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The Propane Construction Research Program (PCRP) was created to generate research and share results about the benefits and usage of propane in residential construction. Builders submit installation information and emissions comparisons for propane versus all-electric houses they build in their specific area. As a benefit, builders can earn up to $1,000 per home for participating in this research and data collection.
To capture this important data, the PCRP uses the Energy Planning Analysis Tool (EPAT) developed by the Carbon Management Information Center (CMIC) to analyze electric grid emissions and the efficiency of the appliances being installed. It then uses Energy Information Administration (EIA) data to model emissions from the power grid.
Since its inception in 2021, data from the PCRP shows that there is typically a net benefit and reduction of CO2 in houses built with propane vs. all-electric. To date, the program has collected data from more than 5,300 homes across the country, helping to cut 40,411,000 pounds of carbon output—which is 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.
In addition to its impact on emissions and cost savings, this program is also changing the mindset of builders who previously favored all-electric.
Summary of 2024 Findings
In 2024, 1,976 homes and builders across 23 states participated in the program, including first-time participation from South Carolina, North Carolina, Minnesota, and Arkansas. $2,500,000 was awarded to construction professionals. Data from the 2024 program shows that builders using propane-powered systems collectively saw an average household reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 35%.
Total Emissions savings included:
- 3,059,000 pounds of CO2
- 9,275 pounds of NOx
The program also found that choosing sustainability doesn’t necessarily mean higher costs, as 68% of builders reported that propane-powered homes cost the same or less to build than all-electric alternatives (34.879% less). An added bonus: 24% of PCRP participants said the propane house sold faster than the all-electric option.
In 2024, builders helped to eliminate 1,384 metric tons of CO2 by incorporating propane in their projects.
This is equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions from:
- 323 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year
- 1,222 electric-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year
And is equivalent to CO2 emissions from:
- 155,723 gallons of gasoline consumed
- 111,884,684 smartphones charged
- 186 homes’ energy use for one year
Research shows that propane-powered appliances are more efficient, produce far fewer emissions than other energy sources, and can reduce energy costs for homeowners. For example:
- A propane-fueled furnace is expected to last up to 50% longer than an electric heat pump.
- Propane tankless water heaters offer hot water on demand with up to 50% cost savings compared with electric options.
- Propane clothes dryers provide faster drying, more gentle heat that is easier on clothes, and up to 20% reduced energy use.
- Propane fireplaces have greater heating capacity and energy efficiency than electric or wood fireplaces, with zero cleanup; high-efficiency propane-fueled fireplaces can achieve efficiency ratings above 90%.
- In total, propane appliances produce 52% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to electric equivalents.
Applying for the 2025 PCRP
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 the home in 2025. One of these appliances must be a boiler or furnace, hydronic air handler, combi boiler, tankless or storage tank water heater, or a hybrid heat pump with propane gas emergency heat.
New construction homes can receive up to $1000 in compensation, while remodel projects that replace a heating oil- or electric-powered appliance with a propane appliance are eligible for an additional $500 bonus. Research gathered in this year’s program will help answer questions around the value that propane applications add to a project.
To participate, builders must complete a survey about propane use in the homes they built or remodeled. Survey topics include challenges participants are facing, consumer perceptions about propane, and project details such as comparable selling price and time on market.
Each project must include at least two of the following propane appliances:
- Boiler, furnace, hydronic air handler, or combi boiler ($500)
- Tankless or storage tank water heater ($300)
- Hybrid heat pump with propane gas emergency heat ($300)
- Additional propane applications ($100 per appliance)
Applicants must submit a home energy analysis from the Energy Planning Analysis Tool for each project to qualify. This is an online tool that calculates a home’s potential energy use and modeled emissions data.
Participants will earn up to $1,000 per project once emissions data and survey responses are submitted and there is no limit to the number of projects you can submit.
Participate in the 2025 PCRP
Now that you know how the Propane Construction Research Program works and the benefits for builders, homeowners, and the environment, we invite you to participate in the 2025 PCRP. Please follow this link for more information and to apply: https://propane.com/pcrp
