Propane Vs. Electricity: By The Numbers

Some people think of propane as a great fuel for their barbecue or camp stove. It is, that’s certainly true – but it’s much more than that.

The fact is, propane can power just about any piece of home comfort equipment that runs on electricity – and usually do it better and more economically along the way.

The Power Of Propane

The numbers speak for themselves – consider these figures when you compare electric to propane power for your home heating system and other appliances:

• 2X – Propane water heaters can produce twice as much hot water as electric units in the same amount of time.
• 30/50 – On average, propane water heaters cost 30 percent less to operate than electric ones—up to 50 percent less if you choose a tankless propane water heater.
• 50 – Overall, propane tankless water heaters produce about 50 percent fewer carbon emissions than electric water heaters with a storage tank.
• $174 – The average savings in homes using propane vs. electric water heaters, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
• 27 – The number of kilowatt-hours of electricity needed to produce the same amount of energy as burning one gallon of propane.
• 95+ – Today’s clean-burning, high-efficiency propane furnace can operate at 95 percent efficiency or more.
• 2/3 – Equipment efficiency only tells part of the propane advantage story. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly two-thirds of electricity generated at most power plants is lost between the plant and the consumer. Propane gas, on the other hand, generates energy on the spot, with no loss along the way.
• 20:14 – The average lifespan of a propane gas furnace vs. an electric heat pump.

Of course, there’s more to propane’s benefits than numbers can tell: propane clothes dryers produce less static than electric counterparts, for example. And try sitting in front of an electric fireplace some time…there’s just no comparison to a propane hearth.

Still using electric appliances? It just doesn’t add up. Switch to propane today! Contact Midway Gas today to learn more about our reliable propane deliveries in southwest Virginia.