What are the operating costs of electricity vs. propane?

Answer by  benji (165)

This is quite debatable - propane vs electricity. I would say stick to electricity unless you really have heating requirements that will work out cheaper with propane in the long run. What is your requirement.

Answer by  busyfingers (239)

Propane may be cheaper than electricity, but you will need to weigh in other factors. Installing propane gas heaters is more expensive (up to double that of electricity heaters) and it also has more dangers. Propane prices fluctuate rapidly and refilling the tanks may become expensive unless well planned.

Answer by  kissamedeadly (133)

Fueling costs depend on the local area price of the fuel. To compare electricity and propane costs, contact local electricity companies for their flat rate of per wattage use. Find propane usage costs by contacting a local propane provisioning company for a flat rate per gallon of propane, estimate the average usage of the propane or electricity.

Answer by  Anonymous

One also has to keep in mind that electric heat is virtually 100% efficient and your propane furnace isn't, therefore you need to factor this in as well (divide the cost of propane by the efficiency of your furnace ie. 83% $3.50gal div by 0.83)

Answer by  StarOne (941)

Propane is cheaper than using electricity but the final cost depends on what propane costs at the time you need to fill your tank. Filling your tank in the summer is often cheaper. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the electricity price per kWh by 27. 0 to give the equivalent price per gallon of propane.

Answer by  pij42d (18)

You need to calculate the cost of each in dollars per unit BTU. 1 kilowatt hour (KWH) = 3413 BTU 1 gallon propane = 91,600 BTU (divide price per gal (ppg) by 26. 84 to compare to electric) 1 Cubic Foot Propane = 2,500 BTU (multiply ppg by 1. 366... )