Make propane a standard tool of the trade

June 27, 2024 By    
Photo: Maudib/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Photo: Maudib/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Builders and remodelers in your propane marketing area are ramping up new home starts and remodeling projects this time of the year.

Do you think those builders know enough about how to fully incorporate propane energy into their projects? If that question is uncomfortable for you to answer, it’s probably time to gather some propane learning tools and deliver those tools to the right contractors in your area.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has updated some old standby learning tools, added new tools and grouped them into what they now refer to as the Builder Outreach Toolkit. Components of the toolkit are as follows:

• Cover Letter – A letter template that you can customize for outreach to your local builders about the features and benefits of propane that homebuyers will appreciate.

• Build With Propane Guide – A comprehensive guide on the many benefits of propane in the residential market. There is also a guide for the commercial market. I worked with PERC on the creation of the original propane guide years ago, and this updated version is a great handbook on propane systems and newer technology and products.

• Propane Technical Pocket Guide – Provides technical information on how contractors can prepare for the installation of propane systems for residential and commercial customers. This guide is another tool on which I worked with PERC to create years ago. The original pocket guide was well received, and this updated version does an even better job of providing key data and answering important questions relevant to construction professionals planning to incorporate propane in their building projects.

• Upgrade to Propane Energy Brochure – Highlights the Propane Construction Research Program that provides up to $1,500 per home for builders who participate in research about propane use in the residential building industry, particularly by adding propane appliances to their building projects.

• Hybrid Heat Pump Solution, Powered by Propane – Addresses the advantages of an air-handler installed Heat Pump Helper that moves hot water from a propane tankless water heater across newly installed hydronic coils to heat the home in a much more comfortable and affordable way than just depending on an electric heat pump.

Depending on the challenges in your marketing area, I suggest you also consider adding the following additional tools to the Builder Outreach Toolkit:

• The Truth About Gas Stoves & Air Quality – A PERC-produced information sheet that corrects “misinformation” about gas cooking and indoor air quality.

• Making a Clean Energy Cleaner – Another PERC-produced information sheet that introduces renewable propane as an even cleaner low-carbon energy than conventional propane.

• Propane Association Rebate Programs – Can offer construction professionals and homeowners added rebates for the use of propane appliances if your state or regional propane association makes them available.

Tom Jaenicke

Include a brochure or other information about your propane company service offerings and details on in-house and appliance manufacturer rebates that you may offer. Also include the latest copy of your company newsletter or statement stuffer if you use those marketing tools.

I suggest you use a plastic sleeve or envelope as a toolbox to keep your learning tools together. You should deliver your Builder Outreach Toolkit in person, either in a one-on-one meeting with contractors with whom you want to work, or make a presentation at your local Home Builders Association (HBA) meeting. You are a member, aren’t you?

You can find your local Home Builders Association by visiting nahb.org/local-associations. Also look for student chapters of the HBA that may be operating in your area. These future builders are always eager to add learning tools to their toolbox.

There’s never been a more important time to tell the propane story to construction professionals. The future viability of your propane business may depend on it.


Tom Jaenicke is vice president of propane marketing services for Warm Thoughts Communications. He can be reached at tjaenicke@warmthoughts.com or 810-252-7855.

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