Choosing the right heating source for your home is a big decision. Did you know that heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home – typically making up as much as 29 percent of your overall energy bill? And, depending on the heating system you choose, it can last upwards of 20 years. All of this makes it vital to take the time to investigate your home’s heating options.
This quick guide will help you choose the right home heating solution for your family as well as your finances. Let’s get started.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a heating source for your family?
It’s impossible to choose a suitable residential heating supply if you don’t first know what you are looking for. Statistics show that around 96% of the country is hooked up to a source of heating, with 47% relying on natural gas while 36% use electricity and 11% use other gas sources like propane gas.
One thing the percentages don’t reflect – is that most homeowners don’t consider the fact that they can change heating sources. Instead, they simply remain on whatever energy source was in place when they moved into their home.
However, switching to the best home heating solution offers a wide range of rewards when you prioritize the following features;
- Cost – keeping your energy bill to a manageable level is the main goal for most homeowners, especially after recent price hikes. It is vital to know the cost of your heating per KwH and how it translates to the home heating cost.
- Safety – every homeowner needs to know that their property is safe and choosing the proper residential heating will make a difference. Furthermore, making the right choice will put your mind at ease.
- Environmental impact – reducing your carbon emissions is an increasingly important goal for families, and home heating is the perfect place to start.
Switching from one energy source to another may seem complicated, but it is a one-time change that can have a significant impact on your home. Given that it can save time, money, and the environment, it is a home upgrade that all families should consider.
Which heating source is best for your home?
As well as looking at the correct heating source, you will need the right heating system. The choice between a furnace, heating pump, and boiler, for example, can have a considerable impact. However, finding the best heating source should be your first goal.
No Heating Source
Some homes do not have any heating source. Southwestern territories show up to 15% of households have no heating source, which reflects the natural climate in those states. However, when living in Indiana (or most parts of the country), a heating source of some kind is necessary for cold winter months.
Natural gas
Natural gas is the most popular choice because it is often the source already in place. If the heating systems are in place, you may take the “don’t fix what isn’t broken” philosophy. Like any gas, it is deemed more reliable than electricity as it won’t drop out during a storm or power outage. Moreover, natural gas is cleaner than fossil fuels and easier to store. The supply across the Midwest and the rest of the United States is very good. However, natural gas is combustible and is not a renewable energy source.
Electric heating
Electric heating as a home heating source is also quite popular. Firstly, it is a solution that requires minimal initial cost as electric heaters are very cheap to purchase. It also offers a convenient option as the installation doesn’t require any changes to the property. However, it is an expensive choice – with electricity costing more than twice that of natural gas and propane. The costs are even higher once the heater becomes inefficient. It is also slower to heat your home and can be unreliable in power outages.
Propane gas
Propane gas for residential heating isn’t always a homeowners’ first thought for heating their home – mainly because it’s not the solution they inherit. The main disadvantage is that it requires an initial expense to make the switch. Meanwhile, it should be noted that it burns at a lower temperature, which does mean you will need to burn more if you want the same room temperatures as fossil fuels. For most people, though, this is not an issue.
Propane gas offers a multitude of benefits for those who want to heat their home and stay warm in the colder months. Those benefits include:
- Propane is Environmentally friendly. The 1990 Clean Air Act lists propane as a green energy source. As well as low carbon content, it does not contaminate groundwater. If you are looking for ways to help the environment, switching to propane is a great way to do so.
- Propane Gas saves money. It saves money compared to natural gas, even if the energy price has increased significantly in recent times. The Franger Gas Guaranteed Price Program schedule helps you cut the costs further.
- Propane Gas is safe. It is a safe solution for your family as the storage tanks are far less likely to encounter punctures. Likewise, propane gas doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals. Propane gas produces heat, vapor, water, and carbon dioxide. It also has a remarkable safety record – due in part to codes and regulations put in place by the propane industry and National Fire Protection Association.
- Propane Gas is reliable. Like natural gas, propane will continue to provide reliability when you have an electric power outage. When coupled with the fact it can be used for grills, furnaces, and more, it is a fantastic solution.
The verdict
Whether moving into a new property or upgrading the heating source in your current property doesn’t matter; propane is the best choice for your home. It’s safe, affordable, and reliable. It also signifies a huge step to reducing your carbon footprint.
And for our existing Franger Gas customers, you can further reduce your costs for heating your home with our Refer A Friend program at Franger Gas. Using this service can help a friend attain the benefits of heating their homes with propane gas and see a reduction in your bills with account credit.
Uses far beyond heating the home
Did you know propane can be used for so much more than heating? You can use Propane for:
- Home Heating
- Water Heating
- Emergency backup generators
- Gas logs, fireplaces and stoves
- Clothes drying
- Space heaters for three-season rooms and garages
- Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
- Gas grills
- Pool heaters
- Hot tub heaters
Excellent Customer Service with Franger Gas
At Franger Gas, we deliver exceptional energy and exceptional service. We are a locally owned and operated family company that understands the community because it is our home as well. With over 75 years of propane experience, we know what it takes to get the job done. We offer several Residential Programs to help keep your cost down and your propane tank filled!