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What Is the Btu Output of Propane?

Written By: on January 21, 2025

See how propane gas stacks up against other home heat sources.

propane Jerome, AZWe’ve just come through the holiday season when you and your loved ones undoubtedly did some comparison shopping. Comparing the relative value of two smartwatches, toasters or fleece vests can be challenging. Comparing the potential energy sources foor home heating system is even more complicated.

At Superior Propane, we often speak to homeowners about how they can compare the heating capacity of our fuel against other popular energy sources, including natural gas and electricity. It’s not always an easy task, especially since propane is measured in gallons, natural gas in cubic feet and electricity in kilowatt-hours.

We’ve found the most useful metric for comparing these energy sources is the Btu.

What’s a Btu?

A Btu, or British thermal unit, is a standardized measurement used to evaluate the heat content of fuel or energy sources. One Btu is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1°F at the point where water is its densest (approximately 39°F). This measurement allows us to compare the heating potential of different fuels and energy sources.

How does propane’s Btu production compare to other energy sources?

Propane delivers a powerful heat punch with 91,452 Btu per gallon. To put that into context, it’s more than double the heat provided per cubic foot of natural gas. If you’re using electricity as a heating source, you’d need 27 kilowatt-hours to match the Btu output of just one gallon of propane.

This high Btu output makes propane a highly efficient and effective choice for heating systems and water heaters.

How efficient is propane equipment?

Beyond its impressive heating power, propane systems have become increasingly efficient over the years. Modern propane heating equipment is designed to maximize that heat potential with minimal energy loss, helping you get the most out of every gallon. For example, today’s high-efficiency propane furnaces boast AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) as high as 98.5%!

Whether you’re heating your entire home or using propane to power your water heater, stove, dryer, gas log, patio heater or firepit, you’ll enjoy reliable heat without energy waste. This efficiency makes propane not only convenient but also cost-effective for homeowners.

Turn to Superior Propane for Top-Tier Fuel Services!

Homeowners in Jerome and across Northern Arizona are turning to propane, which is a smart, dependable, efficient home energy decision. Choose propane today and experience the difference for yourself!

And if you’re searching for a dependable propane provider, look no further than Superior Propane. Our expertise in the region ensures hassle-free propane tank installations and stress-free “Keep Full” automatic propane deliveries. With Superior Propane, you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel. Moreover, we can be your full-service partner for installing and maintaining world-class gas equipment to lower your energy expenses and boost your year-round quality of life.

Contact the friendly pros at Superior Propane today. We can’t wait to show you the total satisfaction our customers enjoy.