Whether you are picking out appliances for a brand new home or replacing existing appliances, cost aside, it can be a lot of fun to pick out new appliances from colors to new features – but before you choose your options, you need to decide if you want gas or electric.
Just about all major home appliances come in an electric or gas option. Your decision will need to be based on if gas is available in your area or if you can bring in a propane tank and run gas lines to all the appliances. That issues aside, which is the better option? Consider these factors in your decision.
- Efficiency: Everyone wants an efficient household and your appliances account for a good portion of your utility bill. When you look at the total cost of electricity (this includes that delivery charge on your bill) it’s about 32% efficient where propane is about 87% efficient.
- Water Heaters: A propane water heater can cost 30% less to operate than an electric one, and if you choose a tankless propane water heater, it’s up to 50% less to operate. That can add up quickly!
- Eco-friendly: Propane appliances are more eco-friendly than their electric counterparts. A tankless propane water heater emits half as much carbon as a storage tank-style electric water heater.
- Precision control: When it comes to your stovetop propane offers much more precise temperature control allowing you to raise and lower the heat instantly as needed. For your oven, you may want electric since they heat more evenly. Professional chefs tend to prefer gas stoves while bakers often prefer electric ovens. Electric stovetops are much easier to clean vs. gas since most electric stoves are flat, glass tops now.
- Lifespan: When you look at the lifespan of a gas furnace ( at least 20 years if well maintained) compared to and electric heat pump (about 13 years), propane has a much longer lifespan. Gas appliances typically have fewer parts to service or maintain than electric ones.
- Convenience: If your home is already set up for electric appliances, converting to gas could cost you a few bucks and time to wait for a licensed technician to do the work and vice versa. It may be more convenient to stay with your current set up.
- Cost: Gas appliances typically cost more money upfront to purchase, however since they are more efficient, over time you’ll end up saving money on your utility bill.
- Safety: With gas, you’ll need to make sure your home as proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and you’ll want to make sure you install and regularly test a carbon monoxide alarm. With electric, you’ll need to make sure everything is installed correctly so there is no risk of fire or electrocution.
If you want to replace appliances without doing any renovations, you may be stuck with the type that matches the hookups in your home. If you’re building a home or are open to converting, you’ll have more options. If you are considering switching to propane gas give us a call and our expert service techs can take a look at your current set up – contact us today to learn more!
