Propane Vs. Electric Water Heaters

Which Generates More Hot Water for the Lowest Energy Cost?

Over the last decade, we’ve noticed just how many homeowners on the South Shore of Massachusetts are utilizing propane energy in their homes. After all, it’s a great fuel option for your home that offers distinct advantages versus other energy alternatives.

Firstly, propane is a dependable, affordable, and highly efficient fuel that can serve many crucial functions across your home’s footprint. This includes cooking, outdoor living appliances, fireplaces, space heating solutions, and more!

Often, we find that customers who’ve always used other fuels are simply unaware of propane’s versatility—and end up using ineffective, expensive electric alternative options.

Water heaters are perhaps the most glaring oversight. Heating water comprises about 20 percent of the average American home’s energy use. And your family relies on hot water for basic comfort daily.

It should be well known that when it comes to efficiency, affordability to eco-friendliness, propane water heaters leave electric products in the dust! So, if you’re looking to replace or upgrade your existing unit, Frank Lamparelli’s expert technicians are ready to handle any water heater installation.

Let’s get you familiar with all the reasons propane power is better than electricity for ensuring continuous, robust hot water:

Recovery Rate Is a Key Factor

Propane water heaters produce twice as much hot water as electric units in the same period. How is that possible? Well, it’s all about the recovery rate. This is the speed at which your water heater can heat a set amount of water to a specified temperature.

• For electric water heaters, this rate is around 20-22 gallons per hour.
• Propane water heaters have a higher range, often north of 40 gallons per hour.
• Additionally, propane tankless alternatives offer virtually unlimited hot water on-demand!

Scientifically speaking, propane produces a lot more heat energy than electricity. So, when you have a propane-fired hot water system, your showers can be hotter, for longer, and your taps will heat up quicker.

Understanding Energy Efficiency

Propane water heaters typically use 30 percent less energy than electric water heaters, resulting in immediate monthly savings. A study conducted by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) found that a 2,400-square-foot home will spend about $355 less per year when using a propane water heater as opposed to an electric one.

So, while it’s true that propane water heaters are marginally more expensive than electric options at the time of installation, their fuel efficiency offsets that additional cost in as little as one year.

Cleaner, Greener Water Heating

Don’t be fooled that electric water heaters are more eco-friendly. The electricity they use comes from a grid that relies heavily on fossil fuels. Last year, 32 percent of American carbon emissions came from electricity generation. In Massachusetts last year, two-thirds of our electricity came from natural gas.

Propane offers a greener alternative. It’s methane-free, has an extremely low carbon intensity, and emits virtually no particulate matter. In fact, the 1990 Clean Air Act and the 1992 National Energy Policy identify propane as a clean alternative fuel.

For Your Local Propane or Water Heating Needs..Call Frank Lamparelli!

Our company has kept South Shore households comfortable for many years. This includes helping families choose efficient, high-performance water heaters and ensuring dependable, professional propane delivery all year long.

Let the Frank Lamparelli team keep your home comfortable. Contact us for a FREE estimate on a new water heating system installation today!