2nd edition The ProPane Planner [ Job-site considerations Installation tips appliances new technology
InTroDuCTIon energy to Sell. Congratulations on considering propane for your construction project. as you get started with planning setting a schedule, ordering appliances, hiring subcontractors the information in this book will serve as your propane energy planner. The Basics There are a few fundamental things you and your clients should know about propane: It s clean energy. Propane gives builders points under green-building programs such as the national Green Building Standard and leed (leadership in energy and environmental Design) for homes. also, its low emissions make it an approved alternative fuel recognized by the Clean air act and the energy Policy act of 2005. It reduces energy costs. Propane appliances are typically far more efficient than their electric counterparts. an energy Star-qualified propane tankless water heater with an efficiency factor (thermal efficiency) of 82 percent, for instance, can save a homeowner up to 60 percent on his or her energy bill compared with a standard electric tank-type model, while providing an endless supply of hot water. It supports today s lifestyle. Propane provides homeowners with the modern amenities they want, including direct-vent indoor fireplaces and energy for outdoor living spaces. It s easy to work with. With propane, you re not at the mercy of a public utility, so you control your own timing. Propane also affords you great flexibility and portability as a temporary heat source, for instance, while drywall and concrete are being finished. Free Online Training: Go Green With Propane learn about propane distribution, retail service, storage options and identify its applicability toward green-building standards. Go to buildwithpropane.com/training. 2 buildwithpropane.com 3
InTroDuCTIon Clean and Safe Propane is a domestically produced energy source more than 95 percent of the propane used in the united States is produced here in north america. Propane is produced during oil refining and natural gas processing. Its unique properties make it much cleaner than most other forms of energy. Low emissions. The use of propane gives off less than half the greenhouse gas emissions that electricity does, considering that more than half of the nation s electricity is produced by coal-fired power plants. Nontoxic. Propane is nontoxic and insoluble in water. Because it s released as a gas, it doesn t spill, pool or leave a residue. That means propane is not harmful to soil or water in the unlikely event of a release. Designed for safety. Typically used in gas form, propane is compressed as a liquid under pressure for transportation and storage purposes. a chemical odorant (ethyl mercaptan) is added to propane to help detect leaks. Propane installation and service personnel are well-qualified through programs such as the Certified employee Training Program (CeTP). refer to propanesafety. com for more info. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Residential Space Heating Propane meets or exceeds the performance of other energy choices in residential heating, among many other categories. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Residential Space Heating Natural gas furnace Propane furnace Electric heat pump Standard-efficiency air source heat pump with propane furnace backup Fuel oil furnace Earn Points Toward Green Propane can earn you more than 100 points toward the nahb (national association of home Builders) national Green Building Standard, which incorporates environmental considerations into every phase of the home-building process, from lot design and preparation to construction to homeowner education. Building with propane, in fact, can get your project nearly halfway to qualifying as a green home under the standard, just one of hundreds of green-building programs in which propane performs well. For remodelers, this makes propane a smart choice for efficiency upgrades and environmental retrofits. Propane and the National Green Building Standard You can learn more about the national Green Building Standard at nahbgreen.org. Lot Design, Preparation, and Development Resource Efficiency Energy Efficiency Water Efficiency Indoor Environmental Quality Operation, Maintenance, and Building Owner Education Additional Points (from any section) Total Points Maximum points from propane 10 8 53 3 20 7 n/a 101 Bronze 39 45 30 14 36 8 50 222 Silver 66 79 60 26 65 10 100 406 Source: Points and categories based on the National Green Building Standard, ICC700-2008, approved by the American National Standards Institute on Jan. 29, 2009. Gold 93 113 100 41 100 11 100 558 Emerald 119 146 120 60 140 12 100 697 Electric baseboard Electric furnace 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 Source: Energetics 2009 study. Complete study available at buildwithpropane. com > Resources > Research and Insights. Greenhouse gas emissions results are normalized to the emissions of propane for comparison. Lower numbers represent lower greenhouse gas emissions. Each application was assessed based on a defined duration of service, such as heating a home for one year. 4 buildwithpropane.com 5
