Comparing Propane vs. Electricity
With the choice of energy sources for most of your home heating systems and heating appliances such as water heaters, you may be wondering which is better – propane or electricity?
Before making this decision, there are some important factors to understand that will help you choose the right energy source for your house.
Propane vs. Electricity – Energy Comparison
When choosing between the two, it’s important to understand the difference between propane and electricity. Propane is a primary energy source and electricity is a secondary energy source.
Energy from propane is used directly, whereas energy from electricity is used after the electricity is generated from a primary energy source such as natural gas or petroleum.
Usable amounts of electricity do not occur naturally whereas usable amounts of propane do.
1 Gallon of propane = 27 kWh (Kilowatt Hours) of electricity
One gallon of propane contains the same amount of usable energy as 27 Kilowatt Hours:
Or 27 kWh = Approximately 91,500 BTU
Below are a few reasons why it’s beneficial to use propane for your appliances over electricity:
1. Propane is cheaper than electricity
Heating a home in the U.S. with a propane heating system in recent years costs far less than heating with an electric system, according the U.S. Department of Energy. Propane water heaters, for example, can cost one-third less to operate and recover water twice as quickly as electric water heater.
In addition, new standards brought upon by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act is changing the market. No longer can homeowners replace systems and simply go with the cheapest options or the same technology. The good news? Research shows appliances that run on propane are one of the best options when meeting the new NAECA standards.
2. Propane is warmer than electricity
A propane gas furnace heats the air to about 130 F to 140 F and operates in short intervals to minimize operating costs. An electric heat pump produces heat below body temperature (98.6 F), so the air actually feels cool when placing your hand in front of a vent.
A heat pump is rated with a variety of “efficiency ratings” (SEER, HSPF, COP) but the one that is the easiest to look at is COP. “Coefficient of Performance,” is an exact efficiency at a given outdoor temperature. When it gets colder outside, as it does in the Northeast, a heat pump is less efficient.
3. Propane is more dependable
Propane is safely stored in storage tanks on your property, while electricity is subject to power outages. Propane is reliable and works when and where other energy sources don’t, which makes it versatile.
4. Propane is clean & green!
Propane is recognized as “green” energy. By using propane, homeowners can help cut emissions and protect the environment. Both the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992 recognize propane as an approved alternative fuel. Also, propane is also in gas form, so it doesn’t spill, pool or leave residue.
5. Propane can be used in times of power outages:
If you live in areas where you experience frequent power outages, a propane furnace may be the best choice. You can much more easily use it with a generator when the power is out, and is more efficient than “electric resistance” back up.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the energy source for your home heating and appliances, from cost, efficiency, dependability and more! And with new industry standards created to help consumers and the environment, choosing the cheapest option is not always recommended. Rest assure that choosing propane powered appliances will not only create efficiency, will keep your house running and will also help the environment.
Let the skilled staff at Combined Energy Services educate you on the best options! Contact us today at 800-874-1975 or complete the form below.
If you have questions about your service or products we offer, please email info@combinedenergyservices.com Do not leave a service or product question in the comments.
I found it interesting that you say that propane is more dependable. My dad has been wanting to lessen the amount of money he spends on electricity, so I have been looking into how he can do that. I will send him this information so he can start looking for a company that does propane delivery.
Benjamin – Make sure he investigates all the service options, not just price. Supply options, 24/7 service, payment & purchase plans are all things that should be looked at to make sure you’re getting value for your dollar spent. Have him reach out to one of our sales people for a quote on propane and heaters or furnaces for his home.
It’s not actually a true state that electricity only comes from burning natural gas or petroleum. Electricity also comes from burning coal and nuclear fission – but more importantly electricity also comes from solar farms, wind turbines and water reservoirs with integrated electrical turbines. While it’s true that electricity must be transported there are better ways to produce it than are implied by this article.
It is my understanding the future of energy is thought to be driven by solar or wind power that do not rely on combustion or transportation. They’re just still working out the energy storage piece (batteries).
You are correct Katherine. Electricity does come from a variety of sources. There’s also wave generators and geothermal systems. Technology changes quickly and quite a few of the alternate systems are outdated even before their installations completed. They are making strides in battery storage but it still requires large battery banks.
When you look at the BTUs of propane vs. electric, there is really no comparison for the amount of heat you get from one gallon of propane to electric.
I’m not arguing for or against either electricity or propane, as I use both in rental properties. It’s not my concern when the power goes off that a renter misses days of our lives or can’t use their computer. It is my concern however that they stay warm, can cook and have hot water for bathing. It wouldn’t be economiclly feasable for me to just convert my properties to total propane and I’ve found that some people are under the false impression that propane isn’t safe. Just consider your options with both, compare final costs to get whichever product into your home and act on whatever the bottom line shows you, and in the end the bottom line balances on cost and comfort.
Interesting post explained the vrious difference between propane and electricity. Thanks for sharing the post.
My husband and I are planning to replace our LPG and opt for a propane gas instead since the latter is more environmentally friendly. Well, it’s great to know that appliances that are being run on propane are the best choice when meeting the NAECA standards. I also never knew that this type of gas can still work even though th other energy sources don’t.