propane furnace vs electric furnace

The comfort and efficiency of your home’s heating system are directly related to the system you choose. When it comes to deciding between electric furnaces and propane furnaces, each option presents its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

According to our experts, making a well-informed decision takes into account the heating needs, budget, and environmental concerns of homeowners and they should familiarize themselves with the distinguishing features of these systems beforehand. In this article, we’re helping you do just that by discussing features, costs, and more.

Understanding Propane and Electric Furnaces

To generate heat, propane furnaces transform the liquid fuel into gas. Here is the detailed step-by-step process:

  1. Propane Delivery: Propane is delivered to the location and kept in a propane tank there. Until it is time to be heated, it stays in a liquid state.

  2. Gas Conversion: When the furnace is turned on, the liquid propane is transformed into gas by passing it via a gas valve or gas line. Then, it is combined with air.

  3. Ignition: The electronic ignition system of the furnace is used to light the propane-air mixture, which then produces flames that heat a metal heat exchanger.

  4. Heat Distribution: The heat exchanger is warmed by the heat that radiates off the flames. The air is heated further by passing it through the heat exchanger, which is driven by the blower fan of the furnace.

  5. Air Circulation: Ductwork distributes this heated air throughout the house, making it more comfortable to live in. Propane burners release their exhaust gasses outdoors.

The electric heating elements of this type of furnace are powered by electricity, which is then used to disperse warm air throughout the house. Here’s how they work:

  1. Electricity as a Heat Source: When the thermostat requests heating, the metal coils or components inside the furnace are heated using electricity.

  2. Heat Distribution: The blower fan in a furnace circulates air over the heating coils as the components get hotter.

  3. Air Circulation: Distributing the warm air throughout the house is the next step in the air circulation process. Since electric furnaces do not use combustion, unlike propane furnaces, they do not produce any combustion gases that need to be vented.

  4. Thermostat Regulation: The furnace is programmed to turn on and off at predetermined intervals to keep the house at a constant temperature. Electric heat is constant, yet it might not seem as hot as gas heat.

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Why Choose Us?

For starters, we will show up on time with a fully stocked service van, eager to resolve your heating, cooling, plumbing or electrical problem.