JoB-SITe PlannInG always a Custom Fit. When it comes to job-site planning, there are four major steps that your propane retailer or subcontractor will walk you through to ensure you get the right tank and pipe configuration for your customer s needs. Determine Tank Type and Size There are two main types of propane tanks. DoT tanks, familiar to homeowners with propane grills, are generally used above ground and typically have a water capacity of up to 125 gallons. They are available in horizontal and vertical configurations. Typical horizontal asme tanks have a water capacity of 125 to 1,000 gallons, and, under normal conditions, they can be filled with propane to the 80 percent level. Propane tanks can be installed above ground, and there are also models that are safe to bury underground, out of sight. In the early stages of your project planning, one of the important questions you ll need to answer is: What size tank does my project demand? Your propane retailer is trained to assess and meet your project requirements, but you ll be better informed by keeping these rough guidelines in mind. Project Size Tank Type Capacity Dimensions Single appliance DoT or asme 125 gallons Dia. 24" length 5'6" Small home or warmer climate-limited gas applications asme 250 gallons Dia. 32" length 7'3" Standard four-bedroom home asme 500 gallons Dia. 38" length 9'10" large home with multiple gas applications asme 1,000 gallons Dia. 41" length 15'11" Free Online Training: Community Tanks Community propane tanks and systems can provide you with gas no matter where you build or how big your project is. learn more at buildwithpropane.com/training. other factors influencing tank size are the total square footage of the home, total Btu load of installed propane appliances, and the climate zone. 6 buildwithpropane.com 7
JoB-SITe PlannInG Intake to directvent appliance Central AC compressor (source of ignition) (Note 1) Window air conditioner (source of ignition) Note 1: Regardless of its size, any ASME container filled on site must be located so that the filling connection and fixed maximum liquid level gauge are at least 10 ft from any external source of ignition (e.g., open flame, window AC, compressor), intake to direct-vented gas appliance, or intake to a mechanical ventilation system. Refer to 6.3.10. (Note 1) 501 2000 gal w.c. 5 ft (min) (Note 2) 25 ft (min) (Note 3) Under 125 gal w.c. 25 ft (min) (Note 3) 125 500 gal w.c. Window air conditioner (Note 1) (source of ignition) 10 ft (min) Note 2: Refer to 6.3.9. Note 3: This distance can be reduced to no less than 10 ft for a single container of 1200 gal (4.5 m 3 ) water capacity or less, provided such container is at least 25 ft from any other LP-Gas container of more than 125 gal (0.5 m 3 ) water capacity. Refer to 6.3.3. Under 125 gal w.c. For SI units, 1 ft = 0.3048 m Central AC compressor (source of ignition) (Note 1) Intake to directvent appliance (Note 1) 2000 gal w.c. or less Nearest line of adjoining property that can be built upon (Note 1) (Note 2) (Note 2) Crawl space opening, window, or exhaust fan Note 1: The relief valve, filling connection, and fixed maximum liquid level gauge vent connection at the container must be at least 10 ft from any exterior source of ignition, openings into direct-vent appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes. Refer to 6.3.10. Note 2: No part of an underground container can be less than 10 ft from an important building or line of adjoining property that can be built upon. Refer to 6.3.4.2. Above-Ground Tank or Cylinder Placement When selecting a location for the placement of a DoT or asme storage container, you should evaluate only accessible, safety-approved sites. Considerations should include: Building and safety codes: These vary from location to location. Precedence must be given to state and local regulations and the national Fire Protection association (nfpa) 58: liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, which is available at nfpa.org. Your propane professional will refer to these standards when planning placement of your tanks. Most tanks fall under a 10-foot rule with timeline While the timing on projects is rarely exactly the same, here s where propane would typically fit into your overall build schedule. regard to clearance from the home, other structures and property lines. There are additional distance requirements for regulators and other considerations that your propane retailer will determine for you. Ease of access: Delivery trucks will need adequate access to refill the tank in all seasons. Customer s desires: aesthetics play an important part in project success. Be sure to review the availability of underground and above-ground propane tanks with your customer. This is