RICHMOND, Va. — The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) has released the results of its 2024 Propane Construction Research Program.
The national program collects data from builders about how propane is used in residential construction. As part of the program, participating builders complete a survey with project details about the homes they build or remodel using propane and receive compensation for meeting the qualifying requirements.
With nearly 2,000 projects completed across 23 states — including first-time participation from South Carolina, North Carolina, Minnesota, and Arkansas — the program continues to demonstrate propane’s contributions to creating healthier homes, a press release from PERC said.
Data from the 2024 program shows that builders using propane-powered systems collectively reduced average household carbon dioxide output by 35 percent. Some 68% of builders reported that propane-powered homes cost the same or less to build than all-electric alternatives.
“Builders across the country are proving that propane can produce high-performance and energy-efficient homes while maintaining affordability,” said Bryan Cordill, director of residential business development at PERC. “Year after year, this program shows propane’s ability to reduce emissions and how it will continue to support the growing consumer demand for sustainable housing.”
To date, the program has collected data from more than 5,300 homes across the country, showing a total reduction in carbon output 40,411,000 pounds of carbon output, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from 4,276 gasoline-powered vehicles driven for an entire year, or the CO2 emissions from the energy needed to power 2,462 homes for a year.
“The PERC builder program has allowed us to work with builders on projects where they initially were convinced that going all-electric was the best option,” said Bill Moore, sales manager at Conger LP Gas. “With the tools on the PERC website in conjunction with the PCRP benefits, builders in our area realize the value-added proposition that propane brings to the project.”
Applications for the 2025 Propane Construction Research Program are now open. To qualify, licensed U.S. builders or remodelers must be at least 18 years old and install at least two propane appliances in 2025. One of the appliances must be a boiler, furnace, hydronic air handler, combi boiler, water heater, or a hybrid heat pump with propane gas emergency heat. Those building new construction homes can receive up to $1000 in compensation, while those undertaking remodeling projects that replace a heating oil- or electric-powered appliance with a propane appliance are eligible for an additional $500 bonus.
Click here to apply or learn more about the Propane Construction Research Program.