What's Learned in Vegas Doesn't Have to Stay in Vegas: The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) Offers Construction Professionals Educational Opportunities In and Out of the Booth
LAS VEGAS (January 15, 2010, Booth N2819)—What do tankless water heaters, a 2010 Ford F-250, and green building have in common? They are all powered or backed by propane.
The many uses of propane in houses, in commercial buildings, and on the road will be on display during the International Builders' Show (IBS) at the American Natural Gas and Propane Industries booth.
In the booth, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has three great learning opportunities for building professionals, many which continue through the year with training sessions approved by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
"As building professionals search for energy and green alternatives, propane offers a clean, domestic, effective solution," said Tracy Burleson, director of residential programs for PERC. "Recent studies prove the success propane provides in all climates and regions throughout the United States."
2010 Training Sessions
PERC understands construction professionals' need to expand their knowledge of propane applications. This year, PERC is unveiling nine new free online training courses that are approved by NAHB and certified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Participants will learn how propane provides a practical solution to the growing demand for green building, how to incorporate propane and related equipment into design, building, and installation practices, how to explain propane's advantages to homeowners, homebuyers, home builders, and remodelers on sites beyond the natural gas mains, and how propane home heating systems compare with their competitors.
"The free courses are online and fit into any busy schedule," said Burleson. "We want to help builders meet their CEU requirements, while gaining an understanding of the advantages of propane."
2010 Ford F-250
New technology will make an appearance at the PERC booth in the form of a propane-fueled 2010 Ford F-250. As fuel costs continue to be a major expense for builders, builders can consider the advantages propane offers in the way of mileage. For example, the Ford F-250 on display can achieve up to 450 miles on a single tank of propane. A propane-fueled truck, which is available with the option of an in-bed or underbed propane tank, qualifies for a $5,000 federal tax credit, lowers overall maintenance costs, can be serviced at any Ford dealership, and has the same torque and towing power of a traditional Ford F-250.
Comparative Heating Analysis
As the economy begins to turn around and more new construction begins, homeowners will continue to demand energy alternatives that save money, reduce energy use, and lower maintenance costs. During IBS, PERC will share the results of a recent comparative heating analysis that evaluated 14 different heating systems in both new and existing homes in 16 locations throughout the United States. It measured each system's comparative equipment and installation costs, annual operating costs, carbon dioxide emissions, and return on investment. The study found that a homeowner in the Midwest could offset the greenhouse gas emissions from one passenger car for its entire lifetime by using a propane furnace instead of a standard air-source heat pump.
Virtual Home Tour
Propane integrates seamlessly into home heating, which is why PERC is offering building professionals an opportunity to take a virtual home tour. The tour allows builders to visualize exactly how and where propane can be used in a home. Participants can view a number of home features and appliances, while learning about propane's economical ability to reduce everyday energy usage.
