Using Propane to Heat Your Home
This winter proved to be a grueling one for North Carolinians, with colder than normal temperatures and plenty of snow. Who could forget that “bomb cyclone” right after New Year’s Day?
While people who relied on electric heat probably couldn’t get warm enough, many other North Carolinians enjoyed the toasty comfort provided by a high-powered propane furnace.
Why electric heat pumps don’t handle freezing temperatures well
An electric heat pump works by capturing heat from the outside air and transferring it to your home. But when it’s really cold out there, there isn’t enough heat energy for your heat pump to keep your home comfortable. Older heat pumps in North Carolina often supply heated air at only 95°, which is colder than normal body temperature. It always feels like a cold draft coming out of your vents!
To compensate, people end up using all sorts of electric space heaters, which can be an expensive way to generate heat. It can also be risky if proper precautions are not followed. People may also rely on backup electric strips, which are inefficient and often emit a burnt odor; this is caused by dust and other residue that has built up around the strips.
Propane furnaces: the better option
In contrast, propane furnaces produce much higher indoor air temperatures. Highly efficient propane furnaces produce enough thermal energy to heat your home without the need for any backup system.
Propane gas furnaces are best in their class in terms of efficiency, with ratings from 90 to 98% efficient. Easily installed just about anywhere in the home, a propane furnace can provide space heating for any size floor plan, from small residences to large custom homes. Propane furnaces, even ultra-high-efficiency models, can also fit into tight spaces. Plus, when properly maintained, propane furnaces can last up to 10 years longer than electric heat pumps.
Propane is made for cold winters! If you’re interested in making your home more comfortable next winter, please check out current North Carolina rebates, including a $250 incentive for installing a propane furnace. You may also want to learn more about other heating options—including hybrid heating systems and propane gas packs.
To learn more about propane gas furnaces and the many other ways you can enjoy propane, please contact your local propane company. Read more about home heating with propane.