Are Propane Water Heaters Worth It?
A water heater is an essential home appliance. However, on average, a typical water heater accounts for about 18% of the total energy used in a home, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). In addition to the impact on your energy costs, the type of water heater you opt for also impacts your family’s safety, your carbon footprint, as well as your house’s resale value. A propane water heater is a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly option for any home.
Are Propane Water Heaters Worth It?
Contents
In this article, we discuss some of the main benefits of installing a propane water heater.
Propane Water Heater Saves You Money
When you consider the installation and maintenance costs for propane-powered equipment as well as its typical lifespan, propane water heaters compare favorably to electric water heaters. Although the electric heaters’ higher Energy Factors, there is more to consider. Checking a water heater’s Energy Factor is a necessary first step in assessing the heater’s operating cost, but you can’t only use the Energy Factor when comparing the operating expenses of propane and electric-powered water heaters. This is because the Electric Factor doesn’t factor in the cost of electricity, the cost of installation and repair as well as the lifespan of the equipment.
Better Recovery Efficiency
Recovery efficiency, which is a component of the Energy Factor, quantifies a water heater’s capacity to heat water fast. Generally, propane heaters offer higher recovery efficiency compared to electric-powered heaters. This means, with propane heaters you get a larger volume of hot water from a heater with a smaller-sized-tank and you wait for a shorter period for water to reach the desired temperature. Because of the smaller size of the tanks, the operating cost is lower because less energy is dedicated to keeping a larger quantity of water hot.
Propane Is Environmentally Friendly
Propane is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to diesel or gasoline. Besides, propane generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, opting for propane-fueled water can help you lower your carbon footprint. Propane gas also constitutes fewer toxic pollutants. For instance, due to propane’s ultra-low sulfur content, it doesn’t generate significant quantities of sulfur oxides, which can lead to smog and acid rain. Besides, because propane gas is pressurized fuel that can only be housed in a sealed system, it’s unlikely to leak into water or water due to evaporation, spill, and handling. While electric heaters may seem likely the more environmentally friendly option, this view is fairly inaccurate. Electricity is generated from primary sources of energy. In the U.S., over 50% of electricity is generated by burning natural gas and coal. Renewable sources only generate 20% of the electric power.
Convenience Of Propane Water Heaters
Propane is also highly portable. It can be transported or stored without it losing its effectiveness as fuel. Additionally, you can rely on your propane water heater even in emergencies where electricity has been cut off and your appliances are out of function.
Safe Choice
Compared to conventional gasoline tanks, propane tanks are about 20 times more resistant to puncture. Propane is also non-toxic and, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t ignite easily thanks to its narrow flammability range. In the event a propane tank leaks, unlike oil, the gas vaporizes and dissipates rather than form a puddle and morph into a fire threat.
Home Value
Installing a propane water heater can improve your HERS (Home Energy Rating System) and LEED scores. A better energy-efficiency rating can boost the resale value of your home.
Which Propane Water Heater Should You Opt For?
Both storage tanks and tankless propane water heaters offer exceptional benefits. Your propane gas supplier, like Wilcox Energy, is a great resource as you weigh your options on what to choose for your home. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a comparison of tankless versus conventional storage-tank water heaters.
Storage Tank Propane Water Heaters
- Compared to electric-powered water heaters, storage tank heaters are smaller in size and thus take up a smaller space.
- A 40-gallon propane heater and a 50-gallon electric heater deliver the same volume of hot water. Propane offers superior recovery efficiency.
- May qualify for rebates and incentives.
- Fewer emissions.
Tankless Propane Water Heaters
- Deliver a continuous supply of water
- Delivers hot water when needed
- Saves up to 16 sq. ft. of space thanks to its compact size.
- May qualify for rebates and incentives
- Fewer emissions
While the price is a key consideration when purchasing a water heater, you should not neglect other important factors such as performance, efficiency, operating costs when making your purchase decision. Propane heaters perfume exceptionally well in all those areas.
What Type Of Fuel Do You Currently Use?
If you already use propane in your household for heating, cooking, or any other purpose, purchasing a propane-fueled water heater is an intuitive and hassle-free choice. Propane is already delivered to your house so all you have to do is install a propane water heater and increase the volume of your propane delivery. Converting an electric water heater to a propane heater is also a hassle-free and affordable process.
Conclusion
If you’ve already decided that a propane water heater is ideal for you, contact us today. We are a reputable supplier of propane gas, propane appliances, and our experts can convert your water heater from electric to propane.
Call Wilcox Energy For Reliable Propane Services
When you need a reliable propane delivery service on the southern shoreline of Connecticut, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. We offer high-quality fuel deliveries that are fast, affordable, and friendly.
You can count on Wilcox Energy to provide you with unbeatable service each and every time.
Give us a call today to discuss our different delivery plans and financing options.
We also offer a full line of HVAC services to enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Some of the services that we offer include heater tune-ups, furnace repairs, HVAC installations, and much, much more. Call now!
For more information about our propane deliveries or HVAC services, contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us or you can call us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of affordable and trusted home comfort services.