Interactive Map Helps Builders and Remodelers Identify Region Heating Systems

Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2010) — Building professionals now have a new tool to add to their online toolbox, where they can learn how home heating systems rank in terms of equipment, installation, operating costs and carbon emissions. The Propane Education & Research Council is excited to launch a new interactive map on www.buildwithpropane.com, that regionalizes the results of a recent comparative home heating analysis, by Newport Partners LLC.

“Builders and remodelers want information that’s specific to their area, and now we can provide that in a way that’s easy to access. The interactive map highlights optimal heating systems for different regions of the country as well as new applications and technologies for propane,” said Tracy Burleson, director of residential programs for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “We want to educate building professionals on the environmental benefits and heating advantages propane offers, and this is just one more tool to help us achieve our goal.”

To complement the results, the map also provides details on propane-fueled appliances, regional propane and heating facts, a video on the benefits of tankless water heaters, and access to National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA)-approved courses. The courses focus on the findings from the comparative heating analysis and how to design and retrofit propane into a home. Other NAHB and AIA-approved CEU opportunities are also available under the training section of the website.

The comparative heating analysis, which evaluated 14 different heating systems in both new and existing homes in 16 U.S. locations, aims to bring every builder up to speed on the advantages of propane. The interactive map divides the results of the study into four regions: the Midwest, the Southeast, the Northeast, and the West.

“There are several options for heating a home, but not every builder knows just how effective and beneficial propane can be as a home heating source,” said Burleson. “For example, the study shows that homeowners in the Northeast could save considerably on installation and operating costs by updating to a 95 percent annual fuel utilization efficiency propane furnace from a standard-efficiency fuel-oil furnace.”

Throughout 2010, look for more PERC training opportunities to help building professionals train right and build better.

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About the Propane Education and Research Council
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) was authorized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of Public Law 104-284, the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), signed into law on October 11, 1996. The mission of the Propane Education & Research Council is to promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source. To learn more about the organization, please visit www.propanecouncil.org, for information on building with propane, visit www.buildwithpropane.com.

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