PROPANE: All-Weather, Dependable Energy.

Propane 101: The Basics

Well known as a safe, heat efficient, and portable fuel, liquid propane is produced during the processing of natural gas, and through oil refining activities.

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

Canada’s Alternative Fuels Act – and British Columbia’s Low Carbon Fuels Act – have both recognized Propane for its low environmental impact. It is one of the hottest, cleanest burning, and most versatile fuels in existence. 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. 

Our  local economy also benefits through the increasing use of propane. Ready Propane’s bulk supply is refined from North American oil & gas. By supporting our domestic oil & gas industry, we ensure the critical and base-load energy we need is ethically produced, and supply remains secure. A strong energy industry also helps support thousands of local jobs and families. 

Why are so many customers using Propane?  

Safe, simple to use, and time-tested, many homes and business are discovering the very practical benefits of using Propane. In a world more unpredicatable, yet more reliant on energy than ever before, Propane is still a proven winner. 

Propane vs. Heat Pump 

• BE WARY OF THE HEAT PUMP PROPAGANDA! Virtually all air-source heat pumps on the market today fail to produce heat efficiently -or cost effectively- below 5 degrees Celsius. Even on Vancouver Island, overnight temperatures will fall below that level from October thru April.
• During colder periods, heat pumps need to utilize a back-up heating system to produce heat effectively. Back-up systems can be powered using propane, natural gas, or supplimental electricity. Resistance heating using electricity is one of the most inefficient forms of all heating, and it can be costly.
• Heat Pump proponents love to talk about electricity bills. But only when it’s mild out… What they also don’t talk about is the up-front costs of their Heat Pump, and the service (or repair) costs over a relatively short 12-15 year (+/-) service life. Even with all the Government rebates available, good quality whole-home heat pumps are expensive to purchase and install. $25-40k is the new normal. Costs are much higher if improvements to the home or duct work are required. 
• Mini-split heat pumps are relatively inexpensive to purchase, but are designed for smaller spaces. Their indoor aesthetics, efficiency, and working life are also subject to much debate. 
• With very few moving parts, propane systems will operate for decades with little maintenance or additional expenditure. The same can’t be said for Heat Pumps. Expect reduced life expectancy or major repairs if a Heat Pump cycles 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 this new reality. It will only get worse.
• When the power goes out -as it often does in winter- relying solely on electric heat can have serious and dangerous consequences for some people. Freezing pipes can also cause expensive damage to your home or business. 

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 home or business with solar only works 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) for 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 high costs of transport 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 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 fronting your home or business already, 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.
• Paid on an annual basis, propane tank rental charges are 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 switching from Heating Oil to Propane. If you currently operate an oil tank, likely your insurance agent has 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 residential and commercial 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 an average of $300-$400 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.

Canadian Propane Association

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