• Natural Gas emits less carbon dioxide than other fossil fuels.
• Natural Gas fuels more than 31% of US electric generation.
• Renewable energy is dependent on wind, sunshine or moving water and therefore not always available.
• Propane is a fossil fuel, a hydrocarbon and over 95% of it used in the US is produced in North America.
• Propane has no toxicity to harm the environment and may be a better choice if you value “green fuel” more than greenhouse gases.
• Propane also is called “liquefied petroleum gas,” or LP gas. Like natural gas, it’s odorless so processing adds an odor so people can detect its presence.
• Clean burning:  methane burns easily and leaves few pollutants.  When natural gas is burned properly, by-products of combustion are primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor.  Because methane contains only one carbon atom, natural gas produces less carbon dioxide than any other fossil fuel, and few other pollutants as well.
• Natural Gas is safer to handle than most fuels.  Natural gas by itself will not burn.  Combustion can occur only when there is a proper mixture of gas and air; a flammability range comprised of approximately 5 to 15 percent natural gas, and between 95 to 85 percent air.  Even with the proper mixture it requires a high ignition temperature of approximately 1,100° Fahrenheit.
• Propane also fuels some specially-configured cars and trucks, producing 30% - 90% less carbon monoxide than typical automotive gasoline.
• Natural gas also is a fossil fuel, created millions of years ago from ancient plants and animal matter which decayed under the pressure and heat underground.
• Propane is a safe and environmentally friendly fuel that is available now and widely used throughout the United States in homes, on farms, on the road, and in industrial and commercial operations.
• Natural gas is a “clean energy alternative,” since it’s clean-burning, producing less harmful emissions than other fossil fuels (oil and coal) but it is also a greenhouse gas when released into our environment.
• Lighter than propane, natural gas dissipates more quickly than propane when released into the atmosphere.
• Propane takes a little longer to vanish in the air.

From Townsend Energy:

• The electrification process is easy to understand. It encompasses replacing the existing fossil fuel-powered technologies, including oil, coal, and natural gas. These technologies will be replaced with products operated solely by electrical energy as their primary power source.
• This can be good for the environment and the green energy movement if done correctly, as electrification is one way to reduce carbon emissions. After all, the building, transportation, and industrial sectors account for 65% of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions.
• Is electrification the best move to reduce carbon emissions? As a matter of fact, converting to electrification can possibly have damaging effects on the environment. If electricity is produced with resources that release carbon dioxide, it will not be able to reach the desired result of having a world that runs on 100% clean energy.
• The bulk of electricity generated is from fossil fuels.
• Electricity is an unclean fuel source. What makes electricity so is that its generation depends heavily on using propane, gas, and oil to create it. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with the fuels. However, the media has frequently vilified them that it may be counterproductive to continue using them to create most of our electricity needs.

Conversion Estimates (Source: Townsend Energy)

• Water Heater Replacement – an electric water heater conversion, with labor and components, can cost as much as $4000.
• Gas To Electric Stove Conversion – converting from gas to electric might cost $400 or more, depending on the home.
• Electric Dryer Conversion – a homeowner may spend $250-$1000 to switch to the right electrical sockets if their home doesn’t have the right ones.
• Upgrading Electrical Service – many older homes have an electric service rate of 100 amperes. Electric homes likely need 200 amperes, which a homeowner can spend $750-$4500, depending on the overhaul size.

     The 2023 Plumbing Apprentice Contest offers third and fourth year plumbing apprentices a truly unique opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a practical, hands-on event that is fun and exciting for everyone involved.  This year’s event will take place in April in Hampton Roads Virginia.

     The apprentices will be required to rough-in a half bathroom on a pre-built module and the materials will be provided.  Contestants will be given a layout, specification sheets, and the needed materials to compete in the contest.  Contestants will not have to drill any holes, and will have approximately seven (7) hours to complete the contest.  First, second and third place plaques are awarded for being the best, not for finishing first; we are looking for quality not quantity.  Contestants must provide their own hand tools, and a tool list is attached for your convenience.

     First and second place winners have a chance to attend the national Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association competition in Cleveland, Ohio in October.   Expenses may be offset for winners from member businesses.

Past winners:

2005    Kevin James, Cameron Plumbing

2006    Tom Carpino, Evan Hibbs Plumbing

2007    Richard Jernigan, Kane Plumbing

2008    Thomas Keys, Jr., Clover Contracting, Inc.

2009    William Lloyd, Gainesville Plumbing

2010    Rusty Wamsley, Woodbridge Plumbing, Inc.

2011    Daniel Day, Phoenix Plumbing

2012    Justin Duke, D. E. Kirby

2013    Jose Noe Hernandez, D.F. Williams Plumbing

2014    Nathan Boggs, S.D. Boggs Plumbing

2015    Jared Beninati, Evan Hibbs Plumbing

2016    Daniel Huppert, Unlimited Plumbing and Piping

2017    Ryan Johnson, Presidential Plumbing

2018    Daniel Judd, David Judd Plumbing

2019    Tyler Paul, BION inc.

2020    Covid

2021    Ryan Swindell, Atomic Plumbing

2022    Anthony Graham, BION, inc.

The mission of the  Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia (PHCC Va) is to provide networking, information, education, and training to its statewide membership as well as tracking legislation and providing a forum for problem solving.The vision of PHCC VA is to provide a growing membership with the resources, education, and public recognition they need to expand their businesses in the most professional and profitable manner.

PHCC is governed by its Executive Committee and Committee Chairs. Members may contact PHCC leadership members at any time.

Being a chartered affilitate of the PHCC National Association, PHCC members enjoy a wide variety of member benefits on the national, state, and local level which helps provide the resources they need to expand their business. If you or your firm is interested in becoming a member, visit the Members page where you can download a membership application.

The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia (PHCC Va) is a chartered affiliate of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC). PHCC VA members cover the entire range of plumbing and HVAC contractors in Virginia, from small companies to large contractors,  with a wide range of services covering both residential and commercial projects. Our members are reputable contractors who agree to abide by our Code of Ethics in their business practices.