Whole-Home Heating

Why Heat Your Home With Propane?

There are multiple reasons why more and more homes in Virginia are switching to propane heating. If you’re considering upgrading your furnace and have been wondering about the benefits of propane, consider the following:

  • Propane is a readily available, economic choice for home heating. Residential propane prices are consistently lower than fuel oil and less prone to fluctuation over time.
  • Propane is a clean-burning product listed by the Clean Air Act as a viable alternative fuel source. Propane produces fewer emissions than other petroleum-derived products, which contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
  • 90% of propane sold in the U.S. is produced domestically, making it an important choice for anyone concerned about energy independence. This also means the price of propane is not affected by international events.
  • Many appliances can be powered by propane, too. It is estimated that switching an electric stove, water heater or fireplace for a propane-powered unit can save you up to 50% on your electricity bills!

Whole-Home Heating with Propane

  • Can last up to 20 years (that is about 10 years longer than comparable electric units)
  • Have short running intervals, which minimize costs
  • Emit 69% less GHG than electric furnaces
  • Emit 64% less GHG than electric baseboard heaters
  • Emit 37% less GHG than oil furnaces
  • Are available with efficiency ratings of 95% or higher
  • Are available in various shapes and sizes
  • Have lower carbon dioxide emissions than electric
  • Have equivalent carbon dioxide emissions to natural gas
  • Generate hotter air, up to 25° F warmer air at discharge registers, than electric furnaces
  • Are up to 90% efficient (propane direct-vent fireplaces), while traditional wood-burning systems are only about 15% efficient
  • Are environmentally friendly
  • Have minimal installation costs
  • Can be installed without a natural gas line being close by, allowing flexibility for a fireplace in almost any room of the house
  • Are more efficient than natural gas fireplaces
  • Are safer than natural gas fireplaces
  • Heat more evenly than wood fireplaces and produce no ash or soot

Propane Tankless Water Heaters

  • Provide an endless hot water supply
  • Can cost up to 50% less to operate than standard electric storage models
  • Deliver hot water nearly 40% faster than standard electric storage models
  • Have a 20-year life span
  • Are compact and easy to install
  • Are largely recyclable and made from recycled materials
  • Are environmentally friendly
  • Create lower energy bills
  • Provide water heated on demand
  • Do not keep stored water heated
  • No stored water means no threat of storage tank leakage
  • No scale build-up or rust

*Replacing just 1% of electric water heaters with propane tankless systems would reduce GHG emissions produced by powering 230,000 homes for a year, or the equivalent of removing 62,000 SUV’s from the road. (PERC “Energy Efficiency Drives Demand for Tankless Water Heaters” 2009.)

Other Energy Saving Propane Appliances

  • About 60% of home grillers use propane gas grills
  • Propane releases less Carbon Monoxide and soot
  • Can be run on a separate tank or on the home’s main tank
  • Instant gas flames
  • Propane cooktops provide greater temperature control than electric ranges
  • Provide even heat distribution
  • Burners cool quickly
  • Propane ovens retain moisture in foods more consistently than their electric counterparts
  • Propane dryers work faster
  • Less expensive
  • Use the same operation and ventilation requirements
  • Produce a moist heat that is gentler on fabrics
  • Reduce wrinkles and static cling
  • Propane lighting is an efficient and decorative way to provide illumination for driveways, entryways, landscaping, outdoor patios, and more
  • Propane-fueled flame effects like tiki torches or decorative urns create a unique aesthetic for outdoor living spaces
  • Propane patio heaters provide a safe and consistent heat source for outdoor living spaces

Learn more about propane efficiency by downloading our infographic

Foster Fuels Residential Propane Coverage Map

Check Out All that Propane Can Do In Your Home

There are multiple reasons why more and more homes in Virginia are switching to propane heating. If you’re considering upgrading your furnace and have been wondering about the benefits of propane, check out our interactive module.