Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Propane Water Heaters -- The Most Economical Heating System

Propane water heaters are undoubtedly versatile and efficient house utilities. With their help, daily tasks such as cleaning, bathing, and cooking can be done with ease and convenience. These heaters use propane gas to elevate the temperature of water. As the price of electricity continues to rise, more and more homeowners are switching to propane-powered water heaters. Replacing inefficient electrical heaters with a more efficient alternative will greatly help to cut down energy costs. Technically, the lifespan of water heaters is around 12 to 15 years but replacing them regularly is highly advised due to the constantly changing heating technology that considerably enhances the efficiency of newer models.

Economically speaking, a propane heater is certainly the best choice. Though costs of propane gas vary widely from one place to another, propane water heating systems still have much lower costs as compared to their electric counterparts. This is especially true to people living in the rural areas, where electricity cost is often very expensive. In fact, propane cost $20.47 per million BTUs of produced heat, whereas electricity cost $31.21 for the exact same amount of heat produced. This data was based on the survey conducted by the Department of Energy in 2007. Since then, prices of both electricity and propane have gone way up. However, the savings that propane gas offered remained the relatively same.

If you are looking for a green and efficient water heating unit, then the tankless propane water heaters would really be an interesting option. Using one is another great way to save money and energy. Tankless heaters may cost more upfront but you are guaranteed to enjoy bigger savings in the long run. This is because they are designed to only be used on an on-demand basis. It simply means that they won’t be constantly running to keep hot water in the tank. Instead, they will only heat the water when needed. However, like other systems, they also have their downsides. Tankless propane heaters would require more extensive venting, and they might struggle to deliver hot water when 2 or more sources need it. That being said, they are best suited for a single-person household, or for homeowners who are very much willing to stagger the use of hot water. The best thing about them is that they have a longer operating life that can last around 20 years (with proper care and maintenance, of course).

Therefore, if you are thinking of replacing your old, inefficient, and worn-out electric heaters, then the reliable and efficient propane water heaters are indeed the best way to go!

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