PROPANE ENERGY POD

Propane Energy Pod Overview

• The Propane Energy Pod is a home energy package that delivers superior comfort and efficiency compared with all-electric homes. High-efficiency propane gas appliances for major applications combine for optimal energy performance and environmental benefits unmatched by electric alternatives.

• Space Heating• Water Heating• Cooking• Clothes Drying• Fireplaces

• The addition of a propane backup generator ensures continued performance when the power goes out.

Propane Energy Pod Research Overview

• Research was done to evaluate the energy and environmental performance of the Propane Energy Pod in prototype homes of two sizes across 16 different climate zones.

• Environmental performance of Propane Energy Pod prototype homes was compared with standard homes.

• Standard homes used electric building systems for the five Energy Pod applications except in the Northeast where a heating oil furnace was used for space heating.

Research & Development of the Energy Pod

• Research Objectives:• Develop climate-appropriate bundles of energy efficient propane building

systems.• Analyze the energy and environmental performance benefits that are

possible with bundles of high performance, propane-based building systems.

• Evaluate these propane bundles in typical homes as compared to standard technology packages in the same homes.

• To accomplish these objectives, researchers reviewed and analyzed the technical specifications of propane building systems, conducted energy modeling on prototype homes, and performed energy cost analysis.

Energy Pod Research Results:Whole-House CO2 Emissions: 2,400-Square-Foot Prototype

Cold Climate: Northeast

Cold Climate: Midwest & West

Moderate Climate Warm Climate

10.8

16.9

8.7 7.9

13.1

23.6

11.79.7

Propane Energy Pod Baseline

(Heating Oil Baseline)

Energy Pod Research Results:Whole-House CO2 Emissions: 3,600-Square-Foot Prototype

Cold Climate: Northeast

Cold Climate: Midwest & West

Moderate Climate Warm Climate

14.2

21.7

11.710.4

17.6

32.4

15.712.8

Propane Energy Pod Baseline

(Heating Oil Baseline)

PROPANE ENERGY POD COMPONENTS

THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Space Heating

• Propane heating systems have efficiency and environmental

advantages over electric and heating oil systems.• Electric heat pumps can have nearly double the CO2 emissions compared

with high-efficiency propane furnaces.• High-efficiency propane furnaces can achieve over 98 percent AFUE

efficiency ratings.

THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Space Heating

• Propane home-heating systems can be

configured as central or zone-based.

• Propane heating delivery can be by forced

air, radiant, or convection.

• A propane furnace, in combination with an

electric heat pump, is called a hybrid

heating system and is popular to use to

gain the most efficiency for both heating

and air conditioning.

• Smaller (non-ducted) space heaters can

include thermostats and blowers, and

many models can operate during an

electrical outage.

THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Water Heating

• The Department of Energy estimates that water heating accounts for approximately 20 percent of a home’s energy costs.

• A high-efficiency propane tankless water heater prevents the emission of nearly 70,000 pounds of greenhouse gases (GHGs) over its 20-year lifetime when compared with a standard storage electric water heater.

• Heating oil-fired water heaters have CO2

emissions at least 35% higher than comparable propane systems, and as much as twice the emissions rate of propane tankless models.

THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Cooking

• Propane is always available and kinder to the environment than other energy sources.

• Based on typical cooking usage levels, propane cooking equipment emits roughly 30 percent fewer CO2 emissions than electric units.

• Propane range burners allow for greater control of heat levels and the instant flame turnoff capabilities provide a safety feature not found in electric stoves, which can remain dangerously hot for a period of time after turn off.

THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Clothes Drying

• Propane dryers heat up faster than electric models, resulting in faster drying times and reduced energy costs.

• A propane dryer saves over 2,000 pounds of CO2 emissions in its lifespan. 

THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Fireplaces

• Propane fireplaces are easier to install, efficient, clean, and provided consistent heat.

• Propane fireplaces are more often being chosen over wood-burning units because of their environmental benefits.

• Propane carries a smaller environmental footprint and produces fewer particulate emissions and less CO than wood-burning units. It also has environmental benefits over electric fireplaces.

THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: The Whole Package

• The Propane Energy Pod brings the collective benefit of whole-house comfort, convenience, and performance to the home — as a package.

• The Propane Energy Pod offers a lighter carbon footprint compared with all-electric homes or homes using heating oil and electric systems.