For families concerned about the damaging effects of climate change, reducing your home’s carbon footprint is a significant goal. For example, many homeowners install solar panels to generate much of their own power. But it’s important to know that an eco-friendly home doesn’t need to be all-electric.
On the contrary, builders and architects often encourage the use of propane as part of a balanced and energy-efficient home plan. Propane-fired heating and appliances offer efficiency, sustainability and superior comfort.
There is a general misconception that fully-electric homes are inherently eco-friendly. While these homes don’t produce greenhouse gas emissions, the power plants that generate their electricity are far from green.
Today, nearly 54 percent of North Carolina’s electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels like coal. Nationwide, that number is 61 percent. In fact, about 25 percent of America’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity generation.
Moreover, a sizable amount of energy is lost in the generation of electricity. For every unit of electricity used in your home, 3.03 units of source energy—like natural gas or coal—need to be extracted.
Conversely, propane requires only 1.15 units of source energy for one unit of home power. And in modern heating equipment, propane can reach efficiencies north of 90 percent.
The minimal emissions that propane produces are much cleaner, too. Propane contains virtually no particulate matter (a known carcinogen) and releases significantly less carbon dioxide than other energy sources. Homes using propane-fueled furnaces emit up to 50 percent less nitrogen oxide and 82 percent less sulfur oxide than electric furnaces.
For homeowners looking to install the highest quality appliances, propane offers a world of possibilities. Across the board, gas-powered home appliances provide better performance than electric models. Propane-fired water heaters and clothes dryers work faster and more efficiently than their electric counterparts. Home chefs prefer the quality and control of heat they get with gas-powered ranges and ovens.
Plus, propane offers a range of luxurious amenities, from gas logs and outdoor firepits to grills and pool heaters. Propane generators provide security against electric grid blackouts. What’s even better? LG Jordan sells, installs, and repairs a number of these appliances!
As you can see, pairing clean-burning propane with home-based solar power generation is an excellent way to ensure a comfortable, energy-efficient home.
For nearly a century, LG Jordan Oil Co. has kept North Carolina residences safe and warm. We’d love for you to join our family of customers. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how we can improve the quality of life in your Apex, NC area home.