Yet despite having used it, or perhaps even purchased it, many consumers in Ontario still don’t really know what propane is and why it’s more efficient, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective than more traditional sources of power.That’s why here at Budget Propane Ontario we have created this guide of everything you need to know about propane, including what it actually is, how it’s made, what its applications are and how much it costs.
We hope it helps, and if you have any further questions we would love to hear from you. Please do contact us with any questions that you may have.
What is Propane?
Propane is a liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and is one of the cleanest-burning fossil fuels available on the market. It can be used in both residential and commercial applications as an alternative energy source, and is significantly more cost-effective than other fuels.
Propane is one of the cleanest, most affordable and versatile fuels, meaning it can be used to both save money as well as to reduce your residential or commercial carbon footprint for a more environmentally-friendly power supply.
How is Propane made?
Propane is a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, with almost equal amounts of production derived from each of these sources. Due to Canada’s vast oil and gas industry, there is an abundant supply of propane in the country.
Propane from natural gas production
Propane is extracted from liquid components during natural gas processes to prevent condensation in natural gas pipelines. The extracted propane is stored and transported as a liquid, and an odorant is added to its naturally colorless and odorless state so that it is safer for both residential and commercial use.
Propane from crude oil refining
During the oil refining process, fractional distillation is used and heavier hydrocarbons sink to the bottom and lighter hydrocarbons, including propane, are removed from the top layer of the mix. Butane and propane generally constitute around 1 to 4 percent of processed crude oil.
What are the uses of Propane?
Propane is one of the most versatile fuels on the market with a wide range of applications. It can be used to power water heaters, home appliances, commercial appliances, vehicles, pool heaters, generators and so much more.
In fact, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on propane for their home, businesses, farms and fleets, according to the Canadian Propane Association. Here are just a few of the many applications of propane, as published by the CPA.
At home:
- Heat air and water
- Fireplaces and cooking
- Fridges and dryers
- Pool heaters and generators
On the road:
- School and transit buses
- Taxis and courier vans
- Police cars and other fleet vehicles
In agriculture:
- Barn and greenhouse heating
- Powering irrigation systems
- Grain drying
In industry:
- Mining operations
- Construction heating
- Powering forklifts
- Metal processes
Here’s a breakdown of propane demand across Canada:
- 28 percent - mining and oil and gas extraction
- 24 percent - commercial/institutional
- 17 percent - petrochemical and producer’s own use
- 11 percent - residential
- 8 percent - transportation
- 7 percent - agriculture
- 6 percent - manufacturing and construction
Budget Propane Ontario is a family-owned business that prides itself on excellent service and customer satisfaction throughout the central Ontario region. If you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective propane supplier, contact us today!
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