Propane vs Electric Water Heater Calculator

Cost Comparison Formulas:

\[ \text{Cost}_{\text{propane}} = \text{Therm} \times \text{Price}_p \] \[ \text{Cost}_{\text{electric}} = \text{kWh} \times \text{Price}_e \]

Propane Usage:

therms

Propane Price:

$ per therm

Electric Usage:

kWh

Electric Price:

$ per kWh

Propane Cost:

Electric Cost:

Cheaper Option:

Potential Savings:

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1. What is a Propane vs Electric Water Heater Calculator?

Definition: This calculator compares the operating costs between propane and electric water heaters based on energy usage and local utility rates.

Purpose: Helps homeowners and contractors determine which water heating option is more cost-effective for their specific situation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

\[ \text{Cost}_{\text{propane}} = \text{Therm} \times \text{Price}_p \] \[ \text{Cost}_{\text{electric}} = \text{kWh} \times \text{Price}_e \]

Where:

$\text{Cost}_{\text{propane}}$ — Cost to operate propane heater (currency)
$\text{Therm}$ — Propane energy usage (therms)
$\text{Price}_p$ — Propane price per therm (currency/therm)
$\text{Cost}_{\text{electric}}$ — Cost to operate electric heater (currency)
$\text{kWh}$ — Electric energy usage (kilowatt-hours)
$\text{Price}_e$ — Electricity price per kWh (currency/kWh)

3. Importance of Water Heater Cost Comparison

Details: Choosing the right water heater can save hundreds of dollars annually in energy costs and reduce environmental impact.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your actual or estimated energy usage for both systems along with your local utility rates for accurate comparisons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my propane usage in therms?
A: Check your propane bill or use 0.3 therms per gallon (1 therm ≈ 1.1 gallons of propane).

Q2: What's a typical electric water heater usage?
A: An average household uses about 3,000-4,500 kWh annually for water heating.

Q3: Which is usually cheaper to operate?
A: Propane is often cheaper per BTU, but local fuel prices and heater efficiency affect results.

Q4: Should I consider other factors besides cost?
A: Yes, consider installation costs, equipment lifespan, and environmental impact when choosing.

Q5: How accurate are these calculations?
A: They show operating costs only - actual savings depend on usage patterns and equipment efficiency.