dong Lauredodong Lauredo
05:09 13 Oct 24
they are very professional people , they took good care of the problem .I would definitely recommend them .. very cheerful and nice to deal with
William HucmanWilliam Hucman
00:23 07 Oct 24
My hot water tank failed on a Friday evening. Had spent some time on Saturday morning calling a number of service companies and Comfort Union was one of the quickest to respond and able to execute the work over the weekend. The gentlemen that showed up were very friendly, completed the work in a timely manner, left no damage and cleaned up after the work was complete. Great experience with Comfort Union!
Trang LeiTrang Lei
04:33 06 Oct 24
We strongly recommend that Comfort Union attends to your residential heating, plumbing, and electrical services. Our tank water heater broke down on the weekend. On Monday, we called a few large companies, and all their estimates were on par or above the price point for the following tankless water heaters: Navien NPE-240A2, Rinnai RXP199iN, Rheem CRTGH95DVLN-3, AOSmith ATHR-199X3. During our online search, we encountered a hidden gem: Comfort Union, a small, family-oriented business with competitive and affordable pricing. They strive to adhere to a strict moral code that values integrity, fairness, and straightforwardness. We had the pleasure of meeting Asif, who was patient and took the time to address all our questions, concerns, and needs. He assessed the situation and recommended the most suitable tankless water heater option.We were not pressured to buy products – Asif was genuine and transparent. He used his expertise to guide our decision-making, always considering our needs and best interests. Ultimately, we decided on the Rinnai RX199iN SENSEI® RX Series. This model from Rinnai, a frontrunner in the industry, offers higher efficiencies, higher BTU output, better pairing with existing systems, and forward-thinking technologies. These unique features have truly enhanced our home comfort and reduced our energy bill. Asif and his team were excellent. Their workmanship, craftsmanship, and customer service are unparalleled. With their engineering backgrounds, they combine their vital knowledge to ensure our installation process is of the highest quality and standard. A special thanks to Asif, who worked tirelessly and meticulously to ensure all components were correctly installed and even took extra effort to reposition the water supply line and pipe at no additional cost. These thoughtful additions demonstrate their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction, making us feel valued and important. Their commitment to our satisfaction was evident throughout the process, making us feel truly important. Thanks to their professionalism and expertise, the entire process was smooth and hassle-free. Their service was not only quick and reliable but also very affordable.  This affordability, coupled with their superb customer service, a key factor that sets them apart, will make me use them for all my residential heating, plumbing, and electrical services needs. Our experience with Comfort Union has been nothing short of exceptional. We couldn't be more satisfied!
Andrea MendrosAndrea Mendros
16:45 04 Oct 24
I recommend this with a Heart. Found this site in goggle. And they did a very good job.
Abdel Aziz FarahAbdel Aziz Farah
17:54 02 Oct 24
Asif and Ismail were awesome came in let me know everything I needed and it was a smooth install. Would highly recommend them to anybody!!!
Ab CaAb Ca
04:01 30 Sep 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union for three major installations in my home—a new heat pump, a tankless water heater, and a furnace—and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience!Heat Pump Installation:From the first consultation, Comfort Union’s team impressed me with their knowledge and transparency. I decided to upgrade to a heat pump because I wanted to improve energy efficiency and take advantage of both heating and cooling from one system. The team carefully assessed my home’s layout and explained every step of the process, including how the heat pump would function in Calgary’s colder climate. They even took the time to break down the cost savings I could expect over time.The installation was seamless. The technicians were punctual, professional, and clearly experts in their field. They worked efficiently, ensuring that all components were correctly installed, and even took extra care to tidy up after themselves. They walked me through the setup, explaining how to use the system, and answered all of my questions patiently. Now, I enjoy year-round comfort with a system that’s quiet, effective, and eco-friendly!Tankless Water Heater Installation:I also had Comfort Union install a tankless water heater (Rinnai RXP199), and it’s been a game-changer for my household. No more waiting for the water to heat up or running out of hot water during long showers—this tankless system delivers endless hot water on demand!Their installation team was fantastic. They emphasized the importance of proper installation for efficiency and to protect the warranty, which gave me peace of mind knowing I was in good hands. I appreciated that they took the time to explain the maintenance needs to ensure the system stays in top shape for years to come. Plus, they added smart touches like installing a drier filter for extra protection against Calgary’s colder months.Furnace Installation:Lastly, I had Comfort Union replace my old furnace, and wow—what a difference it’s made! They recommended a high-efficiency model based on my home’s size and heating