also the time to discuss overall site design, aesthetics and landscaping. Underground Tank Installation and Permitting underground tanks nearly invisible profile has made them an increasingly popular choice with consumers and builders. Modern tank telemetry applications make it exceptionally easy for homeowners, property managers and your propane supplier to monitor a tank s propane level remotely to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply. Propane tank installation permits, if required, may be a part of the project permit process or may require separate handling. Your propane retailer can advise you and will perform the tank installation. In the case of new construction and underground tank placement, it s not uncommon for a propane retailer to have the septic company or other excavation contractor already on site dig the hole for the underground tank. Underground Tank Regulator Placement regulators come with pipe-size and installation-distance requirements just like tanks. regulators can t be placed closer than 3 feet horizontally from any building opening lower than the installed regulator, such as a window well, nor can they be placed closer than 5 feet from any source of ignition, such as an ac compressor. Check with your propane retailer to ensure you re in compliance. Left page and this page: Reproduced with permission from NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, copyright 2007, National Fire Protection Association. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety. Decision to use propane Appliance selection Appliance installation Tank Installation Perform landscaping Inspection Tank size and First type selected Temporary Construction Service test Heat (Cold Climates) propane delivery Homeowner moves in Permits BEGINNING MIDDLE END 8 buildwithpropane.com 9
WaTer heaters Fixture Flow Rate To select the right tankless unit, add up the gallons per minute estimated for the household during peak demand and match it to the EnergyGuide label on the water heater. Fixture Bathroom sink 1.0 Gallons per minute Bathtub 4.0 5.0 Shower 2.5 Multi shower heads 2.5 12.0 Kitchen sink 1.5 Dish washer 1.5 Washing machine 2.0 Source: tanklesswaterheatersdirect.com. Flow rate for your appliances and fixtures will vary due to differences in local water pressure and appliance and fixture performance. These Water heaters are hot. Want to know where your homeowner s energy costs are going? Just turn the hot-water faucet. The u.s. Department of energy estimates that approximately 20 percent of a home s energy costs are spent heating hot water. That s why helping your homeowner select an efficient water heater is critical and when it comes to water heaters, electricity simply can t compete with propane. There isn t a single electric water heater that qualifies for the federal energy Star program, while most propane tankless units and many tank-type propane models do qualify. By choosing a standard or tankless propane water heater instead of an electric water heater, a homeowner can reduce energy costs by as much as 60 percent and be kinder to the environment. a standard propane water heater works in the same way as a natural gas water heater. a propane tankless water heater, however, is an on-demand system. When a homeowner opens a hot-water tap, the unit senses the demand and initiates the heating process. The water flows through a heat exchanger, where it heats to the homeowner s desired temperature. When the faucet is closed, the heater automatically shuts off. Tankless propane water heaters are priced as low as $600, depending on size and volume of waterheating demand, and are widely available through many propane retailers and plumbing professionals. Tankless water heaters can be installed close to hot-water point-ofuse to save water and energy. alternatively, a hot-water distribution system, such as the Metlund D ManD system, can be installed. Find out more at gothotwater.com. Free Online Training: Propane Tankless Water Heating learn how to capitalize on environmental retrofitting and efficiency upgrade opportunities through the specification and installation of tankless water heaters. Go to buildwithpropane.com/training. 10 buildwithpropane.com 11
WaTer heaters Installation Tips Propane tankless water heaters are easy to install and use the same plumbing as natural gas units. They re typically direct-vent models that use a fan to power-vent vertically or horizontally. (This fan may require a minimal electrical connection.) There are also tankless models that can be installed on the outside of the home. For both tankless and standard propane water heaters, proper installation depends on many factors, including unit placement, climate and local building code. To ensure you re properly venting your unit, refer to the manufacturer s instructions that come with it. If you re not a qualified hvac contractor or plumber, you ll want to make sure you re working with one. Maintenance Tips a propane water heater needs little maintenance just an annual checkup from an appliance professional or whatever the manufacturer recommends. Because a propane tankless water heater doesn t need to maintain a stored water supply, it s less subject to corrosion. That means most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years, compared with five to 10 years for a standard model. a standard model also is more labor-intensive to replace, isn t recyclable, and takes up a lot of space in landfills. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Residential Water Heating Propane meets or exceeds the performance of other energy choices in residential heating, among many other categories. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Residential Water Heating Solar with propane backup storage tank Natural gas tankless Propane tankless Natural gas storage tank Propane storage tank Fuel oil storage tank Electric tankless Electric storage tank 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 Source: Energetics 2009 study. Complete study available at buildwithpropane.com > Resources > Research and Insights.Greenhouse gas emissions results are normalized to the emissions of propane for comparison. Lower numbers represent lower greenhouse gas emissions. Each application was assessed based on a defined duration of service, such as heating a home for one year. 5 Benefits of Tankless Propane Water Heaters 1 Reduce energy costs. They can reduce energy costs by up to 60 percent and eliminate standby energy loss. 2 Qualify for tax credits and other incentives. See page 25 for details on additional savings. 3 they re durable. a tankless propane unit will typically last five to 10 years longer than a standard electric unit. 4 Reduce your footprint. a tankless propane unit saves 12 to 16 square feet of floor space compared with a standard 50-gallon electric water heater. 5 they re more environmentally friendly. Propane is greener than electricity, considering that most electricity is created from coal-fired power plants. a propane tankless water heater will emit 35,000 lbs. fewer greenhouse gases over a 10-year period than will a standard electric unit. [ ] Venting a propane water heater is just as easy as venting a natural gas model. 12 buildwithpropane.com 13
home heating Features That homeowners really Warm up To. Propane provides more versatility, affordability and home comfort than any other heating choice it s that simple. Propane home-heating systems can be configured as central or zone, forced air or radiant. Best of all, propane systems can help a homeowner slash energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. here are a few considerations for your project, many of which are available in energy Star-qualified models. Free Online Training: Comparative Analysis of Residential Heating Systems learn how to compare heating systems in terms of first costs, operating costs, carbon emissions and paybacks. Go to buildwithpropane.com/training or download the complete Comparative heating Systems Study at buildwithpropane.com > Resources > Comparative Heating Study. Propane furnaces. like a natural gas furnace, a propane furnace cycles on and off, using a fan or blower to force heated air through ducts throughout the home. high-efficiency models are available with DC-current motors and multistage burners to further increase efficiency. Propane furnaces come in all shapes and sizes and have a typical operating life of 15 years or longer. Radiant floor hydronic heating. a propane water heater or boiler heats water that is pumped through a floor tubing system. By delivering more even heat, and more heat closer to the floor, these systems can be far more energy efficient and comfortable than a heat pump or furnace-and-duct system. learn more at myhomeheating.com. Fireplaces and log inserts. These can be turned on and off with a wall switch or remote control, and can be thermostatically operated to heat a room more evenly and efficiently than woodburning fireplaces. Most models are virtually maintenance-free, don t produce ash or soot, and don t require electricity to operate. Direct-vent models also qualify for green-building programs. (See page 17 for more.) Hearth stoves. a freestanding propane stove produces instant radiant heat and adds aesthetic value to a room. Venting options make installation easy and flexible. Zone heaters. Propane zone heaters can be freestanding or wall-mounted, can include thermostats and blowers, and typically work even in an electrical outage. They also produce fewer greenhouse gases than zone heaters using fuel oil. 4 Benefits of Propane Home Heating 1 Comfort. a propane furnace can heat air up to 25 degrees warmer than heat pumps can. Propane radiant heat can improve air quality in a home by cutting down on the spread of dust and allergens. 2 Flexibility. Propane appliances can go anywhere, and can be vented vertically or horizontally perfect for homeowners who want more design freedom, or to avoid the expense or square footage required by a chimney. 3 Homeowner preference. Propane home heating is dependable and convenient. Most homeowners prefer propane or natural gas appliances, instead of electric ones. 4 environmentally smart. a propane furnace or water heater emits far fewer greenhouse gases over a 10-year period than will standard electric-powered units. 14 buildwithpropane.com 15
