How Much Do Propane Heaters Cost to Run Compared to Electric?
On this page 8 sections
- Propane Heaters vs Electric Heaters at a Glance
- How Heat Output and Room Size Affect Your Choice
- Running Costs of Propane Heaters Compared to Electric
- Propane Heater Safety Compared to Electric
- Noise and Comfort Levels of Propane and Electric Heaters
- Installation Costs and Complexity for Propane vs Electric
- Lifespan and Maintenance Costs: Propane vs Electric Heaters
- More Questions, Answered
Heating with propane usually runs cheaper per BTU than electric resistance heat, but electric heat pumps often outperform propane furnaces in efficiency when outdoor temperatures are moderate. Running costs depend heavily on your local electricity rates, propane prices, and how well your home holds heat.
This article compares propane and electric heating by heat output, running and installation costs, safety, noise, and lifespan to help you decide which fits your needs best.
Propane Heaters vs Electric Heaters at a Glance
| Factor | Propane Heaters | Electric Heaters |
|---|---|---|
| Heat output and room size | Propane heaters deliver higher BTU heat, good for large or uninsulated spaces | Electric heaters, especially heat pumps, better for smaller, well-insulated rooms |
| Running cost and fuel efficiency | Propane prices vary widely by region and season; an 80% efficient furnace converts most of the fuel’s energy into heat, making propane competitive in many areas | Electric resistance is 100% efficient; heat pumps vary, often cheaper in mild zones |
| Safety and ventilation | Requires ventilation and CO monitoring; indoor-rated units have safety sensors | No combustion, no CO risk; must have tip-over and overheat protection |
| Noise levels | Propane heaters may emit low noise from combustion and fans | Electric resistance heaters operate silently, best for quiet rooms |
| Installation complexity and cost | Needs propane tank, gas lines, and possible venting; higher upfront cost | Plug-in electric heaters or heat pumps require less complex installation |
| Lifespan and maintenance | Propane furnaces last about 20 years with regular servicing | Electric heat pumps last about 12 years, with less routine maintenance |
Jocoevol Propane Heater Outdoor 18000 BTU
Rheem RTG Series 7.0 GPM Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater
How Heat Output and Room Size Affect Your Choice
Propane heaters deliver more heat per unit than electric resistance models, making them well suited for larger or less insulated spaces like garages. A typical propane heater outputs between 10,000 and 40,000 BTU per hour. Electric resistance heaters provide 3,412 BTU per kilowatt-hour, which is 100% efficient but generally less powerful in output.
Heat pumps differ by supplying warm air at a lower temperature—around 95°F compared to propane furnaces at about 120°F—but they use electricity more efficiently by moving heat rather than creating it. This makes them ideal in mild climates or well-insulated homes.
A small propane heater, often portable, can effectively heat a garage or workshop with less insulation. Propane heaters for home use typically require venting and a fuel tank, so they suit larger spaces or whole-home systems rather than just single rooms.
Electric baseboard heaters and portable units work best as supplemental heat in smaller, insulated rooms due to their slower heat distribution and lower heat output. For example, a 1,500 W electric heater suits a 150 sq ft room but struggles in a drafty garage.
Sizing your heater depends on room volume, insulation quality, and desired temperature rise. Say your garage is 24 by 24 with 8 ft ceilings—about 4,600 cubic feet. That might need a propane heater outputting 30,000 BTU or more, while an electric heater would need multiple units to match that heat delivery.
Running Costs of Propane Heaters Compared to Electric
Propane contains about 91,500 BTU per gallon and costs vary, but say $3.50 per gallon as a baseline. An 80% efficient propane furnace converts roughly 73,200 BTU of that into usable heat. Electric resistance heaters run on electricity at roughly 100% efficiency, delivering 3,412 BTU per kWh, with electricity priced around $0.17 per kWh on average.
Running costs depend on fuel prices and heater efficiency. For propane, burning one gallon costs $3.50 and yields 73,200 BTU useful heat. That’s about 21 cents per 1,000 BTU. Electric resistance heat costs roughly 5 cents per 1,000 BTU (17 cents ÷ 3.412). Propane can be cheaper if electricity rates are high.
Heat pumps operate differently, with a coefficient of performance (COP) that varies by outdoor temperature. At 47°F, a heat pump might have a COP of 3, meaning it delivers 3 units of heat per unit of electricity used, cutting cost to about 1.7 cents per 1,000 BTU. However, as temperatures fall below freezing, COP drops and propane may regain cost advantage.
Regional variation matters: electricity costs can range from 10 to 40 cents per kWh, propane prices swing by location and season. In colder northern states with high electricity rates, propane often wins on cost; in warmer or low-rate regions, electric heat pumps lead.