needs, and it has drastically improved my energy bills. The new furnace is powerful yet super quiet, and I can already feel the consistent warmth throughout my house.I can’t stress enough how smooth this installation went. The team was respectful of my space, even laying down mats to protect my floors. They installed a new programmable thermostat and made sure everything was running perfectly before leaving. They also included a comprehensive warranty and provided advice on how to keep the system running efficiently for years.Overall Experience:What I love most about Comfort Union is how they combine their technical expertise with a personal touch. From the friendly office staff to the knowledgeable technicians, everyone I interacted with was professional, courteous, and genuinely cared about my comfort. I also appreciate that they offer full coverage with their installations, including maintenance plans, which makes me feel even more confident in my investment.If you’re looking for a reliable, family-run HVAC company that truly puts customers first, I highly recommend Comfort Union. Their workmanship, attention to detail, and top-notch service exceeded all my expectations. Whether you need a new heat pump, tankless water heater, or furnace, you won’t be disappointed!
Pramila YesudasPramila Yesudas
03:26 30 Sep 24
Asıf and team replaced our hot water tank very quickly and efficiently. Asif was very professional and communicated well with us. Asıf is knowledgeable, I would definitely recommend comfort union heating and plumbing company to others. Thank you Asıf for your quick and responsible work.
Rych 1821Rych 1821
01:19 20 Sep 24
Asif and his team installed a heat pump in my home. They did an excellent job. Quality of work was very good. They were friendly and helpful; happy to explain what they were doing and answer any questions. Very pleased with the service.  Highly recommended.Looking forward to the annual maintenance service from you, guys. Thank you.
Omolade AjetunmobiOmolade Ajetunmobi
05:13 19 Sep 24
Both Moe and Ben were really good and they completed the heat pump install in a timely manner. Very professional and kept our place clean afterwards.
Pablo GPablo G
01:15 18 Sep 24
Tankless Water Heater: Very happy and impressed with how quickly Asif came out to assess the problem, with his knowledge and the response time to quote and install a replacement unit. No pressure sales and upfront pricing with no surprises. I had a quote from another ‘Rinnai Approved’ company who flip-flopped on the work scope, upgrades and advised on new venting (at great cost) that was simply not needed. The tech (Mo) did a good job removing and installing the new unit and so far the unit has been working great.
Glen RGlen R
17:46 07 Sep 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing, and I can’t say enough about the exceptional service I received. Led by Asif, the team was incredibly meticulous in their work, ensuring that every detail was attended to.Their attention to detail and commitment to quality work were evident from start to finish. If you’re looking for reliable and skilled service in heating and plumbing, I highly recommend Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing. Thank you, Asif, Muhammad and the team, for a great experience!
Chris EllettChris Ellett
13:28 06 Sep 24
I had a great experience with comfort union. Even over the long weekend they answered the phone, and were there the next day to replace my hot water tank. Moe called in the morning to give me an ETA and then a text when he was actually on the way. He was thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and would use this family run business again
Berta SiposBerta Sipos
02:20 05 Sep 24
Amazing service Asif, Mo and Daryl. Thank you Comfort Union! On Friday evening our hot water tank stoped working. We e- mailed Comfort Union in 30 minutes they called us back. Very professional and friendly staff. Friday evening we had our quote. Very detailed and clear. On Saturday morning they called to see if we have any questions. The price was very reasonable. We booked the service and that afternoon we had a brand new hot water tank installed. We were very pleased and we highly recommend Comfort Union. These three young man were just amazing! Thank you again.
SamiurSamiur
20:24 04 Sep 24
Professional, competitive and immediate service. Installed a new heat pump from them and it was good experience. Highly recommend.
Charles KabanoCharles Kabano
19:12 01 Sep 24
Comfort Union just finished up HVAC work for the secondary suite basement for us in Airdrie, and I gotta say, these guys did a fantastic job. They installed a new Carrier furnace, moved our old Trane to a different spot, and hooked us up with a Lennox AC. Everything was smooth, and they really knew what they were doing.I love that they’re a family business—and really care about their work and their customers. The crew was super friendly and easy to talk to, and they made sure to explain everything along the way. The new furnace and AC are working great, and moving the old unit seemed like no big deal for them.Overall, just a great experience. If you need any HVAC work done in Airdrie, these are the people to call. Can’t recommend Comfort Union enough!
KyleKyle
21:57 29 Aug 24
Vic DePazVic DePaz
01:09 28 Aug 24
Comfort Union team was awesome to deal with and loved they are Calgary family run business. I will greatly recommend them. Great work.
Kathleen VinluanKathleen Vinluan
01:26 24 Aug 24
Quick and Reliable.
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Propane Vs Electric Furnace - Comparing Features

