Propane vs. Electricity: By the Numbers

Most people think of propane as barbecue fuel. But the truth is the propane is actually one of the most versatile, efficient and powerful sources of home energy around. In fact, propane can power just about any home comfort appliance that runs on electricity – and usually do a better job of it.

Check out these numbers, which compare electric to propane power for appliances used throughout your western North Carolina home:

• 27 – The number of kilowatt hours of electricity needed to produce the same amount of energy as burning one gallon of propane.
• 20:14 – The average lifespan (in years) of a propane gas furnace vs. an electric heat pump.
• 50% – A propane water heater produces about half as many carbon emissions as an electric water heater with a storage tank.
• 2X – Propane water heaters can output twice as much hot water as electric units in the same period of time.
• 30/50 – Propane water heaters cost an average of 30 percent less to operate than electric models—up to 50 percent with a tankless propane water heater.
• $174 – The average savings in homes using propane vs. electric water heaters, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Of course, numbers tell only part of the propane performance story: propane clothes dryers produce less static than electric counterparts, propane cooktops give you precision temperature control that no electric powered cooktop can match, and propane space heaters give you heating power that leaves their electric counterparts in the dust.

Using electric appliances just doesn’t add up – switch to propane power today! Contact James Oxygen today to learn more.