The Cost of Propane Vs. Electric

Propane and electricity both produce dependable heat. Propane is instantly on, and is somewhat adjustable. An electrical coil burner takes a little longer to heat up, but maintains a steady heat. When adjusted, it may take a moment or two to cool down to the desired temperature. Propane will emit a slight odor. Electric cooking surfaces do not create any fumes.

Propane heaters create radiant heat; even when using forced air, it makes a warm zone around the heater and around vents, making users perceive it as warmer. Electricity is often used for indirect heat, which uniformly warms the general area, causing it to seem colder to people even when the actual temperature may be the same. A way around this is to use oil-filled or steam registers that create the direct radiant heat that people and pets enjoy.

Both propane and electricity do an efficient job of heating water. Electricity can be used to power on-demand heaters, eliminating the continuous power usage of a water heater with a stored tank of water.

Electricity seems cleaner in the home environment. It does not produce fumes, it cannot develop pipe leaks. Whether it is environmentally clean depends on how the electricity is produced. Some areas use hydro-electric dams, which are fairly clean; some use nuclear plants; and some burn coal.

Propane conduits need to be installed by a licensed plumber, and watched carefully for leaks. Gases leaked into the home can cause health problems or fires. Electricity also needs to be installed by a licensed person. Improperly installed electrical wiring and outlets can cause damage to equipment and even home fires.

The cost of propane vs. electricity varies greatly year to year and area to area. When deciding what sort of utilities you need in your home, contact providers and get price quotes. Ask for the price per gallon of propane. Inquire for the price per kilowatt-hour for electricity, and multiply by 27 get the equivalent of the price per gallon of propane.