Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is a clean-burning, high-energy alternative fuel which accounts for about 2% of the energy used in the United States. Its main uses include home and water heating, cooking and refrigerating food, clothes drying, powering farm and industrial equipment. Rural areas without natural gas service commonly rely on propane as a residential energy source.
Propane has a high octane rating and is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Propane has the lowest flammability rating of any alternative fuel.
Furnaces
A propane furnace consistently supplies air at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric heat pumps dispense 95-degree air, which is less than body temperature (98.6 degrees), so the air feels cool, not warm.
Propane gas furnaces available today have efficiencies above 97% and last an average of 20 years, while electric heat pumps last an average of 12 years. The cost of repairing propane gas furnaces is also lower than the cost of repairing electric heaters.
Radiant Heat
Enjoy the comfort of warm floors with hydronic (liquid-based) radiant heating fueled by propane. Not only more efficient than electric, propane helps eliminate the feeling of drafts. The high thermal efficiency of radiant heat can require half the BTU’s of air-based heating systems.
Space Heaters
Vent-free propane-fueled space heaters are 99.9 percent efficient and include oxygen depletion sensors that automatically turn units off if oxygen levels drop below specified levels. They can also include thermostats and heat distribution blowers.
Propane-fueled space heaters produce fewer air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions than those fueled by fuel oil and electricity. In fact, the energy used to power electric heaters produces emissions two to four times higher than the energy produced to power propane heaters.
Water Heaters
Propane gas water heaters cost approximately $10 less per month to operate than comparable electric units, and are on average 42 percent less expensive than electric heaters. Compared to an electric unit, propane gas water heaters can save homeowners nearly $2,000 over an average life span.
Propane gas water heaters heat more than twice as much water in an hour as comparable electric models. Tankless models produce hot water on demand with no storage heat loss, reducing the cost of hot water by as much as 70 percent versus a tank-type water heater.
Hearth Products
Propane gas fireplace systems cost between 30 and 60 percent less per hour of operation than wood burning fireplaces. They emit 40 times fewer emissions than wood-burning units and cost less to operate. Propane gas fireplaces can be turned off easily with a switch, eliminating concerns about remaining embers.
Cook Tops
Propane-fueled cook tops offer instant heat and absolute temperature control. Unlike electricity-powered appliances, propane appliances are not affected by power outages. Homeowners can continue to enjoy cooking meals in warm homes.
Dryers
Propane-fueled dryers can complete drying tasks in approximately three-quarters of the time it takes an electric unit. Some models save up to 65 percent in costs over electric dryers. An additional benefit is the reduction or elimination of fabric softeners and anti-static cling products.
Propane Benefits Chart
Comfort |
Cost Savings |
Ease of Use |
Efficiency |
Environment |
|
Furnaces |
Warm feeling with higher air temperatures. | Longer life, lower repair costs. | Same | 97% + available | Low Emissions |
Radiant Heat |
Warm heat without drafts, heat concentrated at lower comfort height. Has an "always warm" feel. | Better thermal efficiency by heating the solid mass. Needs up to 50% less BTU for heat. | Same | 97% + available | Low Emissions |
Space Heaters |
Directs the heat at the location you desire, no need to heat entire structure. | High efficiencies use less energy. Many units do not require electricity. | Same | 99.9% + available | Low Emissions |
Water Heaters |
More hot water and quicker recovery, tankless units provide endless supply as needed. | Less time and energy needed to heat water with gas, tankless units only on when needed. | Same | 97% + available | Low Emissions |
Hearth Products |
Warm ambiance without the mess of wood, and easy lighting with the push of a button. | Efficiency and insurance costs compared to wood burning. | Same | 99.9% + available | Low Emissions |
Cook Tops |
Best heat control for precise cooking. Used by all the top chefs. | Less enegy required with flame heat. | Better and more precise heat control | n/a | Low Emissions |
Dryers |
Fast drying time with no static cling and soft clothes. | Less time and energy needed, eliminates need for softeners and static cling products. | Same | n/a | Low Emissions |
The Propane Benefits chart does not display on mobile, sorry.
Consumer information links to the Propane Education & Research Council:
Safety Tips
Learn More About Home Heating With Safe, Reliable Propane
Propane Grill Do’s and Don’ts
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