5 Reasons Why Propane Is Better Than Other Fuels

Are you still using electricity to power most of your heating and cooking devices and tired of the high heating and electricity bills? It might be time for a change. Check out these five reasons why switching to propane is better and may be your solution for lower annual heating bills.

1. Propane is environmentally friendly.
   Propane is a clean burning fossil fuel that was approved as an alternative fuel by the Clean Air Act of 1990. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that vehicles that run on propane produce 30 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and around 50 percent fewer smog-causing emissions and toxins compared to cars that run on gasoline. Moreover, propane has been found to be nontoxic, so its deposits will not harm the water or soil.
   
   
2. Propane is more economical.
   The US Department of Energy says that you can typically save up to 30 percent annually when you heat water with propane, and save up to 50 percent when you dry your clothes with propane-generated heat (compared to when you use electric heaters and electric clothes dryers). On average, propane can heat an entire tank of water in 20 minutes while it takes electricity at least an hour to do the same job.
   
   
3. Propane is cheaper to use in the long run.
   You will find fuel oil to be better at generating heat compared with propane on a per-BTU basis. However, many oil boilers are typically at a maximum 85 percent efficiency, which is lower than the efficiency of gas boilers at 95 percent (or possibly more). The US Energy Information Administration found that during the 2010 to 2011 heating season, New England's residential propane prices were 20 cents cheaper on average compared to oil.
   
   
4. Propane devices last longer and are easier to use.
   It is interesting that oil requires a more sophisticated burner system to be efficiently fired. Hence, oil burner systems are usually more expensive than gas-powered options. Furthermore, Appliance Magazine found propane gas furnaces to have an average lifespan of 20 years, so it will outlast other systems.
   
   

      5. It is designed for better heat distribution.
Propane is an excellent energy source for liquid-based radiant heating, which is known to be more efficient than electric heating. A propane boiler or water heater pumps water through a system of floor tubing. Heat is delivered more evenly and closer to the floor. This makes propane more efficient than conventional duct-and-furnace systems. Moreover, heat from propane is more comfortable as a propane heating system consistently keeps the air supply at 115 degrees Fahrenheit.