If you feel hungry, dirty, or cold, one thing addresses all these problems: propane. From ovens and clothes dryers to central heating, propane gives life to some of our most frequently used domestic machines.

Propane also goes by “LPG,” or liquefied petroleum gas. Companies store and deliver it as a cold liquid to promote safety and save space. As a liquid, propane is 270 times more compact than in its gas form. As a gas, propane delivers daily comfort and warmth to millions of homeowners and companies nationwide.

We flip a switch, turn a dial, or push a button to release propane for everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or recreational activities.

When ignited, propane fuels appliances and outdoor equipment, including the following:

Oftentimes we don’t notice how much propane we use each day. However, this widely-valued fuel also comes with dangers if you use or store it incorrectly. With propane education, you and your family can enjoy this gas’ benefits and stay safe from harm.

Your home may have an underground tank with connecting pipes for propane. Other appliances, like a grill, may screw directly into a smaller propane tank.

Underground propane tanks often come with a valve to stop gas flow, a safety relief valve to release pressure, a regulator to control pressure, and a gauge to determine how much propane remains in the tank.

Propane lacks odor, so companies add certain chemicals to give it a strong identifying smell. When your propane delivery service brings propane to your home, you may want to ask the driver to let you smell propane briefly, so you know what to look for in the case of a future leak.

Call First Class Plumbing and Gas to completely empty, depressurize, and dispose of containers. If you try to dispose of containers yourself, know the safety risks involved, and be aware that in some areas improper disposal is illegal.

If you know the risks that propane presents, you can act quickly and safely if emergencies strike. Two main dangers of propane include combustion and carbon monoxide.

Combustion

Many appliances that use propane come with an igniter or pilot light. If you use flammable chemicals around these appliances, the pilot light may set off an explosion.

Propane vapors can also catch fire and even ignite an explosion. Do not store propane near heat or flame, and keep children away from propane and its appliances.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas without color, taste, and odor. If your appliances do not burn propane completely, this inefficiency leads to CO buildup in your home.

CO poisoning leads to brain damage or death. CO poisoning may also show the following symptoms:

If you smell propane:

When prepared, you can set worries aside and enjoy the benefits of propane safely in your home. For a list of our propane and gas services visit our gas division page.