Today almost 8.1 million households use propane gas to fuel their home-heating systems. Plus, propane gas fuels a variety of systems and products, offering homeowners reliability, cleanliness, improved performance and, on average, costs half as much per BTU as electricity.

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 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.

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. On average, propane water heaters are 42 percent less expensive than electric heaters. Over an average life span, propane gas water heaters can save homeowners nearly $2,000 more than an electric unit. Propane gas water heaters heat more than twice as much water in an hour as a comparable electric model.

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 concern 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.