Propane furnaces aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when Canadians think about heating their homes. In fact, as of 2021, less than 2% of households in Canada were using propane as their main heating source. That’s pretty surprising when you look at all the benefits propane can offer.
That mostly comes down to the fact that propane is more common in rural areas where natural gas isn’t available.
But if you’ve been sticking with oil or electric or even wood, it might be time to give propane a second look.
In this guide, we’re breaking down why switching to a propane furnace could be better for your home. Let’s get into it!
Top Reasons to Switch to a Propane Furnace
Your furnace might be keeping your home warm just fine, so why think about changing it? Well, there are some solid reasons to consider switching to propane. Let’s break it down.
Energy Efficiency
Modern propane furnaces are incredibly efficient, with AFUE ratings ranging from 90% to 98%. That means almost every dollar you spend on propane goes directly to heating your home.
Propane furnaces are so efficient that many models qualify for ENERGY STAR®’s Most Efficient label. If you install a high-efficiency propane furnace, you could be eligible for credits and incentives.
Old furnaces are less efficient. They might have an AFUE rating closer to 70% or even lower. If your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s likely not running as efficiently as it should. A propane furnace upgrade could save you hundreds of dollars annually on heating costs.
Environmental Benefits
Like natural gas, propane tends to burn cleaner than other fuels like oil or wood.
When it burns, it produces 38% fewer emissions compared to oil. A high-efficiency propane furnace can save the planet from about 10,000 pounds of carbon emissions each year.
Wood-burning, on the other hand, releases far more CO2 into the air for the same amount of heat. Plus, cutting down trees doesn’t exactly help our forests or the fight against climate change.
Consistent and Reliable Heat
Unfortunately, not all heating system types deliver heat evenly or reliably when temperatures drop.
For example, electric heat pumps often struggle in colder climates unlike gas or propane furnaces. When the temperature falls below freezing, they rely on backup electric resistance heating, which is less effective and expensive.
Propane furnaces, however, offer steady and reliable heat regardless of the outside temperature. Unlike heat pumps, they don’t lose efficiency in sub-zero conditions, and they heat your home quickly and evenly.
Cost-Effectiveness
If your home isn’t connected to natural gas pipelines, propane is a cheaper and more efficient alternative to oil or electric heating.
Propane typically costs less per BTU (British Thermal Unit) than electricity. Heating with propane can save hundreds of dollars annually compared to oil-based systems, especially in regions like the Northeast and Midwest.
Versatility
Propane is one of the most versatile energy sources you can have. If you’ve got a large propane tank, you can use it for more than just your furnace. It can run your barbecue, stove, water heater, and even a fireplace.
Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance
Most propane furnaces last 16 to 20 years, and with regular maintenance, they can run even longer.
If you’ve dealt with an older, high-maintenance furnace, you’ll appreciate how propane systems stay in great condition with minimal upkeep. Annual service visits usually cost between $80 and $170.
Propane Furnace vs. Other Heating Options
Have a furnace that doesn’t run on propane? It’s worth comparing to see if it’s time for an upgrade. Let’s break down how propane stacks up against other heating options.
Propane vs. Natural Gas
Both propane and natural gas burn cleanly, but propane is more efficient. It delivers more BTUs (British Thermal Units) per unit than natural gas. Propane is also stored on your property so that you can control your supply.
The main downside is cost. Natural gas is typically cheaper per unit in areas with pipelines, which makes it a better deal if you have easy access.
Propane also has the downside of needing to have the tank regularly refilled, and the tank does take up space on your property.
Propane vs. Electric Heating Systems
Electric resistance heating, like baseboard heaters or electric furnaces, can be incredibly expensive to run. For example, an electric furnace operating 9 hours per day at 18,000 watts with an average electricity cost of $0.192 per kWh could rack up monthly bills of $500 to $1,000.
In contrast, heating with propane is far more affordable. Monthly costs typically range from $90 to $200, depending on your home’s size and the propane’s local price. Propane also heats your home faster and more evenly than electric resistance systems.
Heat pumps are a little different. They’re efficient in mild weather and can save money in certain regions, but they often struggle when temperatures dip below freezing.
A smart option is to pair a heat pump with a propane furnace. The heat pump handles the mild days, and the propane kicks in when it’s really cold. This type of approach is often called hybrid heating.
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Propane vs. Oil Heating
Oil heating has been around for a long time, and many older homes in Canada still rely on it. But propane is quickly becoming the better choice for your wallet and the environment. If you’re trying to decide between the two, let’s break it down.
- Unlike oil, propane is non-toxic and won’t contaminate your home or soil or water if there’s a leak, causing potentially huge cleanup costs.
- Propane burns cleaner, creating less soot and residue, which lowers maintenance costs.
- Oil furnaces require frequent servicing due to dirt and buildup, while propane systems stay cleaner longer.
- Propane is safer to store, while oil tanks can pose a risk of leaks or spills.
- Propane emits 6.2 tons of CO2 per year compared to oil’s 8.9 tons, reducing your carbon footprint by 2.7 tons.
- Many home insurance companies may be reluctant to insure a home with oil heating or charge much higher premiums.
Propane is more affordable, better for the environment, and easier to maintain. Plus, you get reliable, consistent heat all winter with high-efficiency propane systems.
You can also convert an oil furnace to propane furnace (costs anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000).
Propane vs. Wood
A modern propane furnace can achieve 90% to 98% efficiency ratings. Wood stoves, on the other hand, usually range between 70% and 80%, depending on how they’re used.
With propane, you set the thermostat, and it keeps your home consistently warm without thinking about it. Wood stoves need constant feeding, and the heat isn’t always as even, especially in larger homes.
Wood can sometimes be cheaper if you cut and split it yourself, but costs can add up quickly if you buy firewood. A cord of wood can run $300 to $600, and most homes need several cords to make it through a Canadian winter.
Propane systems are enclosed and built with safety features like automatic shut-off valves. Wood stoves can be risky. If not installed or maintained correctly, they pose a higher chance of fires and burns.
Get a Free Quote for Propane Furnace Installation
Still wondering if a propane furnace is right for your home? We’ve got you covered. Check out our complete guide on propane furnace prices and everything you need to know: Propane Furnace Pricing & Buying Guide.
Ready to take the next step? Let one of our certified local heating contractors help you make the switch. Get a free, no-obligation quote and schedule a consultation to find out what works best for your home and budget.
FAQs
Is propane heating safe for residential use?
Yes, propane heating is very safe for homes. Propane furnaces have built-in safety features like the Flame Rollout Sensor, Flame Proving Sensor, High-Temperature Limit Control, and Flue Exhaust Pressure Sensor.
How much does it cost to install a propane furnace?
The cost to install a propane furnace typically ranges from $5,000 to $7,500, depending on the size of your home, the complexity of the installation, and your location. Certain rebates can offset the cost of upgrading from an older model.
Can propane furnaces work during power outages?
Yes, propane furnaces can still work during power outages, but you’ll need a backup generator to power the furnace’s blower and control system.
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