Everything to Know About Propane Home Heating

Amongst all the home heating options available out here, propane heating has numerous advantages, which we’ll detail in this article.   

The 5 Advantages of Propane Home Heating

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Propane heating features some characteristics that no other home heating system has to offer. It’s clean, comfortable, safe, cost-effective, and budget-friendly.

1. Propane is a clean energy

Since we’re all affected by climate change, note that combustion produced by propane gas heating only emits two elements: water vapour and carbon dioxide (CO2). 

Although carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, propane is, along with natural gas, the cleanest fossil fuel in terms of CO2 emissions. And, for that reason, Denis Quintal, of Entretien Universel, stated that “Propane heating is more ecological than oil-fired heating systems.”

For every one million BTUs (British Thermal Units) consumed, solely 138.63 pounds (62.88 kg) of CO2 is released into the atmosphere. For comparison purposes, oil-fired heating systems release 163.45 pounds (74.14 kg) of CO2. 

While extraction is often blamed, note that even the 2004 IPCC report advocated for the installation of gas-fired energy production units. 

2. The comforts of propane heating

Propane home heating has very noteworthy characteristics since the heat it generates allows for:

• a decent humidity level in the air;

• control with degree precision;

• gentle and even heat.

In homes, dry air can cause nose bleeds, nasal congestion, respiratory issues, or even lead to the deterioration of wooden floors or furniture, so there’s no real quandary when it comes to choosing the right unit. 

3. It’s more cost-effective

Propane gas home heating systems are generally quite cost-effective due to their operational processes. In fact, these units can generate greater heat than other fuels while also functioning in intervals rather than continuously. As such, you can save energy since the system isn’t running endlessly.

4. It’s a financial gain, short and long term

Based on the size of your house, the dimensions of every room, and the number of residents living under one roof, your heating bill can be mitigated. Especially if you’re using propane as a backup heating source (portable heater), and only when needed.

Moreover, propane ensures the long-term durability of your furnace, as long as 20 years, whereas an electric heat pump should be replaced after 10-15 years of normal use.

5. Propane heating is safe

The system is installed by a professional holding a certificate of qualification in gas appliances. It’s also important to note that, as mentioned by Denis Quintal, “The majority of propane home heating system issues are a direct result of human errors.” The aforementioned expert also shared with us that we have to rely on either the CSA B-149 standard or the Manufacturer Code.

To that comes the quality of the material used. You can verify the quality of the heating system installed in your home by their certification seals and labels. 

Certificates can only be issued by accredited certification bodies such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Inc. (ULC), or Intertek Canada.

Types of Propane Home Heating Systems

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Boilers, much like furnaces, are atmospheric burners. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are classified as forced-draft power burners.

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are rarely used to heat a residence, unlike boilers and furnaces.

The benefit of using a boiler is its noiseless nature. However, it takes a rather lengthy period for it to reach its ideal temperature. On the other hand, furnaces are loud, yet they heat rapidly and guarantee optimal ambient comfort. 

When it comes to a wall-mounted system, note that there are sealed combustion appliances with remote-controlled or analog thermostats. Quintal advised choosing BTUs based on the square footage you need to heat. He went on to state that wall fan heaters evenly distribute the warmth from below to cover larger areas, while a fanless model allows the heat to rise throughout the room. These units are rather decent and range from $900 to $2,000.

Propane Boilers

There are two types of propane boilers:

• condensing boilers;

• low-temperature boilers.

The first one has a 105% yield, while the second one has a yield of 95%. These boilers are connected to hot water pipes. Moreover, low-temperature boilers are designed for underfloor heating.

Heated Floors

Underfloor heating is a prime heating example:

• doesn’t create dust;

• doesn’t take up space;

• generates heat evenly.

Naturally, in any room, warm air rises. As such, the advantage of heated floors is that it guarantees an even room temperature, from top to bottom. 

Hot Water Heating

This system is often paired with underfloor heating. Why’s that? Well, because if there are a lot of back-and-forths, just like when your kids come and go, non-stop, from your house, underfloor heating alone may not be sufficient to keep the main room warm.

The above-mentioned is the reason why you can also install a hot water heating system in whichever room is most exposed to cold drafts (main entryway or hallways connecting the garage to the main house). 

Warm Air Heating

Also known as a unit heater, warm air heating is best installed on the ceiling of a garage, greenhouse, warehouse, or farm.

The warmth will then spread throughout the area via convection, which is created between the heated unit and the air. A fan enhances the convection coefficient.

Prices and Features of Propane Home Heating Units

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Radiant propane heater

This is an infrared tube heater. A burner ignites a flame in the tube. Then, a fan pushes the warm air into the ductwork and a deflector directs it to the area that needs to be heated. This system can produce up to 30,000 BTUs to heat up a 500 sq. ft. space (46m²). Don’t use such a system in bathrooms, bedrooms, or in a vehicle.

Model: Mr. Heater - $995.95

Portable propane heater

This is an added bonus for any outdoor work, for your garage, workshop, or deck even. Benefit from a portable heater to keep warm. The 18,000 BTU Mr. Heater brand unit weighs 10 kg and has a 9 kg gas cylinder for the low price of $229. For outdoor use only. 

Garage and chalet heater

Are you looking for a furnace that heats your entire chalet or garage? With 55,000 BTU, a propane furnace is the heating unit you need. 

Price: $2,503

RV propane heater

Campers and recreational vehicles are, most often, heated with a propane gas furnace. This heater system is connected to a 12V power source that powers a fan which distributes warm air throughout the enclosure. 

Olympian Wave-3 catalytic heater: $289.99