Ways to Use Propane in Your Home
Home Heating, Cooking, Hot Water and Much More
Consumer surveys have shown that while propane customers have high levels of satisfaction with both their fuel and their local supplier, most don’t realize all the ways propane can be used in the home.
But if you swap out your old electric appliances for those that are fueled by propane, you’re doing your part to help the environment. That’s because the average propane-powered home reduces carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30% compared to all-electric homes. What’s more, direct use of propane for space heating, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%.
Here’s a look at some of the many propane appliances and propane-powered equipment you can use in and around your New York home.
Plenty of Hot Water with Propane
For both traditional propane storage tanks and propane tankless on-demand water heaters, you’ll see more than just an increase in your supply of hot water.
You’ll also see savings since propane water heaters are generally less expensive to run when compared to electric heating units – even with a hot water recovery rate that’s about double that of electric models.
Taking up less space than other options, propane water heaters offer a higher level of accuracy in temperature adjustments and more choices when it comes to size and installation.
Propane Furnace: Heat Your Entire Home
When outdoor temperatures drop, a propane furnace will keep your home warm and cozy. Heat from your high-powered propane furnace will get the job done rather than leave you with a big chill like old, inefficient electric heat systems often do.
Propane furnaces can generate higher indoor temperatures than the typical electric heat pump. They’re highly efficient and will heat your home with thermal energy that does not require a backup system, saving you money on heating expenses.
Dry Your Clothes
Cut your clothes-drying costs in half with a propane-fueled dryer! These units take less time than electric dryers to reach the temperatures needed to dry clothes evenly.
Their moist heat also causes less wear and tear on your clothing, while the heat from electric dryers has been known to burn or discolor fabrics. Once your selected level of dryness is achieved, moisture-sensing controls turn your propane dryer off.
Keep these benefits in mind as you look for the propane dryer that’s right for you—whether it’s for a weekly laundry marathon or the occasional light load.
Cozy Ambiance with A Propane Fireplace
If you have an old wood-burning fireplace, it’s easy to convert to a safe, clean-burning propane gas insert. Here are several reasons to consider doing so.
- Propane gas fireplaces are virtually maintenance-free and come in many different styles.
- There’s no need for you to ever add another log or discard ashes afterward.
- Propane gas fireplaces are less of a fire risk than wood.
- Propane fireplaces produce a much lighter environmental footprint than traditional wood fireplaces. They produce fewer particulate emissions and less carbon monoxide compared with wood-burning fireplaces.
- Propane gas fireplaces provide higher efficiency than other options, producing twice as much heat as wood fireplaces but only costing about a third of the price.
Now You’re Cooking
Looking for more precise temperature control when you cook? A propane gas stove/cooktop is your answer, without the many limitations that come with an electric stove. You’ll enjoy a quicker response to temperature changes, especially when you’re lowering the temperature or shutting off the heat entirely.
Use Propane in Your Yard
Enjoy the advantages of propane in your backyard as well! Your options include propane patio heaters, propane pool heaters, propane-fueled firepits and propane lighting.
Of course, the most popular use of propane outdoors is the reliable propane grill, which lets you skip the dangerous chemicals, starter-fluid smell and mess that come with charcoal grills. You’ll enjoy improved cooking performance also, whether you’re using a simple, portable grill or a high-tech, built-in design.
Read more about propane appliances.