Propane vs. Electric

View of the kitchen with propane gas stove and the fireplace across the room

What’s the better choice for powering your home appliances?

Do you know the age and performance of your electric furnace and water heater? Run the numbers on replacing these aging appliances and you may be shocked to discover the savings and comfort available when you compare electric furnaces to propane heat.

When considering the benefits of propane in your home, start with water heaters. High-efficiency propane water heating units generally cost 30% less to operate than electric water heaters — and realize even greater savings when you heat your water with a tankless propane unit.

Many people switch to propane water heaters because comfort and convenience are important to them and propane really delivers. That’s because propane water heaters can produce about twice as much hot water as comparable electric units.

If you’ve ever been caught cold in your shower by an inefficient electric water heater, check out your options with a new propane water heating system. It’s a lot easier than you may think to make the switch.

Besides water heaters, consider the positive difference you can enjoy with these applications:

  • Propane heating systems have several benefits over electric heat.
  • End the limitations of cooking with an electric stove. Propane ovens and ranges cost less to operate than their electric counterparts and provide a higher degree of control with precise temperatures. Plus, in many cases, a gas stove will continue to work during a power outage.
  • A propane clothes dryer gets laundry dry 25% faster than the typical electric model and is less likely to cause damage to fabrics.

Benefits of Propane Over Electric

20 Degrees Warmer
The average propane furnace keeps a home compared to the electric heat pumps that generate much cooler air. Take a closer look at the comparison between heat pumps and propane furnaces for information you can use to make the best choice for your home.

91,500 BTUs
The number of BTUs generated for every gallon of propane burned. An equivalent amount of electricity (one kilowatt) produces a mere 3,413 BTUs.

2.5 Times More
The amount of hot water that a propane water heater can produce compared to an average electric water heater - for about 30% less cost.

20 Years
The average life span of a propane gas furnace; electric heat pumps last about 14 years.

$175
The average annual savings for homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity, based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy.

27
The number of kilowatt hours of electricity needed to create an equivalent amount of energy produced by just one gallon of propane.

Take the Propane Home Tour

Take a 3D virtual tour of a custom propane home in Sedalia, Missouri to experience the warmth, charm and efficiency of the home and discover all that the propane lifestyle has to offer.