Propane vs Electric Heating Cost Analysis

Propane Furnaces:

In Canada, a high-efficiency propane furnace can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $6,500, not including installation costs. Especially in more remote places where getting the service set up could be more of a hassle owing to lack of infrastructure, this pricing can change based on the unique needs of each residence and the area in question.

Electric Furnaces:

In comparison to gas furnaces, electric furnaces cost less to begin with. An electric furnace installation in Canada can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 on average, with a simple installation costing around $1,000 to $3,000. Choosing a high-efficiency model and the difficulty of the installation process at home are two factors that can affect the upper end of this range.

Propane Furnaces:

In colder climates where heating needs are higher, propane furnaces can be a cost-effective choice due to their efficient fuel use. Although propane costs can rise and fall with the market, propane furnaces are typically more cost-effective in the long run due to their efficiency, which makes them a good investment.

Electric Furnaces:

Although electric furnaces tend to be more cost-effective to install initially, their operating expenses are often greater. This is because, especially during the winter months, the cost of power can be much higher than that of propane. Further contributing to higher energy use and utility costs is the fact that electric furnaces are less efficient in really cold weather.

Propane Furnaces:

Some propane gas furnace types reach an energy efficiency level of 95% or higher, making them very efficient. Propane furnaces are very efficient, meaning they can save waste and running expenses by producing more heat with the same quantity of fuel. Propane furnaces can achieve higher temperatures faster, which helps with even heating throughout the house, which improves comfort and cuts down on operating times.

Electric Furnaces:

Since they are able to turn nearly all of the power they utilize into heat, electric furnaces usually have high-efficiency ratings, nearly 100%. This efficiency, however, can be diminished depending on the power source. Due to the carbon emissions involved in energy production, the overall environmental advantages and efficiency can be reduced if the power is generated from fossil fuels.

Electric furnaces, from a broader energy usage standpoint, can be more eco-friendly and efficient in areas where power is produced from renewable resources.

Propane Furnaces:

Propane is highly regarded for its economical nature and impressive energy production. The main reason propane furnaces are more cost-effective than electric ones is that they can heat the air to temperatures between 130 and 140°F in brief, efficient bursts. With less operating time and cheaper heating expenses, it is possible to produce higher temperatures rapidly.

Electric Furnaces

The upfront cost of installing an electric heating system, such as a heat pump or furnace, is typically lower. However, because power costs are higher in the long run, their operational costs are typically higher as well. While electric heat pumps work well in moderate temperatures, they lose some of their efficiency when the weather gets very cold because they draw heat from the air outdoors.

Propane:

Particularly in places where power outages are common, propane's dependability stands out as a major advantage. Regardless of the power outage, you may always have a reliable source of heat with propane stored in tanks on your property. Propane heat is also completely harmless; it causes fires only at extremely high temperatures, is insoluble, and does not harm soil or groundwater in any way.

Electric:

All of the power for electric heating systems comes from the national grid. In regions with unpredictable electrical services, the fact that these systems may not function during power outages can be a major drawback.

Choosing the Best Heating System for Your City

The efficiency of propane furnaces in cold times makes them a superior alternative for Calgary. If you want to stay warm in Calgary during winter, propane is the way to go because of its higher heat output. Given the increased energy needs during extended cold spells, propane may also prove to be more economical in the long run.

The high heat production and dependability of propane furnaces make them the best choice in Edmonton. Home comfort is guaranteed by propane’s capacity to deliver powerful and constant heating, even in the most frigid weather. Propane is the superior heating option to electric heating solutions in extremely cold climates, including Calgary.

Toronto is a good place to install either an electric or gas heating system. Because of their greater heat production during harsh winters, propane furnaces can be a better choice. On the other hand, homeowners in Ontario may be influenced by personal preferences for eco-friendliness and the relative cost and availability of propane and electricity when deciding between the two. This is especially true when it comes to hybrid models that are more efficient at handling lower temperatures.

The moderate weather in Vancouver makes electric heat pumps a great fit for the city. In climates where temperatures seldom go below freezing, heat pumps work well. Electric heating is more environmentally friendly in British Columbia because a large amount of the province’s power comes from hydroelectric sources.

Conclusion

Your individual requirements, the cost of energy in your area, and your concerns for the environment should all be considered when deciding between propane and electric heating systems and any other furnace types like natural gas ones. Particularly in areas that suffer from regular power outages, propane has substantial advantages in terms of efficiency, dependability, and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, homes in milder regions or those with access to inexpensive renewable electricity may find electric heating to be the better option.

To make sure homeowners get a heating system that works for them now and in the future, it’s a good idea to contact with HVAC experts like those at Comfort Union before making any major decisions about installs or modifications. Choosing between an electric heat pump and a propane furnace comes down to weighing the two in terms of initial investment, ongoing operating costs, and ecological footprint.

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