Posted: July 20, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Propane
Helpful facts about the fuel

Are you thinking about making the switch over to propane to power an appliance or piece of equipment around your home or business here in Eastern North Carolina? If the answer is yes, hopefully you are taking the time to do some research.
With all the various available choices out there, making an informed decision will help you determine exactly what energy source is right for your specific needs.
When it comes specifically to propane, there is a lot to know and a lot of ground to cover. This includes exactly what the fuel is and where it comes from, what it can do in both residential and commercial settings, and how it compares to the alternatives.
Blount Petroleum has put together the below information regarding propane to help you make the smartest decision about your fuel. Keep on reading to learn more.
What Actually Is Propane and Where Does It Come From?
Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing. It is commonly referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP gas, or LPG.
The fuel occurs in a gaseous form, but it is stored and transported as a liquid.
In its natural state, propane is colorless and odorless. However, an odorant is added to it during the production process to make it smell like rotten eggs so that a leak is easy to detect.
What Can Propane Be Used For?
One of the many advantages of propane is that it is versatile and has a long list of applications and uses.
In a home, propane can:
- Warm water
- Provide heat via a central heating system, a space heater, or a patio heater
- Be used in an oven or stove, or for cooking on a grill
- Ignite non-wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits
- Power generators that are used and needed in blackouts
On top of all of the above, propane can also do the following in commercial settings:
- Fuel forklifts, scissor lifts, landscaping equipment, and irrigation equipment
- Power industrial-sized clothes dryers
- Heat a hotel or spa’s pools
How Does Propane Compare to the Alternatives?
There are plenty of energy sources on the market, but propane outperforms a lot of them in multiple areas, including:
- Efficiency: Propane is generally more efficient than other fuels. In fact, compared to natural gas, propane delivers double the amount of British thermal units (BTUs). Oftentimes, propane-powered appliances heat up faster and use less energy than their electric counterparts.
- Costs: The fact that propane is so efficient helps reduce energy and utility bills.
- Eco-friendliness: Propane is a significantly cleaner-burning fuel than a lot of the other options. It is non-toxic and produces minimal pollutants and low carbon emissions.
Some Additional Facts About Propane
Here are some more fun-to-know facts about propane:
- The majority of the propane that is used here in the United States is also made in the United States.
- In order for propane to freeze, the temperature has to drop all the way down to -306.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Propane has no expiration date.
- Propane is the only alternative fuel listed in the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Get Your Propane from Blount Petroleum
Both home and business owners in Eastern North Carolina can count on Blount Petroleum for the propane they need. We have been serving families in the area for over 100 years.
Contact Blount Petroleum today to learn more about our reliable propane services.