For patio heaters, propane models produce higher BTU output but cost roughly $0.80 per hour to run, while electric patio heaters use about 1.5 kW and cost around $0.20 per hour at $0.17 per kWh. Efficiency and comfort needs guide the choice here.
Newer propane furnaces reach about 80% efficiency, while modern heat pumps can exceed 300% efficiency under ideal conditions. Your running cost depends on which technology suits your climate and fuel prices best.
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Propane heater safety hinges on proper ventilation and carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring, while electric heaters avoid combustion risks but require tip-over protection.
You can use propane heaters indoors only if the model is rated for indoor use and the room is well ventilated. Without ventilation, propane combustion produces CO, which is a deadly, odorless gas. That’s why a working CO alarm is essential when running any propane heater inside.
Vented propane heaters exhaust combustion gases outdoors through a flue or vent pipe, removing CO from the living space. These units are safer indoors but need professional installation and adequate venting.
Vent-free or ventless propane heaters burn fuel directly in the room without exhausting gases outside. They rely on oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) that shut off the heater if oxygen levels drop too low, plus flame failure devices that cut fuel if the flame goes out. Still, these heaters must be used with caution and proper CO alarms, and they may be restricted or banned in some areas.
Electric heaters skip combustion entirely, so they don’t produce CO. Their main safety features are tip-over switches that shut off power if the heater falls and overheat protection to prevent fires. Still, you should never plug them into extension cords or power strips, and keep them three feet from combustibles.
Noise and Comfort Levels of Propane and Electric Heaters
Electric resistance heaters are silent because they produce heat without a flame or fan, making them ideal for quiet rooms.
Propane heaters have a pilot light or electronic ignition that can cause a faint clicking or hissing noise. Larger propane furnaces produce hotter air—about 120°F compared to electric heat pumps’ roughly 95°F—but they may generate some blower noise during operation.
Heat pumps use fans to move warm air, producing a consistent hum that varies by model and setting. While noisier than electric baseboards, they offer better efficiency in mild climates.
Patio propane heaters run quietly with just the gentle sound of the flame, making them comfortable for outdoor use where noise matters.
Installation Costs and Complexity for Propane vs Electric
Installing a propane heater involves more than just setting the unit down—it requires a propane tank, supply lines, and sometimes venting. Propane heaters often need a licensed professional to set up the tank and piping safely, especially for permanent indoor units. Some models, like portable propane heaters, skip complex venting but still rely on the tank connection.
You might wonder, do propane heaters need electricity? Many models do use a small amount of electricity to power fans or electronic ignitions, but not all. That means in a power outage, a basic propane heater without electric components can still run, offering a reliability edge over electric-only heaters.
Electric heaters usually keep installation simple. Plug-in electric resistance heaters require no setup beyond a standard 120-volt outlet. Larger electric units, such as baseboard heaters or electric heat pumps, might demand dedicated circuits or 240-volt wiring, adding to electrical work costs.
Tankless propane water heaters and electric tankless models both call for professional installation. Gas piping, venting, and strict code compliance add to the upfront cost for propane tankless units, while electric versions often need an upgraded electrical panel or wiring to handle the load.
Installation expenses vary widely by region and model. Expect propane systems with tanks and venting to cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars installed. Electric heaters can range from plug-and-play options under $100 to thousands for full heat pump systems with ductwork or panel upgrades.
Lifespan and Maintenance Costs: Propane vs Electric Heaters
A propane furnace typically lasts about 20 years, outpacing the average 12-year lifespan of an electric heat pump. The longer service life can spread out replacement costs but assumes regular upkeep.
Electric resistance heaters have fewer moving parts and simpler designs, which usually means fewer repairs and lower maintenance expenses. They mainly need periodic cleaning and inspection, keeping maintenance costs low.
Heat pumps require annual servicing to maintain efficiency. This service includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and inspecting electrical connections. Skipping this can reduce efficiency and shorten lifespan, pushing up long-term costs.
Propane heaters need safety checks to ensure ventilation, gas lines, and combustion components are in good shape. Occasional repairs might involve replacing igniters or valves, which add to maintenance costs but typically occur less frequently than heat pump servicing.
Comparing maintenance costs, propane systems generally involve more complex checks and potential repairs due to combustion parts and fuel handling. Electric resistance heaters cost less to maintain, while heat pumps fall in between, with regular servicing essential for keeping running costs down.
If you want to extend your propane furnace’s life, annual inspections and timely repairs are key. Electric heat pumps demand a similar commitment for servicing but might need replacement sooner, impacting total ownership cost.
