electric furnace or more efficient propane furnace?

its really about the same both ways. here's how:

one gallon of propane yields 91502 BTU's if you burn that in a 97% furnace that means you get 97% of the heat and waste 3%. by doing a little algebra you find that you end up getting 38928 BTU for your dollar on propane.

Resistance electric heat produces 3.414 BTU's per watt of energy consumed so thanks again to a little algebra you are getting 37933 BTU's for every dollar.

All in all you are better off to go with an air handler instead of a duel fuel system at this time.. use the price difference to zone the house or step up to a more efficient heat pump.

Possum, HVAC guy

In my area the power co. has a similar deal and the savings over propane is about 30%. Dual fuel means you will have two systems because they will be cycling your power off during peak hours and the other heat source will take over. Your other heat source would be your gas furnace. Check into a heat storage type furnace. This furnace is electric and stores heat during off peak hours in bricks in the unit itself and is available during the peak hours for use. These do not need a backup or secondary furnace.

First of all if the power goes out, your screwed anyway...Any heating appliance is going to require some electricity for vent fans or electronic controls or ignition...

I'm a salesperson in the fuel industry selling both fuel oil and propane. We have a very good cost comparison calculator that I use on a daily basis.

Based on your numbers for every dollar you spend on electricity for heat, you would spend $0.82 on propane. This doesn't include any delivery charges or tank rentals or anything...just pure fuel costs.

I must disagree with the two previous answers.

Go electrical, it will be the least expensive in the long run.

Remember it is your standby that only kicks in at the lower temps.

A good Heat Pump will provide heat down to at least 15 degrees F.

Get advice from the Heat Pump supplier. They know your area and its climate.

Are you kidding? I thought that EVERYONE knew that electric resistance heating was the LEAST efficient form of heating.

definitely not electric. if the power goes out.... ur screwed