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 CO 2 Emissions: 2,400-Square-Foot Prototype (Heating Oil Baseline)

Energy Pod Research Results: Whole-House CO 2 Emissions: 3,600-Square-Foot Prototype (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 CO 2 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 CO 2 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 CO 2 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 CO 2 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.