Residential Construction: Heating

Heating is the largest energy expense in most homes, accounting for almost two-thirds of annual energy bills in colder areas of the country. Heating systems in the United States emit a billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and about 12% of the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted by the nation. Reducing energy use for heating is the single most effective way to reduce a home's contribution to global environmental problems and cut heating bills in half.

Propane is an exceptional energy source that not only offers warmth, but is environmentally friendly. Propane protects and preserves the environment. Propane is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels, and it doesn't put a strain on the electric grid that may lead to power outages.

From furnaces to fireplaces to space/patio heaters to water heaters, propane offers new ways to make any home affordably warm and comfortable year round, while protecting the environment.

Did You Know?*

• Approximately 8.1 million households use propane gas to fuel their home-heating system.


• A propane furnace consistently supplies air at 120 degree Fahrenheit. Electric heat pumps dispense 95-degree air, which is less than body temperature (98.6 degrees), so the air feels cool, not warm.


• Propane gas furnaces last an average of 20 years, while electric heat pumps last an average of 12 years. Also, the cost of repairing propane gas furnaces is lower than the cost of repairing electric heaters.


• Propane gas fireplace systems cost between 30% to 60% less per hour of operation than wood-burning fireplaces.


• Propane gas fireplaces can be turned off easily with a switch — or even a remote control, eliminating worry about remaining embers.


• Propane-fueled patio heaters enhance your outdoor living by keeping you warm and comfortable long after the end of the official outdoor patio season.


• Propane gas water heaters cost approximately $10 less per month to operate than comparable electric units. On average, propane water heaters are 42% less expensive than electric heaters.


• Propane gas water heaters have a quicker recovery rate than electric water heaters. Nearly twice as fast. That means you can get more hot water from the smaller size tank, reducing the amount of energy required to store hot water.


• Over an average life span, propane gas water heaters can save homeowners nearly $2,000 more than an electric unit.


• Propane gas water heaters heat more than twice as much water in an hour as a comparable electric model.

Source: National Propane Gas Association/Propane Education and Research Council, February 2000.

The Propane Education & Research Council's Home page