FIrePlaCeS a Fireplace That Can Stoke Sales. a house isn t a home without a hearth. That s why homeowners demand gas fireplaces and are willing to pay for them. They value their warmth, luxury appeal, efficiency, and the resale value they add to their property. homeowners also increasingly prefer the convenience of a gas fireplace to a traditional wood-burning one. Direct-Vent Fireplace How it works: uses a sealed combustion chamber to draw air from the outdoors and vent combusted gases back outside. Perfect for homeowners who are looking to maximize efficiency and warmth. There are many models to choose from that have been approved for use in green-building programs such as the national Green Building Standard and leed for homes. Power-Vent Fireplace How it works: an electric fan allows the unit to vent vertically or horizontally from locations where a conventional flue is either impractical or not desired. Perfect for situations in which aesthetics are of primary importance. You can place some models as far as 100 feet from an outside wall. Hearth Stove How it works: a sealed combustion chamber vents combusted gases through a dedicated chimney or chimney liner. Perfect for homeowners looking for classic charm and freestanding retrofits. Direct-vent models are also available. 4 Benefits of Propane Fireplaces 1 Cost-effective installation. They don t require the expensive masonry or metalwork of a chimney. 2 Budget-friendly operation. according to the u.s. Department of energy, a propane fireplace costs 30 percent to 60 percent less to operate than a woodburning fireplace. 3 efficient operation. a woodburning fireplace can lose as much as 90 percent of the heat it generates by venting heated room air up the chimney. Propane fireplaces and log sets can be up to 100 percent efficient. 4 environmentally smart. unlike a wood-burning fireplace, a propane fireplace doesn t produce ash, soot or smoke. Options and Installation all wood-burning fireplaces need vertical venting for their noxious combustion gases. Propane fireplaces, however, produce far fewer pollutants and come with more flexible venting options including direct-vent models that are highly valued in some remodeling projects. Most units come as ready-to-install fireboxes. [ ] Direct-vent propane fireplaces and hearth stoves send products of combustion out while keeping warm air in. 16 buildwithpropane.com 17
kitchen and laundry appliances 3 Benefits of Propane in the Kitchen and Laundry 1 High design. Propane cooktops, ranges and ovens are available in the most sophisticated styles, including commercial-grade stainless steel. 2 Delicious results. From instant heat to more even heat, propane allows homeowners to cook like a pro. 3 Greener. a propane kitchen or laundry appliance will produce far fewer greenhouse gases than an electric one, considering that most electricity is produced by coal-fired power plants. now You re really Cooking. Propane can provide energy to any room in the house, including the kitchen and laundry room. That s welcome news to homeowners, who tend to prefer gas appliances to their electric counterparts. Cooktops and ovens. according to the american Gas association, 96 percent of chefs prefer cooking with gas. You can indulge your homeowner s inner gourmet by recommending a commercial-grade propane cooktop and oven. Propane cooktops provide better heat control and more even heat distribution than electric. Instant-on burners allow cooking to start right away, without having to wait for a burner to heat up. They also cool more quickly, preventing overcooking and reducing the safety risk. Dryers. Propane dryers operate and vent much the same as electric dryers but save homeowners time and energy with more-sophisticated performance capabilities. 18 buildwithpropane.com 19
new TeChnoloGY The next Big Ideas. Propane s versatility and lower-environmental impact make it a favorite among manufacturers developing the next generation of home heating and off-grid power systems. Similarly, propane is a proven performer as a supplementary energy source for renewable energy systems such as solar thermal systems that remain undependable, despite their other benefits. Cutting-edge generators. For homeowners living in areas where home comfort is often disrupted by electricity outages, a standby generator is essential. Today s most advanced generators, such as those developed by kohler, respond automatically to electrical outages, are equipped with exhaust silencers and can provide enough power to supply a home for weeks. In systems where solar