LPG Uses at Home

What is LPG Gas?

LPG—Liquid Petroleum Gas—is a flammable gas commonly used in residential heating, cooking and hot water systems; as a fuel in cars; and in industrial, agricultural, and manufacturing contexts.

In Australia, LPG is made only from propane, but overseas it is made from a mixture of propane and butane. This regional variation is due to climate, with propane and butane varying in effectiveness depending on the temperature.

LPG is manufactured during the refining process of crude oil (also known as petroleum), or is extracted from crude oil or natural gas streams within the ground. LPG must be placed under pressure in order to be transported as a liquid and is hence transported in gas cylinders. When this pressure is released, such as when you open the nozzle on your gas cylinder, the liquid LPG becomes gas again.

Why is LPG a Good Option for your Home?

LPG is the preferred fuel for home use for three reasons:

  • Efficiency—LPG is an energy-rich fuel, with greater caloric value (heating value) compared to natural gas, coal, or other common fuels. This means that LPG burns hotter and more efficiently than other options, meaning better heating for your home and better bang for your buck.
  • Portability—LPG is a highly convenient fuel source, with gas cylinders easily delivered to homes all around Australia, both urban and rural. It is also easy to store, with cylinders being safely located in homes around the country.
  • Cleaner Power—LPG is cleaner than most other fossil fuels, with low sulphur content, low emissions of black carbon, and no spills. Its use helps keep our air clean and emissions of greenhouse gases low compared to use of other fossil fuels.

LPG Gas for Cooking

Gas for cooking is one of the most popular uses for LPG in homes. Gas cooktops and ovens are the most common uses, but outdoor gas BBQs are also seen in most Australian homes.

Cooking with gas has a number of advantages compared to other alternatives, such as with electric appliances. The most important of these is total control over the heat—an advantage that both amateur and professional chefs appreciate. The heat changes are also instantaneous, with no waiting for an element to heat up and cool down—you can jump straight from a high intensity sizzle to a gentle simmer in seconds.

Similarly, gas ovens offer a number of advantages, primary among them is better control over moisture content in the food, making it much less likely to dry out and instead maintain more of its natural juices.

LPG Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas hot water systems are increasingly popular around Australia for their efficiency and on-demand availability of hot water.

There are two types of gas hot water systems—storage hot water systems that heat and store water in a tank for use on demand, and instantaneous hot water systems that heat water on demand without the need for a storage tank.

Instantaneous hot water systems are especially fantastic, as they do not waste energy heating water that is standing in a tank not being used. It also means no more half-cold showers because a certain someone used all the water in the tank earlier in the day...

LPG Heating

LPG heating systems are an efficient and popular option for home heating, providing consistent and reliable warmth during colder months. There are several types of LPG heating systems to consider for your home.

Central heating systems distribute heat evenly throughout the home, ensuring all rooms stay warm. These systems can be integrated with your home’s existing infrastructure, making them a seamless addition.

Space heaters are ideal for heating individual rooms, as they are portable and can be easily moved, perfect for targeting specific areas of your home where additional warmth is needed.

Portable heaters, on the other hand, are convenient for both outdoor and temporary indoor use, providing immediate warmth and versatility in various settings, from patios to garages.

Using LPG for home heating offers numerous advantages that make it a preferred choice for many households. LPG is an energy-rich fuel, which means it burns hotter and more efficiently than other fuels, resulting in better heating for your home and more value for your money.

LPG heating systems can provide instant warmth, allowing you to quickly heat up your living spaces without long waiting periods. Whether you need to heat a single room, an entire house, or an outdoor area, LPG heating systems offer flexible solutions to meet your specific needs.

LPG Safety in the Home

Ensuring the safe use of LPG in your home is crucial for the well-being of your household. Follow these safety measures, storage practices, and emergency guidelines to prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment:

Safety Measures

  • Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect gas lines and connections for signs of wear or damage. Use soapy water to detect leaks—bubbles indicate a gas leak.
  • Use Proper Appliances: Always use appliances designed for LPG and have them serviced regularly by a qualified professional.
  • Routine Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of LPG cylinders and connections to ensure they are in good condition.

Proper Storage

  • Ventilation: Store LPG cylinders in well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight and ignition sources.
  • Upright Position: Keep cylinders upright and securely fastened to prevent them from falling over.
  • Avoid Flammable Materials: Ensure the storage area is free from clutter and flammable materials.

Emergency Procedures

  • Suspected Gas Leak: Turn off the gas supply at the cylinder, extinguish any open flames, and avoid operating electrical switches.
  • Ventilation: Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and evacuate if necessary.
  • Seek Help: Contact your LPG supplier or emergency services for assistance and do not return until it is declared safe by a professional.

By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of LPG while ensuring the safety and well-being of your household.

Choose Supagas for Your LPG Needs

Supagas is a trusted provider offering high-quality, reliable LPG supply. Our competitive pricing ensures you get the best value for your money, while our flexible delivery options cater to both urban and rural areas, providing convenience and peace of mind.

At Supagas, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and support, always ready to assist you with any inquiries or issues. Trust Supagas to meet your LPG needs with professionalism and efficiency. Get in touch with us today.