Whenever homeowners contrast propane heating systems with electrical systems, they usually come across two entirely distinct measurements of energy; the BTUs and kilowatts. Such disparity can complicate the side-by-side comparisons. Propane appliances will display the amount of heat in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and electric heaters and systems display this in kilowatts (kW). It is hard to judge on the strength of heating, cost of operation or size of the system without being aware of the relationship between these units. The positive thing is that the correlation between BTUs and kilowatts is a simple affair that can be explained easily. Knowing how any unit of power can be quantified as energy and knowing how to change between the units homeowners can choose wisely when it comes to heating systems, water heaters, generators, and the general use of energy. This guide is the simple BTUs propane vs kilowatts comparison guide, which allows you to compare performance and cost with certainty.
One BTU, which is a unit of heat energy and not electrical power. It is an objective amount of thermal production. Propane systems use BTUs to determine the amount of heat an appliance can generate at a specific period of time..
A gallon of propane would have around 91,500 BTUs of energy. This figure assists in the calculation of the length of a tank and the amount of fuel consumed in the cold weather. As an example, when a furnace operates at 60,000 BTUs per hour, one gallon of propane would at least theoretically allow the furnace to last 1.5 hours of continuous operation.
BTU ratings are labeled on specification labels of propane powered appliances. A furnace can have a rating of 80,000 BTUs per hour, and a propane water heater can have a rating of 40,000 BTUs per hour.
Input BTUs are used to measure the amount of fuel that the appliance uses. Output BTUs are the heat which is usable introduced into the house.
The propane systems are characterized by high heat production. Extremely cold climates can be heated in a very short time with furnaces supplying extremely hot air. This large BTU capacity renders propane particularly useful in areas where there is extended freezing.
Calculations of heating loads determine the number of BTUs required in a home per hour. Some factors are square footage, quality of windows and climate conditions outside. Correct BTU sizing will eliminate systems that are undersized and also avoid wasted fuel.
One million watts of electricity are called a kilowatt. It is the electricity consumption rate. An electric heater that is rated at 10 kW uses 10 kilowatts of electricity when it is running.
Electricity Billing is done in kilowatt-hours. A kilowatt is equivalent to one watt-hour of electricity consumed in one hour.
Electric resistance heaters in the home normally have a range of 5 kW to 20 kW. Evidence-based practices need to have substantial electrical panel capacity in larger systems.
Electric heaters are used to transform virtually all electricity to heat. Nevertheless, all matters of heat output are dependent on kW rating..
The heat pumps utilize electricity more efficiently since they do not produce heat, but rather transfer it. Efficiency ratios are used to measure their output in different ways.
Increased kilowatt systems need enough breaker capacity and wiring. Houses which have less electrical space can be upgraded to accommodate major electric heating. This incurs cost in infrastructure as compared to mere appliances.
To convert kilowatts to BTUs, multiply kW x 3,412. To convert BTUs to kilowatts, divide BTUs / 3,412. This simple mathematics eliminates confusion in an energy comparison.
Approximately 17.6 kW (60,000/3,412) is a 60,000 BTU propane furnace. This implies that theoretically a 17.6 kW electric heater would yield the same amount of heat.
Numerous propane furnaces provide between 80,000 and 120,000 BTUs/hour or between 23 and 35 kW. The demand for such high kilowatts might surpass normal residential electrical capacity.
After conversion, homeowners are able to make a comparison of the cost per BTU of propane to the cost per kWh of electricity.
High kW electric systems add to the total home electric load. In periods of cold snap in the regions, demand can impact the stability of the grid or utility prices.
Although the math may be the same, the supply air in propane furnaces can be much hotter leading to quicker perceived heating. This influences comfort and post adjustment of thermostats recovery.
Until converted, it is like comparing the propane BTUs and the electric kilowatts, and I would say they are completely different languages. When it is converted into the same unit, then it is much easier to make decisions. Direct comparisons will enable homeowners to compare system capacity without assumptions or marketing statements. Perception of equivalent output eliminates confusion in looking at appliance specifications. It also makes sure that the heating systems are well adjusted to the real energy requirement of a home. Homeowners who are considering upgrades of furnaces, generator size, or water heater upgrades gain from knowledge of similar level of energy output. Proper comparison not only ensures that appropriate equipment is used but also eliminates the issue of operating costs which may remain unforeseen. Proper conversion is also useful in budgeting on the long-term energy costs. It helps carry out the discussions with contractors and energy providers with more confidence during the planning of the installation.
The production of energy is not all that. Actual cost of operation depends on efficiency rating and local energy price. Propane systems have a good heating capacity with an option of suppliers whereas electric heating is limited to local utility fees. The percentages of appliance efficiency have a direct effect on the amount of usable heat obtained in relation to each unit of fuel or electricity used to operate the appliance. Better efficiency systems will lead to the overall consumption which will reduce long-term costs. The comparison of both the energy price and efficiency gives a more detailed financial image. Homeowners can use the comparison of cost per unit to assess the affordability in the long term, by calculating BTUs to kilowatts. The method assists to determine the system that provides maximum amount of heat at the minimum cumulated cost within a given area. Evaluation should also be done by taking into account regional climate and seasonal pricing changes.
The comparison of heating systems made easy by the explanation of the difference between propane BTUs and kilowatts. The BTUs are used to quantify the amount of heat produced by the combustion of propane and the kilowatts quantify electric power consumption. Direct comparisons are easy and accurate with the conversion of 1 kW to 3,412 BTUs per hour. Effective energy knowledge helps make more intelligent equipment sizing, improved cost assessment, and more assertive energy planning. When deciding on the upgrade of the furnace or fuel, an understanding of the relationship between these units will guarantee an informed decision that will not leave one out of comfort in the long run.
How To Keep Customers Supplied During Extreme Weather Severe weather conditions like extreme winter storms, freeze times, hurricanes or heavy rainfall impose colossal demands on the fuel supply systems. In the case of propane suppliers, they have a logistical problem
Propane for Seasonal Homes & Cabins The energy cycle of seasonal homes and cabins is not the same as the energy cycle of primary homes. There are those that are sitting vacant throughout months of the year and those that
NEW CUSTOMER? Fill out the New Customer Application to join IGNITE.
Save $0.05 Per Gallon with the IGNITE Program Learn more!
Be one of the first 200 New Customers to sign-up until September 15th to get $500 worth of propane, FREE! You’ll also get 1 year free tank rental when you switch!
