Electric or Propane When Paying for Electric?

I'll tighten this up a tad...

Without knowing HIS cost for either electricity or gas...

Who The Hell Knows?

TomG2 wrote:
Why not start a new thread asking, "Which is more convenient?" I bet electric wins that one. I vote for electric being easier and more convenient. But that is not what the OP asked.

You could also ask which is more reliable?

Propane and a small amount of power will keep you warm when the power "dies" (ask a number of people in SC right now about that).

I keep the RV full of water and propane year round. With solar and propane, we can do just fine even when Duke Power lets us down.

As you said, the OP asked about cost; I tried to answer that correctly.

Doug

Why not start a new thread asking, "Which is more convenient?" I bet electric wins that one. I vote for electric being easier and more convenient. But that is not what the OP asked.

Electric is 3412 BTU per KWH. Electric is essentially 100% efficient.
Propane is 91500 BTU per gallon. Propane is anywhere from 60% to 70% efficient.

For Electric: divide 341200 by cost per KWH (in cents) to arrive at BTU per dollar.

For Propane: divide 59475 (91500 BTU per gal. at 65% efficient) by cost per gallon (in dollars) to arrive at BTU per dollar.

Depending on where you are, they may be close or significantly different. Depending on the difference is one more convenient than another; you'd need to decide that.

Doug

Lantley wrote:
For those with the knowledge how much are you actually saving by using LP vs.electric? Is there a real number or is it just a matter of principle?

I posted a formula earlier, but perhaps an example would be better understood.

By necessity, averages are required. Your numbers will most certainly vary.

Let's assume that you are paying the current national averages of $0.12/KWH and $2.10/gal.

The standard accepted industry multiplier for the electric, which factors in the relative energy content of both sources and comparing usage for home heating, is 27.

Thus, 0.12 X 27 = $3.24 for the equivalent ability to heat a given space compared to one gallon of propane @ $2.10.

Let's also assume that a household uses 500KWH/month, possibly a low figure. That equates to $60. The equivalent amount of propane would cost $40.

Whether that difference is significant to you and what you choose to do with the information is entirely subjective and is not germane to this discussion.

There are those that like to learn and there are those that know it all. The OP asked a question and mostly he got "Here's the way I do it" advice instead of facts and figures. I like facts and figures, but that is just me.

TomG2 wrote:
It's not about worry. It's about knowledge. Don't you want to know where your money goes? Then you take your choice.

On some level I don't really care where every dime I spend goes.
If I'm out I may stop at a restaurant to eat. I am fully aware that it would be more economical to eat at home. LP could be slightly cheaper than electric but the difference will be negligible to the point I'm not concerned about it.
I see people going out of their way or waiting in line 30-60 minutes to buy gas that maybe 5 cents a gallon cheaper. With a 35 gallon tank the difference is $1.75. Most cars do not have 35 gallon tanks. These people have more free time and knowledge than me. Maybe both!;)
Because I have not figured out how saving the $1.75 is worthwhile.
Maybe the LP vs. gas scenario is the same. I can't figure out how using LP can be more beneficial than just using electric. LP is not more efficient and the cost difference is negligible. Throw in the convenience factor and I see no reason to use LP vs. electric.
But maybe I just lack the knowledge to figure it all out.
For those with the knowledge how much are you actually saving by using LP vs.electric? Is there a real number or is it just a matter of principle?

WORRY !!!!!!!

Alfred E. Neuman said it all

Lantley wrote:
I'm glad you guys like the use of the word worry maybe I should have said be concerned about it. Maybe I should have said monitor usage?
How do you know when to call the LP guy? Do you monitor your usage? Do you just call every other Friday or at some other regular interval?
Maybe you're just looking for something to do?
With electric there is absolutely nothing else to do which is how I prefer it.
No phone calls,no monitoring,no credit cards on file. No additional task required.
Now of course if your just looking for something to do. Call the LP guy he'll be out on Friday.

I haven't found it difficult to maintain my propane levels. I know I have 30 days on my tank, so i'd simply refill every 25 days. Not really a big deal.

But, I do understand that for some they don't want to deal with it at all. And that's fine too.

Do what makes you comfortable, don't condemn others for doing what makes them comfortable, and be happy.

It's not about worry. It's about knowledge. Don't you want to know where your money goes? Then you take your choice.