Getting rid of LP gas.?

Question

We were just hit with another huge LP bill. Has anyone removed their propane and replaced it with electrical. We have oil heat, and LP for the hot water, dryer and cooking. But $150 a month to heat water and dry clothes, we only cook on the weekend, seems outrageous! I was also wondering if oil burning water heaters were available. If so, we may just go with electric appliances and change the water heater to oil.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I have done a cost computation. I found that Electric is the most expensive fuel there is. Then it is the LP gas, then natural gas, then Oil. Oil is the cheapest fuel. In my survey I included fuel efficiency and heat recovery.

I own a toyotomy. It is a on demand hot water heater made by toyostove. Monitor makes an oil space and water heater.

This oil it is diesel fuel. Oil # 1 for home use.

Answer 2

LP (in my area at least) is the cheapest option. Electric is the most expensive nationwide (unless you are a Green Power house which means you generate most/all of your own electricity by means of solar panels -- in which case it is free)

If you change over to electric appliances, you can expect your electric bill to increase by at LEAST $150 a month (probably more).

What it sounds like to me is that you have a leak somewhere, which is making you consume much more propane than you are using. Another possibility is that your hot water heater is getting old and is no longer efficient (or it is set too hot - the higher the temp setting, the more it has to kick on to maintain the water at the correct temperature).

If the heater is more than 12 years old (out of warranty by most brands), you will save a lot of money by buying a new, ELECTRONIC IGNITION (not pilot light -- that pilot is constantly burning gas) heater with the highest EER rating that you can find. The higher the EER, the better insulated the tank is and the more efficient the burner is -- which translates into significant savings. In most cases, the heater will pay for itself in less than 5 years with what you save in gas bills.

Also, you should call a plumber to inspect your propane piping to ensure that all the joints are tight and you have no leaks. This generally involves what's called a 'Leakdown Test', where they pressurize the lines and take readings over a period of a half hour or so to make sure the lines hold pressure. if the pressure drops, that means you have a leak.

One more thing is to make sure your temperature dial is at the lowest setting that is comfortable to you. (if you have a dishwasher, then do not set it below 120 degrees). Since most heaters do not have temperature indicators, the easiest way to do this is to open a faucet on full hot (and let the water reach full temp), and take a reading. Then turn the temp dial down (counterclockwise) a little bit, wait several hours for the temp to stabilize, then repeat until you are at 120 degrees. If you have a temp of 140 or higher, you are wasting a LOT of gas.

Also, make sure you don't have any leaky hot water faucets. Not only does that waste water, but you are wasting the gas to keep that wasted water hot.

Hope this helps.

-Taz

Answer 3

Electric for stove, dryer, and hot water will cost you even more than LP. I have LP in a 500 gallon tank, if I had a smaller tank it would cost more. I get a lower price for buying a larger quantity.

Answer 4

Electric definitely won't save money over LP.

Your cost does sound fishy though, check for leaks in your system- at the tank and any connectors before entering your home. I'd assume you would smell it if it were leaking in your home.

In case you don't already know how to check for leaks put some dish soap in water and spray or pour it on places where it could be leaking.

I found a leak on the level indicator on my tank a couple of years ago.

Answer 5

Guess it depends where you live. My LP is cheaper then elect and Nat gas. If you do change over, call youelect company some have a rebate program and will pay you to switch over.

Answer 6

My last LP bill was over $300.