Best Use Of Propane Home Heating This Winter

Posted by ThompsonGas on October 15th, 2015

Winter usually means high heating costs, but don’t worry—you can save money by switching to a better energy source than electricity. The US Department of Energy stated that it could cost up to twice as much to operate your furnace with electricity. Propane is a good alternative to electricity because not only is it economical but environmentally friendly, too. With propane, you can save up to 30 percent each year on water heating, and about 50 percent when you use it to dry clothes compared to when you use an electric heater.

Propane can maintain a consistent air supply at 115 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just right to keep you comfortable and warm. Electric heat pumps typically generate heat that is slightly warmer than your average body temperature, so they can make a space uncomfortable. With propane, you can continue enjoying the consistent heat in the winter in case of a power outage. It costs less to have a propane furnace repaired, too. A gas furnace is expected to last for about an average of 20 years, unlike electric heat pumps with a service life of only about 14 years on average.

Home heating systems that run on propane can minimize your greenhouse gas emissions by up to 68 percent. High-quality furnaces have at least a 95 AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating, and they can generate air that is 25 degrees warmer than what electric heaters can. Homeowners who use electric heaters often complain about their rooms being drafty and cold, so they eventually use additional heat sources and end up spending more on their energy bills. With propane home heating, you can rely on a single energy efficient heat source.

Conventional gas boilers are about 60 percent efficient, and newer ones are about 90 percent energy efficient. This means the latest systems may help slash energy usage by one third, while assuming similar heat output. Propane produces fewer emissions than petroleum products. A furnace that is powered by propane emits 37 fewer greenhouse gases than a fuel oil furnace, and about 60 percent less greenhouse gases than electric heat pumps. Propane-powered heaters require minimal maintenance, too.

Radiant heat matters in winter to ensure warmth in your entire surroundings. Propane is an excellent energy source for efficient liquid-based or hydronic radiant heating. Propane boilers and water heaters heat water through floor tubing, which can be installed under the floor. This will provide additional warmth to your home while ensuring an energy efficient solution that is better than the typical system that involves a duct and a furnace.

About the Author:

This article was written by ThompsonGas. The 16th largest retail propane company in the U.S., ThompsonGas has been family owned and operated since 1946. The propane gas dealer provides cheap propane for residential and commercial propane gas service to customers across 10 states in the East and Southeast.