The Power of Propane: How It Outshines Electricity in Efficiency

Posted on 21st June 2023

The United Kingdom faces a cost-of-living crisis. We’re experiencing soaring energy prices and inflation financially pressuring households. The downturn has pushed people to look for cheaper energy alternatives.

One potential solution that has garnered attention is propane or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

Why? It’s a versatile and clean-burning fuel that could outperform electricity. The advantages are efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The cost-of-living crisis meant that the government paid out financial support to LPG gas users, or off-the-grid users, earlier this year. The government has paid out close to £3 billion in aid to gas and electric households since last Winter.

This article will explore the benefits of propane as an energy source. For example, why use propane heat pumps, and discuss whether it’s a more efficient way to power your home.

Propane vs. Electricity: An Overview

Propane and electricity, as widely used energy sources, come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

We generate electricity from various sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable resources. Electricity is a useful energy source, yet it can be inefficient. Its reliance on fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Propane is created as a by-product of the processing of natural gas and refining of petroleum.

We can use it for:

heating
cooking
powering appliances

It’s a clean fuel with fewer emissions than other fossil fuels, making it a greener alternative to electricity.

Propane heat pumps are affordable and low carbon

A propane refrigerant heat pump uses technology that extracts heat from the outside air to heat your home; it also can cool your home in warmer weather.

One of the major benefits is its energy efficiency. It’s more efficient than traditional electric heat pumps because of the lower cost of propane. It runs quietly, perfect for homes and buildings in quieter neighbourhoods.

A propane-powered heat pump is:

Efficient
Environmentally friendly
A quiet alternative to traditional electric heat pumps
The R290 heat pump (air source) has quickly become a preferred propane refrigerant heat pump because of its low environmental impact.

Efficiency of Propane

Propane has a distinct advantage over electricity. It has a higher energy content per unit than electricity, meaning it can produce more heat and energy with less fuel.

This makes propane an attractive option for home heating. It can provide consistent warmth and comfort while using less energy. Propane is an environmentally friendly choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air quality.

Cost-Effectiveness of Propane

Propane prices can vary, yet it remains cheaper than electricity for heating. Switching to propane for home heating can lead to significant savings on energy bills. Propane is typically cheaper than electricity on a per-British thermal unit (BTU) basis.

The Green Age reports that the average home’s heating costs of LPG Gas Vs Electricity are:

LPG Gas will cost 7.5p / kWhElectricity will cost 15p / kWhThis means lower monthly energy bills compared to electric heating systems.

In addition to its lower cost, propane may also be eligible for government incentives. These programs encourage the use of cleaner and more efficient energy sources. These incentives can further reduce the cost of switching to propane.

The financial aid makes it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious households.

Safety Considerations

Propane tanks are, of course, stored outdoors, away from any sources of ignition, and regularly inspected for leaks and damage.

While propane is flammable, it’s considered as being a safe energy source. In fact, propane has a lower risk of fire and explosion compared to natural gas. It’s heavier and less likely to accumulate in enclosed spaces.

Propane appliances are routinely equipped with safety features. These include automatic shutoff valves and leak detectors to minimise the risk of accidents.

Propane in the UK Market

The UK propane market has seen steady growth in recent years. This is driven by an increasing awareness of its benefits. In recent months, there is a desire for more efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households across the country, it’s likely that interest in propane as an alternative energy source will continue to grow.

Choose a cleaner, more efficient energy source

The argument for the use of LPG gas such as propane includes:

Its higher energy content and cleaner-burning properties make it an attractive option for home heating
Its lower heating costs can result in significant savings on energy bills
With proper safety precautions and adherence to guidelines, propane can be a safe and reliable energy source for your home
As the UK grapples with the cost-of-living crisis, propane presents itself as a viable alternative for households
Homeowners can look ahead to reducing their energy expenses and lessen their environmental impact.

By further researching and considering propane as an energy solution, homeowners may find a more efficient and cost-effective way to power their homes.