Propane appliances: Our top 5 must-have LPG swaps
At PepUp, our Energy Specialists get a lot of questions about switching to propane appliances. You might be surprised to learn that propane can run many of your home’s appliances efficiently, and offer other benefits that could save you money in the long term.
If you’re considering converting your home to propane, or are shopping for new appliances, consider the advantages of our favorite liquid propane gas (LPG) appliances.
5 benefits of choosing propane appliances
There are five main reasons you may want to consider swapping out your home’s electric appliances for propane-powered appliances.
Benefit 1: Cost savings
Propane is generally more cost-effective compared to electricity. The factors that affect the cost of propane are generally not as volatile as electricity price fluctuations. Also, propane appliances often have higher energy efficiency ratings, which can further contribute to lower operating costs and monthly energy bills.
To reduce monthly energy bills even more, PepUp offers The Promise Plan with Automatic Delivery. Your propane tank is filled whenever you need it, without worry of running out. Also, The Promise Plan spreads out your propane costs over the year to reduce the impact of higher seasonal usage.
Benefit 2: Reliability
Propane is an independent energy source, not affected by power outages or grid failures. This makes it a reliable option for running essential appliances during emergencies. Propane appliances, such as stoves, water heaters, and generators, can continue to function even when the electricity is out. This is especially important in areas prone to frequent power disruptions or in remote locations without reliable access to electricity.
Benefit 3: Performance
Propane-powered appliances often offer superior performance compared to their electric counterparts.
- Propane stoves provide precise temperature control and instant heat. Anyone who has had to wait for an electric range top to heat up can understand the importance of that perk!
- Propane water heaters heat water faster and can supply hot water continuously, meeting the demands of larger households.
- Propane dryers are known for quicker drying times and less wear and tear on clothes.
Keep reading to learn more about these and other performance benefits of adding more propane appliances to your home.
Benefit 4: Environmental Benefits
Propane is considered a clean-burning fuel, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to electricity generated from fossil fuels. Propane appliances release lower carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, propane is non-toxic and doesn’t contaminate soil or groundwater, making it a safer choice for the environment.
Benefit 5: Versatility
Propane can power a wide range of appliances in your home. From stoves, ovens, water heaters, and dryers to fireplaces, backup generators, and outdoor grills, propane offers versatility in meeting various energy needs. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, providing flexibility for homeowners.
Our team’s top 5 LPG appliance choices
Propane Stove or Range
A traditional electric stove can be replaced with a propane-powered stove or range with the addition of some propane lines in your kitchen. Propane stoves provide precise temperature control and can cook food more evenly than electric stoves.
Additionally, most propane-powered stoves can be used during power outages, making them a reliable choice. If that’s important to you, add that to your stove shopping list of questions – some propane stove tops or ovens require the use of an electric control panel to operate cooking functions, so that may limit your ability to use your stove or oven if the power goes out.
Propane Water Heater
Instead of using an electric water heater, consider opting for a propane-powered water heater. Modern propane water heaters are energy-efficient, providing hot water quickly and effectively. Rinnai® Tankless Water Heaters offer an endless supply of hot water and easy-to-use temperature controls, and can be placed inside or outside your home. They’re also space-saving, mounting between wall studs with just a few inches of clearance needed, freeing up closets and floor space you can use for other things.
Here’s a tip from our team: if you have a family member who takes luxuriously long showers, you may not want to share that “endless hot water” information with them. The good thing is that even those long showers won’t cost much in terms of propane; tankless water heaters are extremely efficient at on-demand heating, and can supply multiple hot water needs at once. You can run the dishwasher, do the laundry, and still have hot water for multiple showers all at once!
Propane Clothes Dryer
Replacing an electric clothes dryer with a propane-powered dryer offers numerous benefits. Propane dryers are more energy-efficient, resulting in shorter drying times and reduced energy consumption. They also provide excellent drying performance and are gentle on fabrics.
Propane Fireplace Insert or Log Set
Enjoy the cozy ambiance of a fireplace without the hassle of wood or the limitations of an electric fireplace by opting for a propane-powered fireplace. Propane fireplaces offer instant warmth and can be easily controlled with a thermostat or remote control. They provide a clean and efficient heat source with no ash or soot to clean up, and use a fan to propel that warmth into your home to help keep the cold out.
PepUp sells and installs propane fireplace inserts that can be remote-controlled, allowing you to turn on the fire and crank up the heat with the press of a button. Choose direct vent, or vent-free inserts to maximize your heat conservation.
Want to see propane fireplaces in person? Visit one of PepUp’s District Office locations. We have fireplace inserts, log sets, and propane water heaters set up so you can see how they work and ask any questions you might have before making your decision.
Propane-Powered Generator
A propane-powered generator can be a lifesaver during power outages. Unlike gasoline or diesel-powered generators, propane generators burn cleaner and leave fewer carbon emissions. They offer a reliable backup power solution for running essential appliances and electronics in your home, and they run more quietly than gasoline or diesel-powered generators.
Ready to switch your appliances to propane?
When you’re considering purchasing a new propane appliance (even if it’s not one we sell), reach out to PepUp’s energy specialists with any questions about how much propane your home will use with the new addition. We can help you determine if you need to add more propane storage capacity to fuel your new appliance, and refer you to a local Delmarva service provider we trust if the work is outside of our area of specialization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Propane Appliances
PepUp hears a lot of great questions from our customers about shopping for new propane appliances. Learn more about how our team can help you find the right replacement or upgrade appliances by visiting the FAQ section of our Residential Propane and Heating Oil Products Page.
Yes, propane appliances are excellent for off-grid living. They don’t rely on an external power supply, making them perfect for remote locations. Propane can be stored in large tanks and is dependable in various climates, ensuring consistent performance where electricity may be unreliable. Many of our customers have propane-powered backup generators for just that reason.
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring safety and optimal performance. This includes checking hoses and connections for leaks, ensuring proper ventilation, and scheduling annual professional inspections, especially for integrated systems like Rinnai propane tankless water heaters. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for specific maintenance tasks and intervals.
Propane appliances are known for their high energy efficiency. They typically heat up quicker and waste less heat compared to electric units. This efficiency translates into lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint, making propane appliances a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
Propane is safe for indoor use (as long as supply tanks are always outside) when the appliances are properly installed and maintained. Ensuring adequate ventilation and using carbon monoxide detectors can mitigate risks. Propane is a clean-burning fuel, and modern appliances come with numerous safety features to prevent leaks and hazards.
Propane appliances generally produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electric appliances, assuming the electricity comes from fossil fuel sources. Propane combustion emits fewer carbon dioxide and pollutants compared to coal or natural gas-fired electricity. Additionally, propane is a clean-burning fuel, leaving almost no particulates, contributing to less overall environmental pollution.
Yes, new propane appliances should be installed and tested by a propane professional to ensure safe operation and efficiency. Always hire a certified professional to conduct the testing, checking for proper connections, ventilation, and leaks, which ensures your appliance operates efficiently and safely from the start.
Meet PepUp Contributor and Delivery Driver, Ben Fulton
Say hello to Ben Fulton. Ben is a PepUp propane driver who has been with us for 23 years. He has been in multiple gospel quartets over the years, including a couple that included other PepUp employees. He even has a few records out!
