9 Reasons To Choose Propane Over Electricity In Your Home
There is no question that the usage of renewable energy is critical for reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment. Nobody disputes the critical nature of correcting the climate problem for future generations. However, in recent years, the term “electrification” has become a popular one in the media when it comes to sustainable energy. It is critical to remember, however, that electrification is not all that it is built up to be. The expense of conversion is prohibitively expensive, and only individuals with substantial finances could afford to convert their house or workplace completely.
Propane, on the other hand, offers a great deal in terms of clean energy. We will cover some aspects of propane vs electricity in detail in this article.
Is Propane Truly a “Green” Fuel?
Contents
- 1 Is Propane Truly a “Green” Fuel?
- 2 9 Arguments for Using Propane in Your Home
- 2.1 Propane Is a Cost-Effective Fuel
- 2.2 Propane Is A Multi-Purpose Fuel
- 2.3 Propane Is a Reliable Fuel Source
- 2.4 Propane Is Conveniently Stored
- 2.5 Propane Is Available Almost Anywhere
- 2.6 Propane Completes the Task Effortlessly
- 2.7 Propane Is More Eco-Friendly Than You Think
- 2.8 Propane Has a Long Life
- 2.9 Propane Is a Highly Efficient Fuel
- 3 Get Superior Propane Delivery Service From Townsend Energy
Yes! When compared to other fossil fuels, propane rates are among the cleanest burning fuels. In comparison to electricity, propane has a number of distinct environmental benefits. Several of these advantages become apparent when comparing an all-electric home versus one heated only by propane. The propane home will emit up to 30% fewer carbon emissions. A propane-heated home that also utilizes propane for water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and space heating emits up to 50% fewer carbon emissions than a home that is all-electric.
Additionally, the propane sector is researching and developing renewable propane. A sustainable liquid fuel made from water remnants and sustainably obtained resources such as agricultural waste, cooking oil, and animal fats. It is frequently a byproduct of the manufacture of biodiesel.
There are renewable, eco-friendly alternatives (biomass) that are as clean but less expensive for individuals who cannot afford the expensive cost of conversion to electricity.
Appliances Fueled by Propane
Propane appliances are substantially more efficient than their equivalents in the electric industry. This efficacy results in a lower carbon footprint. For instance, a propane water heater can provide the same amount of hot water in half the time that an electric water heater can. Propane clothes dryers operate at a quarter of the speed of electric dryers. Furthermore, propane space heaters are far more efficient when compared to electric space heaters. All of this added efficiency adds up. It’s more beneficial for the environment and it’s cheaper.
Propane Is Not Toxic
Additionally, when you utilize propane, you will have more peace of mind. It is a non-toxic substance. Propane will not affect the environment in the unlikely case of a spill. There is no hazard to the air, soil, water, plants, or creatures that live in water.
More Propane Facts
Here are some further facts regarding propane and why it is considered environmentally friendly:
- Propane seems to be the only alternative fuel that is explicitly mentioned in the 1990 Clean Air Act and also the 1992 National Energy Policy Act.
- It is the lightest and most basic hydrocarbon on the planet.
- Propane is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels available. It emits almost no greenhouse gases.
- Because most (about 90%) of America’s propane supply is generated locally or in Canada, the carbon footprint linked with its transportation is lower than that of imported fuels. Additionally, its costs and availability are not affected by foreign factors.
Electricity’s Disadvantages and The Electrification Movement
While electricity is frequently lauded as a “green” choice, it does have certain downsides. The majority of electricity generated in the United States is generated by coal-fired power plants. This contributes to electricity being the second greatest generator of greenhouse emissions in our country. Only transportation generates more than that.
Furthermore, when the energy necessary for extraction, processing, and transportation is calculated, propane is 87% efficient, but electricity is just 32% efficient.
What Happens When Everything is Electrified?
Consider the following issues associated with full electrification:
The legislation, and others like to it, seek to phase out oil and propane-fired boilers as well as furnaces in favor of electric heat pumps. But, more than half of the electricity produced in New England is generated by burning natural gas, the majority of which is methane — a gas that traps heat more than 80 times more effectively than carbon dioxide. This will have almost no effect on New England’s carbon footprint – actually, it will likely increase it, especially when one considers that between 8% and 15% of the power generated by plants is wasted on the way to your house.
Already, the electricity system is fragile and susceptible to brownouts on hot days. How is it anticipated to meet the needs of a severely cold winter in New England?
Electric heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular as backup sources of heat. Their efficiency, however, decreases drastically in cold weather — an issue that propane and oil-fired systems do not face. Prepare for chilly evenings while using electric heat pumps.
According to area data, the average price of installing a heat pump may exceed $20,000 — roughly double the price of replacing modern oil- and propane-fired boilers as well as furnaces.
9 Arguments for Using Propane in Your Home
As said previously, while electricity garners a lot of attention, there are several advantages to picking propane over electricity for your house. The following are nine advantages of choosing propane over electricity for your house.
Propane Is a Cost-Effective Fuel
Propane-powered appliances are incredibly efficient and so cost less to operate. As stated by the US Department of Energy, using a gas water heater instead of an electric one can save you $174 per year. Propane water heaters may run at a cost savings of 30%-50% over electric versions.
Propane Is A Multi-Purpose Fuel
Along with heating your home, it can power a wide range of appliances, including ovens, laundry dryers, and water heaters. It’s ideal for outdoor appliances including barbecues, pool heaters, and patio heaters. Use a propane fire pit or lights to provide ambiance and warmth to your outdoor environment.
Propane Is a Reliable Fuel Source
When the power grid fails due to harsh weather (or any other disaster), your access to propane will remain unaffected.
Propane Is Conveniently Stored
There is no degradation of propane over time, and home propane tanks require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan. You can store one for up to forty years!
Propane Is Available Almost Anywhere
Electrical grid access might be costly, based on where you reside. However, the experts at Townsend Energy provide dependable propane delivery in New England. No matter what the market or weather circumstances may be, you can be confident that we will always have enough propane to meet your needs.
Propane Completes the Task Effortlessly
When it comes to heating your water, propane water heaters are far more efficient than electric models. In the same amount of time, a propane water heater can heat up to two times as much water as an electric heater. Using a propane clothes dryer instead of an electric dryer will dry your laundry 25% quicker and produce less static. It is also more efficient to use propane space heaters than electric heaters.
Propane Is More Eco-Friendly Than You Think
With a storage tank, electric water heaters emit nearly twice as much carbon emissions as propane water heaters do. Because the majority of our electricity originates from coal-fired power plants, electricity is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States of America (second only to transportation).
Propane Has a Long Life
A propane gas furnace has a typical lifespan of 20 years. It’s only 14 years with an electric heat pump.
Propane Is a Highly Efficient Fuel
27 kilowatt-hours of electricity is required to generate the same amount of energy as one gallon of propane.
Propane is an excellent choice for heating your house, and Townsend Energy is here to help you with all of your propane requirements.
Get Superior Propane Delivery Service From Townsend Energy
When you want first-rate propane delivery services in New England, get in touch with Townsend Energy. We provide high-quality propane delivery that’s affordable, friendly, and fast.
You can trust us to provide unbeatable service every time. Contact us now to learn more about our capabilities, our delivery plans, and our options in financing.
We also provide a comprehensive range of HVAC services for improved home comfort, better indoor air quality, and increased energy efficiency. Among some of our HVAC services are heating and cooling system installations, tune-ups, and repairs. Call Townsend Energy today!
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!