Propane indoors

Slash Energy Costs With Propane Home Heating

In the U.S., winter weather can range from brisk and cool to downright brutal. But no matter where you live, propane home heating will take the chill out of a cold December night. In fact, a nationwide comparative heating systems study conducted by market-research firm Newport Partners found that propane heating performed strongly in all regions of the country, as measured by simple return on investment, lower CO2 emissions, and usefulness as a backup system.

A versatile, efficient choice

Propane home-heating systems can be configured as central or zone, forced air or radiant. Propane furnaces and boilers come in all shapes and sizes, providing a typical operating life of 15 to 20 years. Many propane furnaces with an AFUE of 95 or higher and boilers with an AFUE of 90 or more qualify for tax credits and other incentives that can pay a portion of your purchase and installation costs.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency show that propane heating systems generate 68 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than electricity, because most electricity is produced by coal-fired power plants.

If you live in the Northeast, you should be aware that propane has 50 percent less carbon than fuel oil, which means it produces far less particulate pollution when burned. That’s why propane is an approved alternative fuel recognized by the Clean Air Act of 1990 and a qualifying alternative fuel, eligible for various federal tax incentives under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Perfect for off-the-grid living

If you live in an area not served by a natural gas main, propane’s exceptional capabilities mean you don’t have to trade quality of location for quality of living. In addition to forced-air furnaces or boilers, propane can easily be used for radiant in-floor heat, space heating, and direct vent fireplace heating. Qualified technicians can install above-ground or underground propane storage tanks, and safely run all connections to household heating appliances.

Inherently safe

When it comes to safe-handling of propane, our industry’s commitment to professional training makes all the difference. In fact, the Propane Education and Research Council has established a Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) that is now required in eight states and used by propane marketers nationwide. With proven teaching materials and extensive documentation, this highly respected certification program meets rigorous training requirements mandated by key agencies, including the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Propane Furnaces

When it comes to home heating, propane furnaces have all the advantages. A propane furnace generates hotter air than a standard electric model, runs cleaner, and more efficiently than fuel oil furnaces, and can provide all the advantages of gas heat — without the limitations of being near a natural gas pipeline.

Heat it up

A propane furnace uses a forced-air blower to move heated air through a network of ducts throughout your home. High-efficiency propane furnaces are available with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95 or higher, and the units produce air that is up to 25 degrees warmer than electric heat pumps. What does that mean for you? More heat for less money.

Small size, long life

Modern technical innovations in home heating make today’s propane furnaces a space-saving marvel. Many whole-house units can easily fit in tight spaces, including closets or utility rooms. Just as important, propane furnaces can operate for up to 20 years — longer than the average life span for electric heat pumps.

Propane Boilers

If your home has an older fuel-oil system or gas boiler, you could be burning a lot of cash. While old boiler units may be only 55 to 65 percent efficient, a generation of new technology has produced propane boilers that have Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 90 percent of more. If you live in a colder climate, upgrading to a high-efficiency_ propane boiler will generate substantial savings, cleaner emissions, and a warm, cozy home.

Do the math

The numbers are startling. If your existing gas boiler is only 60-percent efficient, installing a new propane boiler rated at 90 percent AFUE will cut energy use by one-third, assuming the same heat output. At the same time, propane produces fewer emissions than other petroleum-based products. For example, propane furnaces emit 37 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fuel oil furnaces. Propane boilers also require less frequent maintenance than oil-fired units.

Less space, less waste

Today’s propane boilers are more than energy-efficient. Most on-floor models take up little space, and wall-hung boilers can actually fit into a closet. As an added bonus, propane storage tanks are located outside your home. That means more space — and no potential for damaging leaks — that can occur with fuel oil tanks.

Radiant Heat

On cold winter days, few sensations are more comforting than heat rising from warm floors. Propane is a great energy source for this type of hydronic (liquid-based) radiant heating, which is far more efficient than electric. Even better, propane helps eliminate the feeling of drafts while its clean energy helps preserve the environment right outside your window.

Propane tops electricity for radiant efficiency

Hydronic radiant floor heating is one of the most popular and cost-effective technologies for cold-weather climates. By contrast, electric radiant floor heat requires both a significant thermal mass (like a heavy concrete floor) and low utility rates to justify the operating expense. By using a high-efficiency propane boiler, you can reap the benefits of safe, reliable in-floor heating — and big energy savings — regardless of where you live.

Good for you, good for nature

Put simply, radiant heating is the sensation you feel when heat transfers from a warm surface throughout a room. Propane floor heating is more efficient than conventional furnaces (since no energy is lost through ductwork), and the lack of forced air movement is often easier on people with sensitive health conditions. Meanwhile, the clean energy used to operate a propane boiler reduces greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 60 percent over those generated in producing electricity. That’s a win-win combination that can keep you — and nature — in tip-top health.