Propane Heat vs. Electric Heat

For homeowners who are interested in energy efficiency and saving money, choosing to use propane or electric heat is an important decision. Judging what heating equipment is best for your home depends on factors like efficiency and environmental friendliness, but it is also affected by availability, installation costs, and your particular lifestyle.

To learn more about the differences between propane and electric home heating, contact SOS Xtreme Comfort at (973) 827-8179 in NJ, (570) 618-8055 in PA, or (845) 351-4700 in NY.

Pros and Cons of Propane Heat and Electric Heat

Here are some factors to consider when making the choice between propane and electricity to heat your home:

Cost

In most cases, propane heat is cheaper to heat your home because it is a more efficient heat source. However, propane and electricity pricing are based partly on demand, so when demand goes up, the cost does, as well . This gives propane another advantage over electricity: You are able to stock up on propane when prices are low and store it until you need it, while you must pay for electricity as you use it.

Safety

A properly installed, well-maintained tank ensures that propane is a completely safe way to heat your home. Propane is non-toxic, lead-free, and low in sulfur. Propane’s flammability range is low, and its ignition point is almost twice the ignition point of gasoline.

Environmental Impact

Almost half of the electricity in the U.S. is produced from coal, which makes it a huge source of air pollution and greenhouse gases. Propane, on the other hand, was designated an alternative clean fuel by the 1990 Clean Air Act. Propane burns clean and isn’t considered a greenhouse gas, and propane vapors do not contribute to air pollution.

Appliances

Propane appliances tend to have a longer life span than electric appliances, while offering superior performance. Propane-fueled water heaters, stoves, and grills are usually considered to be superior in performance to their electric counterparts as well.

Dependability

Propane is stored in a tank on your property, which eliminates the risk of interruptions due to electricity outages. As long as you keep your tank filled, you are always able to heat your home reliably.

Maintenance Needs

Aside from occasional system checkups, homes that are heated with electricity are a little less maintenance than homes that use propane. It’s important to make sure that you don’t run out of propane, but many providers offer automatic delivery to make that task easier.

Choose SOS Xtreme Comfort for All Your Home Heating Needs

SOS Xtreme Comfort has been one of the leading providers for residential propane and heating oil in Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan counties in New York; Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex counties in New Jersey; and Pike County in Pennsylvania since 1934. We are a family-owned and -operated business, and we have been proudly serving our community for over 80 years. Our good reputation means everything to us, and the entire SOS Xtreme Comfort team will always strive to ensure you are completely satisfied with all of our products and services. Your service technician will carefully go through your options and answer any questions you may have to help you make the best decision about your home’s heating; we are committed to only making suggestions that are in the best interests of our customers. Our goal is to be a company you can trust and rely on, which is why we’re here for you, any time you need us, with 24-hour emergency service.

If you need help deciding is propane or gas heat is the best choice for your home, contact SOS Xtreme Comfort at (973) 827-8179 in NJ, (570) 618-8055 in PA, or (845) 351-4700 in NY.