what is cheaper to heat with propane or electric?

Propane Vs. Electricity: A Comparison In Costs & Benefits

Written on: May 10, 2019

propane vs electricity connecticut Deciding betwixt propane vs. electric for energizing a abode is a contend common for homeowners who desire to be both cost-constructive and energy-efficient. Though the two free energy sources are comparable in many ways, they are distinct in others too.

To beginning, propane is a primary energy source, whereas electricity is secondary, that is to say, propane tin be used 'as is' and electricity can just be used once it's been created by some other free energy source. This means that it takes more than free energy to create electricity, which can bear on its cleanliness, efficiency and toll. But, how do these variables compare to propane, which your firm may or may not already be equipped to employ?

Below, we compare propane vs. electric to see which is the amend source of free energy for your domicile.

Calculating Energy Usage

To determine the dissimilar toll points of propane vs. electricity, we commencement need to do a chip of math.

Propane and electricity are measured in different units:

Propane is measured in BTUs
Electricity is measured in Kilowatts

Even so, both fuels are calculated on a per hour ground for efficiency and energy consumption, which helps as we convert total energy usage past appliances.

To get both sources of energy on an even calculation playing field, remember these statements:

91,500 BTUs (or one gallon) of propane = 27 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity
i watt = iii.412141633 BTU/hr

We'll use these conversions in a moment to calculate which free energy source you lot should exist using in your home.

Is propane cheaper than electric?

Determining whether propane is cheaper than electricity depends on several variables like the age of appliances your dwelling operates on and the toll of fuel and electricity in your area. Merely, in this section, we'll encompass how yous tin can summate the total cost of both energy sources, and show you how energy-efficient appliances can impact your total costs.

Grab an Electric Beak For a Custom Calculation

Comparing the price of propane to electric head-to-head, is uncomplicated.

The next time yous receive your electricity bill multiply the price per kWh past 27 (which equals i gallon of propane).
Then, find the total toll for i gallon of propane, which can be establish on the U.S. Energy Information Administration'south (EIA) website and compare them caput-to-caput.

Which is less expensive?

Let's do an example together:

Allow'due south say your electric bill shows 10¢ per kWh. Your equation would look like this: 0.10 x 27 = $2.seventy
Then, expect up the cost of propane on the EIA website. At the time this article was written, the price of propane was $2.94

So in this case, electricity is less expensive than propane by book because $2.seventy is less than $ii.94.

Cost of Propane vs. Electric by Appliance

The math gets a little more complex when putting the cost upward against energy efficiency. Propane is considered an efficient fuel, which means it holds more than energy per book than other sources, which can reduce its overall usage cost.

Let'south review how appliances stack up when it comes to costs comparisons of propane and electricity.

Lightbulbs

A 100-watt light seedling volition consume 1.2 kWh, per day. With propane, it would take roughly .024 gallons (341.21 BTUs/hr.) to calorie-free the same lightbulb.

Using the data points we discussed, lighting your home for 12 hours would cost:

Electricity: 12¢
Propane: .07¢

Propane is the more cost-effective fuel in this scenario.

Washing machines

If you lot run a 1300-watt washing machine for 3 hours a day, you can expect to utilise 3.9 kWh, per day. The same machine would take 0.106 gallons (4435.78 BTUs/hr.).

Using the data points to a higher place, using a washing machine for 3 hours costs:

Electricity: 39¢
Propane: 31¢

Propane is the more than cost-effective fuel in this scenario.

Heaters

If you run a 2,500-watt heater for 8 hours a twenty-four hour period, y'all tin expect to use 20 kWh, per twenty-four hour period. The aforementioned machine would accept 0.068 gallons (8530.3540825 BTUs/hour.).

Using the data points in a higher place, using a heater for 8 hours costs:

Electricity: $2.00
Propane : $1.60

Propane is the more than price-effective fuel in this scenario, and as you can see, the cost gap between the ii energy sources is growing with higher voltage appliances.

Want a cheat sail? Here are some energy calculators so you can practice your own comparisons:

Energy utilisation calculator

Watt to BTU figurer

BTU to Gallons calculator

Environmental Impacts

Propane is a non-toxic, non-poisonous fuel that burns cleaner than other fuels and produces environmentally-friendly emissions. Additionally, propane will not create an environmental gamble if spilled. For this reason, it's possible for homeowners to have either an above-basis or underground propane tank without any worry of contamination.

While electricity has cypher emissions, that doesn't mean it's 100% efficient. Because electricity is a second free energy source, as nosotros mentioned earlier, the primary source of free energy may be less environmentally-friendly.

In fact, co-ordinate to The U.S. National Library of Medicine, about 62.7% of electricity generated is from fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), and thirty.1% is attributed to coal. And, coal mining accounts for roughly 9% of total U.South. methyl hydride emissions and nearly ane% of total U.Due south. greenhouse gas emissions, according to Environmental impact assessment, which is not environmentally-friendly.

Which free energy source wins out?

Determining which energy source is all-time for y'all will depend on other factors apart from fuel efficiency and ecology impacts. Information technology also depends on its availability in your region, the toll to equip your home for the free energy, and your personal preferences.

Water heaters

If you are already equipped with an electric h2o heater, it might non make sense to convert to propane. Most homeowners save betwixt $150-$200 a year with a propane water heater versus an electric one, merely the toll of a new propane water heater could commencement the savings for the first couple of years. Even so, if you purchase high-quality equipment, the toll-savings of switching to a propane water heater will eventually win out.

Grilling

In short, propane is the most energy efficient of the two grills — and might be better for the taste of your food too. Nearly electric grills can melt around 400 degrees, however, they aren't typically designed to stay at high heats for long periods of time. Then, quick meals on an electric grill works, but you may take an overall amend experience using a propane option.

Geography

Some states give massive rebates to homes that switch from oil to natural heating solutions like electrical, which can offset the margin price differences, and wind up saving you more coin in the long-run. At that place are often stipulations that come with the rebates though, and so it's wise to do your research to come across if the options provided by the state brand sense for your home. Further, not all regions of the United states take accessibility to both energy sources. Where you alive might make your determination for you.

Maintenance

Apart from occasional bank check-ups to ensure your wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and plugs are in working club, electrical homes have little maintenance to adhere to. Propane requires a bit more than observation, as the fuel volition run out and the homeowner will need to reorder their supply. Luckily, many propane commitment services will monitor your fuel levels, and schedule automated deliveries to assistance reduce the burden of fuel delivery.

The Bottom Line

Costs vary by region and by the household for both propane and electricity. Historically, propane has given consumers more than blindside for their buck when compared to electricity, just everyone's situation will be unlike. If you want to find out more most propane vs. electricity for your home, contact an expert.

The professionals at Santa Energy tin can help you decide whether propane or electricity is best for your home.

bechardhasurseen.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.santaenergy.com/propane-vs-electricity/