Posted: October 6, 2025
When most people think about propane, the first thing that comes to mind is summer barbecues. Maybe it’s also the fuel behind the stove in your RV, or the heater that keeps your patio cozy on chilly nights. But propane is so much more than that.
Across the country, more and more homeowners are discovering propane as a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly way to heat their homes, run appliances, and even power backup generators. That curiosity often leads to one big question: Where does propane come from, anyway?
Propane is actually a byproduct of natural gas processing. When natural gas is pulled from the earth, it contains a mix of hydrocarbons. Propane is separated out during refining, stored in liquid form, and transported for use. Because propane is much denser as a liquid than as a gas, it’s far easier and safer to move and store this way. That’s why you’ll also hear it called LPG, or Liquid Propane Gas.
After production, propane makes its way to bulk distribution centers by pipeline, truck, barge, rail, or even tanker ships. From there, local propane providers like Superior Gas step in, delivering it directly to homeowners and businesses.
Here’s another fun fact that surprises a lot of people: The majority of propane used here in the U.S. is produced domestically. Nearly 70% of the supply comes from natural gas processing in the U.S. and Canada, making it not just an efficient choice but also one that supports North American energy independence.
Many customers start considering propane when they want a greener alternative to traditional heating fuels. That’s because propane is one of the cleanest options available. Unlike natural gas, propane contains no methane, which is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases. It was also recognized decades ago as an official alternative fuel in both the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy.
Beyond being clean, propane is efficient. It produces more energy (measured in Btus) than electricity or even natural gas. That means you can do more with less fuel, helping to shrink your carbon footprint without giving up warmth, hot water, or the ability to cook a delicious meal. And if safety is on your mind, propane is nontoxic—it won’t harm soil or groundwater in the rare event of a leak.
Today, propane is one of the safest sources of energy around – not to mention one of the most versatile and efficient ways to power just about any equipment you need to keep your family safe and comfortable in any season. But scientists are working to make propane even cleaner.
They have been developing renewable propane that, like biofuels, is made from fats, vegetable oils and certain types of grease. Since it is molecularly identical to propane, there will be no need to replace or alter existing propane appliances and equipment. And, as renewable propane use increases, it will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions nationwide, helping fight the effects of climate change.
While it is not in common use yet, renewable propane gas has positioned itself to be a major part of the clean fuel conversation in the years ahead.
Propane checks a lot of boxes: it’s versatile, efficient, safe, and eco-friendly. You can use it to heat your home, dry your clothes, cook your meals, fuel a fireplace, or even power an outdoor kitchen. It keeps working during storms when the electric grid goes down, giving families peace of mind year-round.
For many homeowners, it’s the combination of reliability and sustainability that makes propane such an attractive choice.
If you’ve been thinking about switching to propane, or just want to learn more, the team at Superior Gas is here to help. From choosing the right size propane tank to scheduling reliable delivery, we’ll walk you through the process and answer all your questions.
Contact us for more information today.