Propane burns hotter, better for environment

— Propane is a clean-burning fuel used in barbecue grills, generators, water heaters, furnaces - even cars and trucks.

It is a more efficient fuel source than gasoline and actually is a by-product of the processes of refining natural gas and crude oil.

John Holloway, owner of Tri-State Propane in Hiwasse, near Bella Vista, runs his pickup and service truck on propane.

“Propane has a high octane level and burns cleaner than gasoline,” he said. “As a heat source, it makes hotter air and provides the best warmth.”

Propane is listed among the cleanest-burning fossil fuels by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. In the United States, most propane consumed is produced domestically. It is readily available and easily stored.

“It’s good for the environment and can be used in many ways. Propane is in a pressurized vessel, so it doesn’t expire like gasoline,” Holloway said.

It can be purchased in volumes ranging from abarbecue grill cylinder to a large household tank.

Tri-State Propane is a fueling station for motorhomes and also for barbecue grill cylinders, providing a less expensive option than tank exchange.

Tri-State performs services including plumbing, pressure checks and leak detection, and also provide routes service and levelized billing for approved accounts.

“Anything involved with propane, we can provide services for,” Holloway said.

Tri-State Propane is a family business owned and operated by Holloway and his wife, Julie.

“We do the work personally, which helps keep down prices and lets us provide better service to our customers,” said John Holloway.

Bulk delivery is offered to residential and commercial users, including poultry plants, in Washington and Benton counties, along with parts of Oklahoma. In Bella Vista, delivery is available for 100-pound bottles, commonly used to fuel gaslog fireplaces.

Located at 13488 Arkansas 72 in Hiwasse, Tri-State Propane is open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. More information is available by calling (479) 787-5400.

Community, Pages 12 on 02/22/2012