What You Need to Know About Home Propane Heating Systems

Propane is the heating fuel of choice for many homeowners in the United States, especially those who live in rural areas. In fact, about 83 percent of propane-heated homes are located in rural parts of the country.

Are you thinking about switching to a propane heating system? If so, keeping reading. Everything you need to know about propane heating systems is explained below.

Why Use Propane Heating Systems?

Propane often doesn’t get a lot of credit for being a great fuel source. It’s a good option for many homeowners, though, and provides the following benefits:

• It’s more affordable than heating homes with electricity
• It generates heat in a more efficient way than electricity
• Propane heating systems last longer than electric heating systems
• Propane is more dependable and is easy to store
• Propane is a clean, non-toxic fuel source that produces limited emissions

Propane is also safe to use. In fact, it will only ignite when it’s combined with air and when the ignition source reaches a temperature of 940 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing the Right Propane Heating System

Clearly, there are lots of reasons why you might want to switch to a propane heating system. If you’re not sure which system to choose, though, here are some guidelines to remember:

Tank Size

One of the first things to consider is the size of the tank for the heating system.

There’s quite a range when it comes to the amount of fuel a tank can hold (it can range from 120 gallons to more than 1,000 gallons). Take the size into account so you know how often you’ll have to purchase additional propane for it.

Tank Storage

You can store propane tanks above or below the ground.

If you choose an above-ground tank, it’ll be easier to access. However, below-ground tanks are more aesthetically pleasing, and you won’t have to worry about them taking up valuable space in your yard.

Efficiency Rating

When choosing a system, be sure to consider its annual fuel-utilization-efficiency rating (or AFUE rating).

The higher the number on a particular system, the more heat it’ll produce from each therm of gas it uses. This is also an indicator that it’ll produce fewer emissions and is more environmentally friendly.

Features

Finally, you’ll want to find out more about the specific features the system offers.

This includes things like variable-speed blowers and variable heat output, both of which allow for increased energy efficiency. Air filtration is helpful, too, to minimize the amount of dust that gets blown through the system.

Heat Your House with Propane Today

Now that you know more about the benefits of propane heating systems, are you ready to start using one to heat your home?

If so, keep the tips outlined above in mind. They’ll help you choose the perfect one that meets your needs and fits your price range.

Don’t forget to check out the other home improvement articles on our site today, too. They’ll give you more insight into how you can make your home a more comfortable place without breaking the bank.