Many households depend on propane to heat their homes, cook their meals and produce a constant supply of hot water for bathing, laundry, and cleaning. Propane is naturally colorless and odorless. To make it more detectable, propane sold for residential usage contains an additive with a very distinct smell so that homeowners and propane company employees can more easily detect its presence, should a leak or spill occur. 

Homeowners who are unfamiliar with using propane in their homes can benefit from the following tips. 

Appliances

Kitchen stoves, barbeque grills, clothes dryers, water heaters, and heating appliances are some of the most common uses of propane in the home. Homeowners who have one or more of these appliances, or plan to purchase one soon, should understand that professional installation is important. 

Propane is delivered to appliances through a series of pipes, regulators, and fittings, all of which can be damaged or develop leaks if improperly handled. Improper moving, handling, or installation of propane appliances can result in dangerous leaks and problems with delicate ignition systems. 

Homeowners should also avoid moving propane appliances and use care to keep them clean and free of dust, grease, and grime that could result in reduced efficiency or create a potential fire hazard. 

Most propane delivery companies have skilled technicians on staff to handle appliance installation to ensure that customers have a safe experience. In addition to installing new appliances, propane delivery companies typically offer periodic inspection of appliances, gas lines, and tank connections to ensure that they are still safe to use. 

Detection 

As with any gas, problems can occur that cause propane to leak or give off noxious fumes in enclosed spaces. Along with professionally installing the appliances, providing careful maintenance, and conducting regular safety inspections, homeowners should also consider installing propane detection and carbon monoxide sensors. Both types can offer visual or audible alerts when propane gas or carbon monoxide levels in the home are at an unsafe level. 

Delivery

Using propane in a residential setting usually involves the use of a storage tank at the home. Homeowners can ask their propane delivery service to help them compute their estimated usage and decide on an appropriate delivery schedule. Some propane delivery services top the tank levels off at regular intervals or offer monitoring equipment to help ensure that their propane customers maintain an adequate supply of fuel at all times.   

Contact local propane companies for more information.

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