photovoltaic panels are used to generate electricity, a propane generator can provide auxiliary power when stored battery voltage is unable to meet the electrical load of the home. Micro-combined heat and power systems (MCHP). MChP cogeneration units, such as those produced by freewatt, produce heat in addition to electricity, virtually eliminating the transmission and distribution losses associated with purchasing electricity via the central grid. recovered waste heat is used to meet a home s space-heating, water-heating and cooling needs. MChP systems can operate at 70 percent to 80 percent (electric and thermal) efficiency, providing heat and electricity with higher efficiency and lower emissions levels than conventional energy sources. With advances in technology, MChP units continue to get smaller, more efficient and more cost-effective at installation. Hybrid hot-water systems. The latest generation of combination systems leverage the respective advantages of propane-fueled water-heating equipment and solar thermal collectors to achieve the optimum combination of energy and cost efficiencies, reliability and convenience. Free Online Training: Propane-Enhanced Renewable Energy Systems learn the basics about renewable energy system performance and specification. Go to buildwithpropane.com/training. 20 buildwithpropane.com 21
outdoor living energizing outdoor rooms. outdoor living spaces can add just as much to a home s overall comfort and resale value as its indoor features. no longer just a deck and a floodlight, a comfortable and fully functional outdoor living area today includes an array of kitchen appliances, pools and spas, sophisticated lighting, and radiant heat. Propane has been a favorite outdoor energy source for decades. Thanks to manufacturers new appliances, an outdoor living space can now be an extension of your home. Free Online Training: Innovations in Outdoor Living Discover how propane can extend a home s marketable space through outdoor applications. Go to buildwithpropane.com/training. Outdoor Options Grills. Propane grills are push-button easy and 105 times more environmentally friendly than charcoal grills, according to the u.s. environmental Protection agency. Cooktops, ovens and other kitchen appliances. Create a luxurious, state-of-the-art kitchen outdoors. Hearth. environmentally superior, weatherproof propane fireplaces allow homeowners to enjoy the great outdoors year round. Patio heaters. a standing or portable propane heater can raise the outdoor air temperature as much as 30 degrees nearby. Pool and spa heaters. Propane pool and spa heaters bring the water to the desired temperature more quickly and efficiently than an electric heater. In-floor heating. Perfect for making a patio more usable during the colder months. Tankless water heater. Propane heats water on demand for a poolside shower and outdoor-accessible laundry room. Propane clothes dryers are fast and efficient. Standby generators. They re durable, environmentally preferable, and quiet. Many produce less than 60 decibels as quiet as a normal conversation. Lighting. Propane lighting is available in portable and mounted styles ranging from old-world to modern. Some models can be operated with on-off switch convenience. new Plug1 outlets make connecting portable propane appliances as safe and easy as plugging in an electrical appliance. learn more at plug1.com. Installation Tips remember that tanks can be installed underground, out of sight. In applications where an above-ground tank makes the most sense, a subcontractor can install fencing and landscaping to dramatically improve aesthetics. 3 Benefits of Propane Outdoors 1 Flexibility. From outdoor kitchens to firelaces and flame effects, propane does it all. 2 Performance. Propane can heat a pool faster than electricity and heat a grill faster than charcoal. 3 ease of use. With few or no municipal utility connections required, propane makes enhancing a backyard space easy and cost-effective. 22 buildwithpropane.com 23
GeneraTorS rebates and InCenTIVeS The lights are on. Propane s home. In the past 10 years, the demand for electricity has increased exponentially due to population growth and the increased use of power-thirsty computers and flat-screen TVs. For homeowners in many areas, this has resulted in electrical outages that disrupt home comfort. While most outages last 20 to 30 minutes, a J.D. Power and associates study put the average extended power outage at eight hours. a standby generator can keep the electricity flowing and food fresh in the event of a power failure that can result from a service disruption or a natural disaster. a propane generator can even serve as a primary energy source for homes built off the grid, creating a reliable energy island. Installation Propane standby generators are housed outside, usually adjacent to a garage or other nonliving space. often air-cooled, they draw fuel from the home s propane storage tank. 4 Benefits of Propane Generators 1 Quiet operation. Many units produce fewer than 60 decibels of noise as quiet as a normal conversation. 