6 Ways Propane Can be Used to Save Money in Your Home

When many homeowners think of propane, many think of summertime barbecues. Propane, however, is an extremely cost-effective and energy-efficient solution to the conventional gas and electric systems that provide energy to most homes.

Compared to conventional electric and gas heating systems, propane is cheaper, safer, more durable and a far more efficient alternative. Not only does propane have some significant eco-benefits, but, factoring in both the installation costs and maintenance of your equipment, you can save around 30 per cent when using propane compared to electricity and 25 per cent compared to oil. 

Propane is extremely versatile and can be used to power and heat numerous appliances in your home. With an increasing number of people turning to the use of propane, Budget Propane Ontario has listed 6 ways propane can be used inside your home:

1 - Heating your home

One of the largest savings you can make on your monthly energy bills is to update your home’s central heating system. Heating typically accounts for around 60 per cent of all energy we use in the home, and this expense is only rising in Ontario. The price of on-peak power in Ontario has shot up 71 per cent in the past decade. Homeowners, however, are able to save money by using propane furnaces or boilers, instead of electricity or oil, to heat their home. Propane is cheaper, more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly.

2 - Heating your water

Water heaters account for a large portion of your home’s energy bills. In fact, the average house will find that their water heater accounts for 20 per cent of their home’s total energy bill. The type of water heater you choose has a direct impact on both your home’s energy bill as well as its environmental impact. A propane water heater can save you a significant amount of money on your bills each month, and, with the average propane heater lasting around a decade longer than electricity water heating pumps, you will have to worry far lass about maintaining and replacing your tank.

3 - Stove cooking

Propane-fuelled cooktops and ovens offer instant heat and complete heat control, making it a fast and precise alternative to conventional cooking appliances. Propane cooktops are more expensive to purchase initially, but in the long-term you will save money. A gas stove typically costs 10 to 30 per cent less to operate than an electrical stove due to faster heat-up speeds. You will also still be able to cook in the event of an emergency power outing.

4 - Provide back-up power

The average household will lose power around five times a year, meaning they will have no access to any electrical appliances and most homes will probably have no access to hot water or central heating. A backup propane generator will allow you to still operate your most important appliances, as propane does not rely on the power grid. You’ll have peace-of-mind knowing your house will always have at least some level of power.

5 - Supplemental heating

As mentioned before, your central heating will make up the vast majority of your monthly energy bills. If you don’t want to replace your electric or gas heater with a propane tank, then you can still save money by using propane as a supplementary heat. Homeowners can turn their thermostats down and use propane-fuelled heating appliances, such as propane fireplaces, propane stoves, and propane space heaters, to heat a specific room that they want to keep warm.

6 - Washing your laundry

Propane water heaters will also heat water for your washing machine, while propane dryers can provide gentle and warm air to dry your clothes. The amount of propane that propane dryers use is minimal. They are best used by homeowners who are already using propane within their home.

No matter what you use propane for in your house, it will help you save money. Propane is generally cheaper, per litre, than oil or electricity, and typically has an energy rating of 90 per cent or above. Oil heaters, on the other hand, typically produce heat at about 60 per cent efficiency.

Not only will you save money, but you will also help protect the environment. Propane has a vast number of eco-benefits and is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved clean alternative fuel. It offers lower greenhouse gas emissions than both oil and electricity options, and is a non-toxic substance.

Want to learn more about propane? Contact Budget Propane Ontario today.