We know that propane is easy on both the environment and your budget, but that’s not all; it’s also the key to making your home warm, comfortable and inviting.
If you have an RV or travel trailer you’ve probably learned to depend on propane (LP Gas) for a lot of things. There are a lot of things to learn and know about propane and propane tanks (also referred to as LP for liquid petroleum gas). LP gas is either propane or butane gas or a mixture of both. Know what you’re getting if you plan to be in colder or very, very hot climates or transitioning between the two.
What is Propane?
- Propane is LPG but not all LPG is propane.
- Propane is classified as LPG, along with butane, isobutene, and mixtures of these gases.
- The good news is that Propane is readily available in MICHIGAN, we just call it LPG.
- Propane is LPG, so no worries!
- Propane is the gas that is supplied to virtually all homes and most businesses that purchase LPG in Michigan.
- Propane (LPG) is Not Natural Gas
- Propane is not to be confused with Natural Gas, which is primarily Methane.
When Natural Gas is initially extracted from the ground it may also contain Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane and Pentanes Plus.
Most of these are usually stripped out for other specific applications before it is passed along through the pipelines.
Tips for Propane
- Don’t try to heat your ring with the stovetop or oven.
- Know what LP gas smells like. Since LP has little or no odor of its own companies add sulfur or garlicky smell to the gas so you can tell if there is a leak.
- Hire professionals. If you don’t know what you’re doing or you’ve only seen someone do something once, but don’t know what they did or why they did it, call a pro.
- Pay attention to the tank’s position when transporting it or having it filled. If you have a propane tank that sits vertically when it’s being used, it should travel and be filled in that same position. If it’s a horizontal tank (as you find on some truck campers) make sure you read the label on the tank to see if it needs to be transported and/or filled horizontally or vertically. Some horizontal tanks vary-some should be filled upright, others in the horizontal position.
- Tanks should be recertified every five years. They are certified for 12 years from the factory but need to be recertified every five years thereafter.
- Don’t let your tanks get dinged and banged and scratched up.
- If you buy a used RV have a propane expert test and recertify the propane system. They will check all the fittings and lines for leakage and make sure the regulators and appliances are inspected for problems as well.
Don’t use flammable liquids in your RV while LP is on. Remember, an open flame can ignite things like paint, solvents you’re using to clean something else or even fingernail polish remover! Use caution.