Because Lake Los Angeles is rural, many homes rely on large propane tanks for heating. While propane is a great fuel source, it requires specific maintenance that city dwellers don't have to worry about.
The "Sooting" Problem
Propane burns differently than natural gas. If your furnace's air-to-fuel ratio is slightly off, it creates heavy soot that can clog your heat exchanger. This is dangerous because a clogged exchanger can crack, leading to carbon monoxide leaks.
The Smell of Danger
Propane is heavier than air. If you have a leak, the gas pools on the floor (unlike natural gas, which rises). If you smell rotten eggs near your furnace, leave the house immediately and call the fire department.
Conversion Kits
You cannot simply buy a furnace from Home Depot and install it in a Lake LA home. It must have a "Propane Conversion Kit" (new orifices and springs) installed by a licensed professional. We see many DIY installations that are incredibly dangerous due to missing kits.
Related: Schedule a safety inspection.