Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner    -    Izzy Rommes, Director

LP Gas Consumer Information

This page features information for consumers which the Bureau hopes you will find helpful. These features include the FAQ, Energy Saving Tips for propane users and Publications available for consumers. Also, information for consumers can be found at the Florida Propane Gas Education, Safety and Research Council web site at www.propanefl.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My propane prices keep changing. Is pricing of propane regulated?

No. Propane is a "free market" commodity in the State of Florida, meaning that its pricing is not regulated. Many factors affect the pricing of propane including production costs, transportation costs, and demand for the product. One big pricing myth is that gasoline prices and propane prices should always be relatively the same - this is not true, although propane is produced through the refining of crude oil and natural gas, that is where the similarity between the two products ends. Gasoline and propane are two entirely different commodities and the pricing of one typically does not greatly affect the pricing of the other. (Increased gasoline prices could affect propane prices by increasing transportation costs - however this would usually impact the sale of goods in general.)

Back to Top

Is propane safe to use in my home?

Propane is a safe fuel to use in your home and business. Propane has a narrow range of flammability and cannot be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels because it is released as a vapor from a pressurized container. In addition, award-winning preventive maintenance programs like GAS-Check® (Gas Appliance System Check) ensure that homeowners understand how to properly maintain their propane appliances and enjoy a healthy, safe environment. Ask your gas supplier about a safety check of your home’s gas system.

Back to Top

Is propane harmful to the environment?

No. Propane is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. Propane is one of the cleanest burning of all alternative fuels; new propane-fueled vehicles can meet the very tough Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards, and one model even meets the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards. Propane is also nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil or water.

Back to Top

How can I be sure I'm handling the use of propane gas properly in my home?

Many gas suppliers have consumer education programs and information. In addition, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has developed a comprehensive maintenance program called GAS Check® (Gas Appliance System Check), in which trained technicians inspect propane systems and appliances in homes to ensure they are running safely and efficiently. The program also educates homeowners on the proper maintenance of propane appliances and how to handle propane safely. Be sure to ask your gas supplier about a safety check of your home’s gas system.

Back to Top

If my gas system leaks, how would I know?

Propane has an odorant added so that you can smell it if it escapes – if there’s a leak in the system or an appliance malfunctions. Make sure that you and all members of your household are familiar with the distinctive odor of propane gas.

Back to Top

I bought a brand new gas range for my home, and wanted to save some money by having my son install it for me. Does he need a license?

There are no laws that prohibit a consumer from working on his own gas system, however, the Bureau STRONGLY recommends against it. LP gas technicians are trained professionals for this type of work, and should always be contacted when service, installation or repair work is needed. Also, Florida law requires you to notify your gas company any time work is performed on your gas system. This is extremely important to your safety. No one, other than the owner of the gas container, can move, fill or work on the container, according to Florida law.

Back to Top

I’m afraid I will run out of gas when the weather gets cold. What can I do?

The Bureau of LP Gas Inspection suggests that homeowners who fuel furnaces and appliances with propane contact their local dealer about having their propane delivery accounts put on “automatic.” An automatic or “keep-full” account ensures that an adequate supply of gas will be available when the weather gets cold. If you cannot be put on a “keep-full” account, never wait until your tank is empty to call for gas. As a rule of thumb, call your gas company when your tank gauge reaches 30%.

If you have a question that wasn't answered here, please contact our office at (850) 921-1600, or email us at bassetl@freashfromflorida.com

Back to Top

What are Liquefied Petroleum Gases?

Liquefied petroleum gases are a group of hydrocarbons composed predominately of any of the following hydrocarbons or mixtures of the same: propane, propylene, butanes (normal butane or iso butane), and butylenes. The most commonly used is propane. LP gas is a safe and efficient energy source when used properly and when safety procedures are observed. These gases are used in a variety of ways, including home heating, cooking and motor fuel, and have many industrial applications, such as being used as forklift fuel and in peak shaving plants.

The unique characteristics of LP gas require a high level of expertise and special codes, laws and regulations. LP gas is a liquid when stored under pressure, which becomes a vapor as pressure is released. This results in an energy source that is both portable and easily stored. Because LP gas vapors are heavier than air, they can "pocket" or collect in low areas (unlike natural or manufactured gas). It is these unique characteristics that make enforcement of applicable safety requirements essential for protection of the public against loss of property, health and life by fire or explosion.

Back to Top

Average Properties of Commercial Propane

  • Pounds Per Gallon 4.2
  • BTU Per Gallon 91,502
  • BTU Per Pound 21,548
  • BTU Per Cubic Ft. Vapor at 60 ° F 2,516
  • Cubic Ft. Vapor per Gallon at 60 ° F 36.4
  • Cubic Ft. Vapor per Pound at 60 ° F 8.6
  • Specific Gravity of Vapor 1.50
  • Specific Gravity of Liquid .504
  • Boiling Point -44 ° F
  • Ignition Temperature 920 ° -1120 ° F
  • Limits of Flammability lower/upper 2.15/9.6
  • kwh per Gallon of Propane 26.9

Back to Top

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home - Home heating; Water heaters; Home Appliances

Home Heating Systems

  • Residential heating systems need regular tune-ups. Contact your local propane supplier to inquire about a home-heating system inspection program.
  • Change your furnace filter monthly. Clean filters will save you money on your heating bill.
  • Consider investing in a furnace thermostat timer that can save money by lowering your home's temperature when you are not at home.
  • Protect against drafts around windows and doors by caulking and weather stripping.
  • If you are purchasing a fireplace, consider selecting one fueled by propane. Propane fireplaces burn more efficiently than wood-burning models and distribute heat more evenly throughout the room.

Water Heaters

  • You can save more than 10 percent on your water-heating bill by turning down your water heater from the standard 140 degrees to 130 degrees.
  • To extend your water heater's life and increase energy efficiency, drain it every six months to remove lime deposits and sediment.
  • Install flow-restricting showerheads. You can reduce hot water usage by up to 50 percent without affecting shower pressure.
  • Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,200 gallons of water a year.

Home Appliances

  • Gas ranges with electronic ignition systems will use 40 percent less energy than a standing pilot system.
  • Be sure that all burners are burning with a blue, cone-shaped flame. A yellow flame indicates clogged air inlets or burners that need adjustment. Contact your propane supplier's service department immediately if you do not see a blue flame.
  • Check the seal on your oven door. Gaps or tears in the seal will let heat escape and waste energy.

Back to Top

Publications Available

To receive a copy of any of these brochures, please contact our office by email at bassetl@freashfromflorida.com or by phone at (850) 921-1600.

  • Safe Grilling with Propane (consumer brochure with safety tips for gas grill users - includes grilling recipes)
  • Safe Living With Propane (consumer brochure with general safety tips for many different consumer uses)
  • Consumer Responsibility Brochure (outlines Florida law with regard to consumer notification to gas suppliers when alterations are made to gas systems)
  • How's Your Nose? (brochure designed to acquaint consumers with the odorant added to propane so that it can be detected)
  • Propane Prices (brochure from the National Propane Gas Education and Research Council discussing the fluctuation in prices)
  • PROPANE PRICES - WHAT CONSUMERS SHOULD KNOW (publication of the United States Energy Information Administration) You may view this publication online at the USEIA's web site.

Back to Top