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Propane Gives Home Energy Efficiency a Big Boost

Date: August 27, 2018

Home energy efficiency

Many Tennesseans already appreciate the many ways they use this versatile propane to power a wide variety of appliances and other equipment in their home. But propane’s versatility wouldn’t be worth very much if didn’t do that in the most efficient way possible.

Why is propane such an efficient fuel? For starters, it burns hot and clean. That’s why propane-powered appliances can achieve efficiency ratings that reach well into the 90% range. In fact, propane will outperform its other-powered counterparts in just about any home comfort application, including:

  • Water Heating. Close to a third of the energy you use in your home is spent on heating your water. When you consider that, on average, a propane-powered water heater can deliver that hot water much more efficiently and faster than an electric water heater, relying on propane for all your hot water needs remains a wise choice.
  • Home Heating. A propane gas furnace will heat air to about 130-140º and operate in short intervals to minimize operating costs while maximizing warmth. This is quite different than an electric heat pump, which produces air that can feel cool to the touch. On cold nights, a heat pump must rely on its on-board electric heat backup to keep pace; once that backup system kicks in, your heating bills can go higher than you thought. For cold winter days and nights, propane wins again. Read more about using propane to heat your home.
  • Propane fireplaces. If you’ve converted your old wood fireplace to a modern gas log set– or upgraded to an efficient, clean-burning propane fireplace insert – you’re enjoying a host of benefits. Besides great ambience or less maintenance, it costs anywhere from 30-60% less to operate a gas fireplace per hour than a wood-burning fireplace, which loses much of its heat through the chimney. Read more about fireplaces.
  • Space heaters. High-efficiency direct-vent propane space heaters are another way to raise the efficiency levels in your home. By enabling targeted, high-efficiency zone heating to the most used rooms in your living space, you won’t have to rely as much on your primary furnace. Read more about space heaters.

The bottom line: when it comes to efficiently powering your home comfort equipment, propane is a champion, especially when compared to electricity. That means more comfort for you.

Are you thinking about adding a propane-powered appliance? Your local propane company can help. Contact them today to learn about the many benefits and options for clean, green propane power in your Tennessee home. Be sure to check out our Rebates page to see how you can save money on your investment in new propane equipment.