The Propane Energy Pod is a model for new-home construction that merges five applications of propane — space heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and fireplaces — into an integrated, whole-home energy package. It’s a comprehensive, research-based approach that maximizes efficiency, performance, comfort, and carbon reduction. This study highlights three homes where building professionals are successfully applying this five-in-one energy package.
This case study can be used by propane marketers and construction professionals in presentations, newsletters, websites, and as handouts at events and trade shows. Click here to download.
A new rebate program designed to encourage construction professionals, homeowners, and businesses to adopt new propane-fueled products for residential and commercial use has been introduced by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). The Propane Exceptional Product Program provides a financial incentive to qualifying and selected participants who purchase and use eligible products and agree to share their experiences.
The products and their rebates currently available are:
- Generac EcoGen | Premium Generator Set – $1,000
- Marathon Ecopower | Combined Heat and Power (<6kW) – $5,000
- Yanmar CP10WN | Combined Heat and Power (>6kW) – $10,000
For more information, click here.
The Home Depot has released an online video featuring the Generac EcoGen, a premium generator set that is eligible for an incentive as part of the new Propane Exceptional Product program.
Available on the Home Depot website as a product demo, the video serves as a helpful tool for explaining the energy and environmental benefits of the EcoGen. Click here to watch the demo.
Watch the video, share it with customers, and then learn how you can provide incentives to your customers through the Propane Exceptional Product program.
Construction professionals looking to help homeowners make water and space heating decisions now have an easy-to-use online resource — the Heating Energy Cost and Carbon Calculator.
The calculator provides estimates on how much energy it takes for a system to deliver a set amount of heat to the home, as well as the amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with the system's operation. The estimates are based on a series of questions regarding the system type, energy source, age, and efficiency rating.
Developed by the Propane Education & Research Council, the calculator is an extension of the organization's comprehensive construction professional training programs.
Energy-saving home improvement rebates and tax credits of up to $2000 are available through Efficiency Maine's Home Energy Savings Program. This program is funded by a one-time grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Rebates are also available for replacement of space and water heating equipment in existing homes. Incentives are available as funds last.
In addition, homeowners may also qualify for the PGANE rebate program.
For more of the Maine Programs offered, click here.
A new online training course is available through ProConnect to help construction professionals make sense of the International Energy Conservation Code.
The course addresses the primary sections in the IECC, the national energy code that is adopted by states and local jurisdictions. Special emphasis is given to sections of the code that impact propane in new single-family construction along with steps to ensure construction projects are compliant. The course also describes minimum efficiency requirements for residential equipment and identifies opportunities for the cost-effective use of higher-efficiency systems. Additionally, course participants are introduced to green building codes and standards, including the U.S. Green Building Councils' Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the NAHB National Green Building Program.
For more information, or to take the course, Click here.
Propane home heating performs strongly in the Northeast when it comes to simple return on investment, lower carbon dioxide emissions and usefulness as a backup system. That's according to the 2010 Comparative Analysis of Residential Heating Systems, a study conducted by Newport Partners LLC.
The study reports that for forced-air furnace systems installed in new homes in the Northeast, a high-efficiency (95% AFUE) propane-fueled furnace costs about $2,100 less to install and nearly $100 a year less to operate versus a high-efficiency oil-fueled furnace. Also, a high-efficiency propane-fueled furnace is less expensive to install as a replacement system in existing homes compared to a standard efficiency (78% AFUE) oil-fueled furnace.
To download a PDF copy of the report, click here.
To download a PDF copy the study’s Northeast region fact sheet,
click here.
Through a new online training course, construction professionals can become experts on standby generators that help protect homeowners during power outages.
The course, "Specifying Propane Standby Generators," covers the types of generators, performance considerations, and fuel options, and prepares construction professionals to answer homeowners’ questions about how to stay safe after the power goes out. Power outages can affect the refrigeration of food and medication, the operation of sump pumps and home security systems, and the availability of fresh well water.
As outlined in the course, the proper sizing and selection of a standby generator is often based on the wattage output, the cost, and the decibel rating. The type of fuel used to power the generator, which includes gasoline, diesel, and propane, is also an important consideration. For example, during a five-day outage, a standby generator would require approximately 70 gallons of gasoline, presenting storage and safety issues. Diesel is susceptible to oxidation and condensation, posing problems with long-term storage of fuel. Propane, which does not oxidize or lose vitality over time, offers a low-maintenance option that is safe and reliable.
To learn more or to enroll in the course, Click here.
"Propane Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Comparative Analysis," a report prepared by Energetics and sponsored by the Propane Education & Research Council, shows that propane generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than 70 percent of today's fuel mix.
Construction professionals can compare the emission levels of space and water heating equipment by fuel type. The analysis looks at emission levels of propane, natural gas, electric, and fuel oil equipment.
Click here to download the report.
Just in time for the home show season, Home Buyer Kits are available through ProConnect. The kits feature six colorful brochures that help clients and customers understand the value and efficiency of propane appliances and describe the benefits of propane central heating systems, water heating systems, fireplaces, cooking appliances, clothes dryers, and generators. Learn more>>
Brochure Available
A brochure that discusses financial incentives for businesses and homeowners to upgrade to more efficient appliances is available through ProConnect. New tax credits and rebates will help homeowners to get more bang for their new construction and remodeling dollar.
The brochure highlights three simple points that builders and remodelers can use to talk to customers in order to take advantage of an estimated $6 billion in incentives available through the federal stimulus bill. To download the brochure, click here.
ProConnect is a partnership program between New England's propane retailers and distributors, and construction professionals.
Learn more >>
