January 30, 2007, Albany, NY – Now that winter has finally arrived in New York State, homeowners and businesses alike are again focused on the cost and efficiency of the energy they use to meet their heating needs. To help gain the most out of every energy dollar, the New York Propane Gas Association is reminding consumers that propane is a cost-effective, clean, and reliable power source that can be used for central heating, space heating, hot water, cooking, and clothes drying.
 For many consumers, increases in energy costs have caused them to turn down thermostats, install additional insulation, or find other ways to use less energy during a time of the year when they need it most. In virtually every instance, using propane in place of electricity can save 25% or more on energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In some circumstances, the savings can be even higher.
“Propane space heaters are just one great example of how people put propane to work for them each day,” said John Hamilton, who has been in the energy industry for more than 30 years and serves as president of the New York Propane Gas Association. “A high-efficiency propane-fired space heater can save significant dollars for a family that needs to get heat into certain rooms, but not the whole house. It allows them to turn down the thermostat on the central heating system, and avoids heating unused space,” he added.
Central heating systems fueled by propane also generally provide warmer air than electric heat pumps, and will last as long as 15-20 years; five-to-ten years longer than electric heat pumps.
The DOE data also shows that propane water heaters cost up to 30% less to operate than electric water heaters, and about 50% less to operate than electric clothes dryers, which can make a significant impact on any energy budget. And cooking with propane can be significantly cheaper than using electricity, especially since propane gas heats faster and cools more quickly, helping to avoid burns from heated surfaces.
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New York Propane Gas Association
January 30, 2007
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Propane equipment and appliances are manufactured to rigorous safety standards. Often referred to as “the gas beyond the mains,” propane is widely used in locations outside the reach of utility natural gas pipes for furnaces, boilers, water heaters, standby generators, outdoor grills, fireplaces, pool heaters, and kitchen appliances; on farms for uses such as pest control, crop drying, and irrigation pumps; for industrial uses such as forklifts and fleet vehicles; and in millions of commercial establishments, including restaurants and hotels that depend on propane for heating, cooking, pool and spa heating, and other uses. Propane is stored in environmentally-friendly tanks that can be conveniently placed underground in many applications.
For more information about the value of propane, visit the Propane Education and Research Council’s consumer Web site at www.usepropane.com. Visitors to the site can take an interactive home tour, calculate potential savings, review important safety information and download detailed product information that can help them start saving money on energy bills right away. To find propane dealers in specific communities, consumers can enter their zip code and choose the type of propane service they need.
The New York Propane Gas Association is a member-focused trade organization providing services that communicate, educate, and promote the propane industry in New York. Formed in 1948, the Association offers opportunities for members to learn through training and networking, and provides expert assistance to members on legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry. The New York Propane Gas Association is one of many state and regional propane gas associations affiliated with the National Propane Gas Association.
For more information, visit www.nypropane.com.
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