Propane's Role in an Ever-Changing Housing Market

Providing efficiency and power off-the-grid, on-the-grid, and everywhere in between

By Bryan Cordill

FFactory-built housing has come a long way over the years. But amid all the changes, one thing has remained the same — propane’s ability to provide clean, efficient energy to factory-built homes in a wide variety of applications.

Known for their mobility and affordability, prefabricated — or “factory-built” — homes have a long history in the United States. In the 1950s, on the heels of World War II, this classification of homes really took off and found its footing in the market. Builders quickly realized the benefits of building entire homes, not just prefabricated walls, in facilities and found this to be a profitable and efficient way to meet the housing demands that rose during this time. The portability of the homes and the fuel made propane the fuel of choice. »

Propane and appliance technicians make residential calls for service to fill tanks and check systems. Photos courtesy of the Propane Education & Research Council.