As home energy fuels go, propane is about as efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly as they come. But when it comes to the benefits of switching to propane in your Southern Maine or New Hampshire home, versatility might top the list.
Propane: The “I can do that” fuel
Let’s consider some of the many ways propane can be used to make life at home more comfortable, safe, fun, and memorable for your family:
Cooking – Watch professional chefs on TV and you’ll notice they have one thing in common: they all cook with gas. That’s no coincidence: a propane cooking range gives you precision temperature control that no electric cooktop can match. Cooking or baking in controlled conditions, your dishes and desserts will cook more evenly and predictably – which usually means they will taste better.
Heating – A propane furnace or propane boiler will stand up to the most bitter New England winter, providing cozy, reliable heat no matter how much the mercury drops. Unlike an electric heat pump, a propane furnace pumps out actual warm air (what a novel idea!) – and it will do it efficiently, too, with AFUE ratings reaching into the upper 90s.
Water heating – How can you make life better with a propane water heater? Try longer, hotter showers, for one thing. Or how about being able to shower while you’re also running the dishwasher or washing machine? That’s all possible with a propane tankless water heater. Oh, and you could cut your energy bills in half, too…not to mention eliminating that big steel storage tank from your basement.
Outdoor living – Outdoor living is one area where propane really shines. Whether it’s powering space heaters, torches, a fire pit or fire table, a built-in grill, or even a pool or spa heater, propane can really take your outdoor entertainment game up a notch.
Indoor hearths – How many times have you skipped building a fire because it was too much of a hassle? With a propane fireplace insert or log set, you won’t have that problem; instead, you’ll get an evening of cozy heat and flames at the push of a button. If you don’t have a fireplace yet, but always wanted one, a propane fireplace or propane cast iron stove will fit the bill. Installation only takes a day or so, and it costs less than you think.
Clothes drying – A propane clothes dryer gets hot quickly and heats clothes evenly, and as a result costs about half what an electric dryer costs to operate. Propane dryers also cause less wear and tear on your clothes.
Backup power – Did you know that power outages are twice as common today than they were just a decade ago? Propane whole house generators are the answer to problem power outages, keeping your home heating or cooling system, sump pump, refrigerator, sump pump, and other vital equipment running until the grid comes back up.