Posted: May 25, 2026
What do you know about propane? If you haven’t lived in a home with propane, you may think it’s only for grills and RVs. And even if you already use propane in your home, you might not give it much thought as long as your water’s hot and the burners light on your cooktop. But there’s a lot to know—and a lot to love—about this versatile and efficient fuel.
One thing that often surprises folks is the fact that propane is domestically produced. Most propane comes from shale gas extraction right here in the U.S. Today, close to 70 percent of our propane supply comes from natural gas processing here and in Canada.
Propane is a byproduct of natural gas. When natural gas is taken out of the earth, it’s a mix of different gases, including propane. To stop condensation from forming in natural gas pipelines, propane is extracted from liquid compounds as the natural gas is being processed. Propane, being much denser as a liquid than as a gas, is stored and transported as a liquid in this form of production. This is why it’s also referred to as LPG or Liquid Propane Gas.
Propane is then shipped to bulk distribution centers by pipeline, tanker ship, railroad, truck or barge. From there, it goes to a local propane provider—like Davis Oil & Propane—for convenient delivery to your home or business.
Propane is one of the cleanest fuels around. In fact, it was recognized as an alternative fuel in both the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy. That’s because it produces minimal emissions, and unlike natural gas, propane does not contain methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Propane also doesn’t harm soil or groundwater – an important factor when it comes to determining whether a fuel is “green.”
Propane is also extremely efficient: It generates more Btus than an equivalent amount of electricity, and it delivers more than twice the Btus of natural gas, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. What does that mean for you? By using propane you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint without having to sacrifice comfort or convenience.
Because propane is so efficient, it’s a smarter choice than electricity for a wide variety of appliances, in addition to heating your home. For example, propane water heaters generate much more hot water at a cheaper cost per gallon. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174.
The same technology that makes propane ideal for water heaters makes it a smarter choice than electricity to power all kinds of appliances that use hot water or heat:
In a nutshell, propane delivers more bang for your buck, all while protecting the environment. It’s a win-win for homeowners who care about the environment, but also want to keep costs under control.
Find out why so many of your neighbors across southwest New Hampshire trust Davis for comprehensive propane services including dependable, safe propane delivery, tank installation and leasing, plus pricing options to help you manage costs, and more.
Contact us for more information and to become a customer today.
