Benefits of Using Multiple Propane Appliances

A propane technician in front of water heaters and a furnace

Homeowners and builders want the best heating and cooling solutions for their homes, which means installing durable, long-lasting appliances that will perform at a high level without breaking the bank. Luckily, propane can do that.

Let’s take a look at two appliances that every Missouri home needs: furnaces and water heaters. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), space heating and water heating account for nearly two-thirds of the average home’s energy use. That makes furnace and water-heater selection critical when planning for new construction or improving the efficiency of an existing home.

Propane furnaces provide a steady heating temperature of 115 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of outdoor temperature. For comparison, electric heat pumps generally circulate air that is below your average body temperature of 98 degrees, 60% of the time during heating seasons. It’s hard to call this “heat” since homeowners report feeling chilled rather than warmed with such cool air coming out of the registers. In addition, high-efficiency propane furnaces qualify for Energy Star’s Most Efficient label (95 AFUE level or higher) and are safer and more efficient than wood heat.

Energy Star propane water heating units can save homeowners an estimated 13 to 20% in annual energy costs compared to electric water heating units. High-efficiency propane tankless water heating systems produce hot water on demand, providing an endless supply with no wasted energy costs heating water in a tank. They also take up less space because they are more compact than traditional tank water heaters. If you’re working on a new construction project or an update of an existing home with a propane furnace, pairing a propane water heater will result in additional efficiencies.

Adding a standby propane generator for your customers can also be a great option to give them an extra sense of security and layer of protection from volatile Missouri storms. Propane generators will keep a home’s appliances running even when the power lines go down. And unlike gasoline or diesel, propane doesn’t degrade over time, making it ideal for a standby fuel. Not to mention, installing a standby generator at a home with propane appliances can extend the hours of efficiency during an outage because it takes less energy to power daily functions.

Propane is also an environmentally friendly energy option. Propane furnaces reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22% compared to electric furnaces and propane tankless water heaters cut CO₂ emissions in half compared to electric units.

If you are a homeowner planning to build or remodel your residence, take advantage of the power of pairing propane appliances to maximize your fuel dollar and create the livability and comfort you’re looking for. For construction pros and installers working with clients on new projects, service calls or remodels, keep in mind that pairing a propane furnace with a propane water heater generates both maximum operating efficiencies and homeowner satisfaction.

Questions? Contact your local propane retailer today.