In Flagstaff, Prescott and other northern Arizona cities and towns, people always ask us if they should go with propane or electric appliances. Certainly, both electricity and the propane we deliver can power a wide range of appliances, but propane is generally the way to go for efficiency, reliability and carbon reduction.
Electric equipment — whether we’re talking about a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc. — is only as clean as the electricity powering it. Unfortunately, Arizona’s power grid is far from green. It relies on natural gas and coal for over half its generation. As such, the Arizona power grid’s carbon intensity score is nearly 70 percent higher than propane’s.
You also need to consider how much more efficient propane-powered equipment is compared to electric products.
Today’s propane furnaces are exceptionally efficient, with many achieving Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings as high as 98 percent. These furnaces can consistently deliver heated air in the 120–140 degrees Fahrenheit range, regardless of how cold it is outside. By comparison, electric heat pumps tend to top out below the human body temperature (98.6 degrees) and struggle to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures in sustained freezing weather — when you need them most.
Propane is the gold standard for efficient hot water generation. Traditional storage tank water heaters powered by propane have recovery rates twice as fast as electric models. That means your system spends less time and energy to generate hot water. And propane-powered tankless water heaters can generate virtually unlimited hot water on demand, using less fuel overall!
An overwhelming majority of professional chefs prefer cooking with gas over electricity. Gas-fired ranges and ovens offer faster heat generation and precise temperature control. Perhaps you have heard that gas stoves are bad for indoor air quality. This claim has been debated in recent months, largely because some studies that link cooking with gas to respiratory issues.
The reality is more complicated than some people argue. Consider these facts:
You can experience even more efficiency and comfort with propane appliances. Propane dryers can get laundry dry much faster than electric appliances, and they leave fewer wrinkles. Propane can illuminate your home with magnificent fire features, including gas logs and outdoor fire pits. And propane generators offer dependable standby power when the grid goes down.
The experts at Superior Propane can help you get the most from this efficient, clean-burning fuel. Reach out to us for more information on propane equipment and appliances.
Sources: https://www.chooseenergy.com/data-center/electricity-sources-by-state/ and https://propane.com/about-propane/renewable-propane/