2 Value. a home insured against an electrical outage is more valuable to buyers. 3 Dependability. a 250-gallon propane tank and a seven-kilowatt standby generator can provide enough electricity to power a home for up to five days. and unlike diesel or gasoline, propane isn t subject to fuel deterioration while stored in the tank. 4 Protection. a propane generator can insulate a homeowner from food losses in refrigerators and freezers and keep heating and air conditioning systems operating normally. Propane Can Pay You Back. homeowners love to hear about the federal, state, and local rebates and incentives that are available to them for choosing propane. Builders, remodelers, and hvac contractors who understand what credits and rebates are available to customers in their area can help their homeowners get the most for their budget. In many cases, a builder or homeowner can get multiple credits and rebates for a single project. Type of rebate or credit Federal, state and local government incentives The federal government, along with some states and localities, provides tax credits, rebates, grants, and other incentives for propane projects. HOME STAR Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program Currently pending passage in the Senate, this federal program offers consumers up to $3,000 in tax rebates for qualifying upgrades to water-heating and hvac systems. State and regional propane association rebates Your local propane association may provide rebates for qualifying installations. Where you can learn more dsireusa.org efficiencyfirst.org buildwithpropane.com 4 Ways to Further Boost Your Propane Smarts 1 Get free online training. Fulfill your Ceu requirements with our aia- and nahb-approved course, Designing and retrofitting With Propane energy. Go to buildwithpropane.com/training. 2 Sign up for our e-newsletter. Stay up-to-date with the latest propane news, including new rebates and incentives. Go to buildwithpropane.com > Resources. 3 Access new research. Get breaking news in energy research, new technology updates and business-building thought leadership. Go to buildwithpropane.com > Resources. 4 Download the Propane Handbook. Go to buildwithpropane.com to download the companion to this brochure The Propane handbook which will provide you with additional technical and performance-related information on propane. 24 buildwithpropane.com 25
ToTal home PerForManCe appendix e g a c b d f h Propane by the numbers From cooking to space heating, residential propane applications have varying energy requirements. The values in these tables assume a 2,400-square-foot, single-family home built in compliance with the 2006 International energy Conservation Code (IeCC). Typical Propane Consumption for Space and Water Heating (Gallons/Year) Climate Zone Space Heating Standard high efficiency efficiency Furnace Furnace Water Heating on-demand Tank (tankless) Direct-Vent Fireplace hot/warm cooling dominated 15 220 10 170 < 50 Whatever your project plan, and whatever your customer s needs, there s a propane appliance ready to deliver comfort, energy savings and environmentally friendly performance. To learn more, visit our product directory at buildwithpropane.com/productdirectory. a b c d Kitchen Commercial-style cooktop and oven Tankless water heater Laundry Tankless water heater Clothes dryer Utility room Tankless water heater Propane furnace or boiler Living room Direct-vent fireplace e f g h Garage Space heater Tankless water heater Bedroom radiant-floor heating Backyard outdoor kitchen and grill Pool and spa water heaters Gas lights, torches, flame effects outdoor fireplace, fire pit Bathroom Tankless water heater radiant-floor heating Direct-vent fireplace Mixed 470 710 370 560 < 165 190 290 170 210 Cold 620 790 490 620 < 185 heating dominated Very Cold 940 1430 730 1120 < 335 Typical Propane Consumption for Clothes Dryers and Cooking (Gallons/Year) Number of Bedrooms 1 2 3 4 Clothes Dryer 40 50 60 70 Cooking 30 40 50 60 Propane application usages may vary according to home size, family size, climate and other considerations. Figures reflect a normal range of usage based on the variables involved. 26 buildwithpropane.com 27
our thanks to our manufacturer partners: Empire freewatt Generac KitchenAid Kohler Rinnai Trane Whirlpool buildwithpropane.com 202.452.8975 info@propanecouncil.org Propane Education & Research Council 1140 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 1075 Washington, DC 20036 Propane Education & Research Council 08/10 The Propane Education & Research Council was authorized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of Public Law 104-284, the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), signed into law on October 11, 1996. The mission of the Propane Education & Research Council is to promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source. PRC 008299