Propane Versus Electricity: Who Wins?

Which fuel is more efficient—propane or electricity? If you said propane, then take a bow. By far, propane is the more energy efficient fuel. This is because propane generates much more Btu’s than an equivalent amount of electricity. Put another way, you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat energy. For example, just one gallon of propane equals 27 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity.

Clean-burning propane appliances are also efficient because they waste very little fuel in the combustion process. Propane is more efficient than electricity when evaluating the total energy consumed (this includes the energy consumed in the extraction, production, processing and transportation of the fuel to the point of use). Based on this analysis, propane is 87% efficient; electricity is 32% efficient.

If you rely on a high-efficiency propane furnace to keep warm, less than 10% of fuel is wasted in the combustion process. In comparison, more than two-thirds of the energy used by a power plant to generate and transmit electricity is wasted. Most high-efficiency propane furnaces feature two-stage gas burners and variable-speed motors to deliver all the warm air you need, no matter how cold it gets.

Currently, you’re eligible to receive a rebate of $350 when you install a new propane furnace or propane direct-vent heater in your home.

Arizonians like what they see—and feel—with their propane appliances

Arizonians from Tucson to Scottsdale to Sedona and many other towns and cities are removing their old electric appliances and other worn-out equipment and replacing them with modern, energy-efficient propane equipment. Here are a few reasons why:

• Propane water heaters generally cost much less to operate than electric water heaters. A 50-gallon propane water heater delivers the same amount of hot water as an 80-gallon electric unit. And it heats your water much faster! Right now, you can get a $300 rebate when you install a new propane water heater.
• Propane stoves/cooktops also typically cost significantly less to operate than their electric counterparts. Gas stoves also respond almost instantly to changes in temperature settings. This gives you more precise cooking control, which is important when you’re creating certain meals. Electric stoves take longer to respond, particularly when you’re turning the heat down or off. Here’s another advantage: a propane gas stove will continue to work during a power outage. You can qualify for a $200 rebate when you install a new propane gas stove/cooktop.
• Propane space heaters for cold spaces are a great option, because they’re less costly to operate than portable electric heaters. Vented propane-gas space heaters are easy to install, incredibly efficient and extremely safe.
• A propane clothes dryer gets laundry dry 25% faster than the typical electric model. That’s because a propane dryer has moisture sensors and dries clothes with far less static than electric models, which can be harsh on your fabrics. You can qualify for a $100 rebate when you install a new propane clothes dryer.

Want to know more about the cost and efficiency of propane versus electricity? Interested in converting your old electric appliances to propane? Contact your propane company today! They can either install a new propane appliance or connect you with someone who does.