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Propane Tanks |
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Many of the recreational properties in
BC are too far away from power lines for
electricity. While I’ve discussed solar
power elsewhere, another solution I
champion over noisy and polluting gas
generators are appliances which run on
propane. Yes, the same bottles which
hook up to your camping stoves and
lanterns also provides you with a
cheaper alternative to gas generators
and solar power modules. |
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It is said that propane solutions offer
more efficiency, less appliance
maintenance, and more convenience than
either electricity or fuel oil. Since
all pollutants are removed before it
enters the pipeline, a propane solution
is more environmentally friendly than
fuel generators. While gas appliances
may cost more in the short term, due to
the high efficiency of propane, these
appliances will use less energy than
their electric or fuel run counterparts.
All propane appliances in Canada are
built to meet the Canadian Gas
Association, and the CGA seal of
certification should appear on all
propane appliances. |
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There are a couple of issues to consider when
choosing a propane solution. The first is how
much propane do you require? Propane tanks come
in all sizes. You can get little tanks which you
can refill, or you can go for the larger
cylinders. You can get a Typically, a 500
gallon tank is enough for a four bedroom home.
The second is where will the tanks of propane
go? With the exception
of certain small legally permissible types,
propane tanks must be installed outside of
buildings. Finally, you must consider venting
issues. Most propane appliances will need to
have outdoor venting to meet with national
safety codes. Check with your local contractor
for the best solution for you. |
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Propane heating and electrical systems have
increased in leaps and bounds over the last
several years. Propane can run electrical
generators through a process called “cogeneration”,
in which propane is used to
heat water in a
steam boiler. The steam that is produced by
this flows through a turbine to turn blades
attached to a shaft extending into an
electric generator. As the shaft spins,
electricity is produced in the generator.
Gas heat pumps can provide hot air to
the house through a propane gas engine. A
gas heat pump's engine design life exceeds
40,000 hours, significantly longer than an
electric heat pump.
Propane appliances include: |
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An example of a propane heater for your
home |
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Cooking appliances.
This is probably the most familiar of the
propane appliances, as we are all familiar with
the camp stove or other burners when
backpacking. But propane can be used for larger
ovens, ranges, and cook tops.
Refrigerators.
Exactly the same as your normal fridge, except
that it will need to vent outdoors or be
equipped with a carbon monoxide detector which
shuts off the propane burner should carbon
monoxide become present. |
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Propane Refrigerator |
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Clothes Dryers.
Propane clothes dryers currently cannot
be told apart from their electrical
counterparts. They have the same
settings for all your fabric needs, and
time sensors with automatic shut-offs.
One major feature is that a propane gas
clothes dryer can complete the same load
as an electric dryer in ¾ of the time.
Water
Heaters.
There are two types of propane water heaters. Storage Water
Heaters
hold heated water in a controlled
storage tank. They can produce up to
four times as much hot water as electric
models during the same amount of time.
Instantaneous, Tank-less Water Heaters
is when a gas burner automatically
ignites when a hot water tap is turned
on, and shuts off when the tap is turned
off. These models are ideal for limited
spaces.
Since
these units do not continually heat
water in a storage tank, you will save
money over the long run.
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Outdoor Uses. Propane barbeques are a common sight, but there are also propane
gas lights, which can come with timers to
activate in the dark. There are also propane
space heaters to warm up your porch or patio in
the cooler months. There are even propane
solutions for heated pools, hot tubs and spas.
Propane is a wonderful solution for a recreational property.
Cheaper, more environmentally friendly and more
efficient than fuel oil, propane offers more
bang for your buck when you are looking at power
and heating solutions for your property. |
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