From heating your home to powering an assembly line, propane is used in a wide variety of ways, making it one of today’s leading forms of energy. However, propane hasn’t always been available. Here, the professionals from Owens Energy in Show Low, AZ, have compiled some facts about the history of propane and its uses to help you better understand how it became one of the most commonly used fuels today.

Up until the early 1900s, the main source of energy in the United States and abroad was gasoline. However, unlike other forms of energy, gasoline can easily evaporate due to environmental conditions, making it a costly investment. Propane was first invented in 1912 by chemist Dr. Walter Snelling in an effort to combat the evaporation problem; he learned the gases created from the evaporation of gasoline, such as propane and butane, could also be used as energy sources and were more stable. 

After its invention, propane’s popularity quickly grew because it was easy to produce and transport. Today, billions of gallons of propane are produced each year for both residential and commercial uses. Domestically, propane is used for cooking and heating, as well as lighting, barbecuing, and more. Commercially, propane helps run machines used for manufacturing, is used in agricultural settings to dry crops and refrigerate foods, and is utilized in industrial settings to aid machinists in metal fabrication, cutting, welding, and soldering. 

One of the leading reasons why propane has become exceedingly popular since its invention is because it’s so easy to store and transport. When in its liquid/vapor form, it can be kept in pressurized tanks and distributed directly by large trucks. Unlike gasoline and other types of natural resources, propane doesn’t evaporate, and its quality deteriorates much less over time, making it a reliable and long-lasting energy source. 

Additionally, propane is a non-toxic gas that can’t contaminate the groundwater or soil, making it a safer alternative for the environment. In fact, propane has been recognized as an environmentally safe energy source in both the Clean Air Act as well as the National Energy Policy Act. 

For those who want to learn more about the history and benefits of propane, the alternative fuel experts from Owens Energy are always happy to help, so contact them today at (928) 537-8900. You can also visit them online for a closer look at their propane delivery services.