Cost: Propane Vs Electric Resistance Heat

[looney2ns]

I have a room I added on 10 yrs ago. It's main heating source is a GE PTAC Heatpump. At roughly 28 degrees, it switch's from HP to Electric Resistance heat. I also have a Jotul' stand alone propane stove in this room. It is supposedly 80% efficient, get's combustion air from out doors.

It is similar to this: Jøtul GF 200 DV IPI Lillehammer - Stoves - Products | Jøtul

I paid $1.75 per gal to fill my tank.
Question being, which is cheaper to operate below 28 degrees?


The stove has variable heat output, is it best to run it at the lowest heat output that will maintain room temp? This stove is controlled by a wall thermostat.

Thanks.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Resistance heat is usually about the highest cost for heat. You might plug your numbers into the spreadsheet here to get a decent estimate of the differences.

http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/heatcalc.xls

 

[Leadeye]

Heat with wood if you have any kind of access to it.

 

[gregkl]

Tough to really get a measure on the costs for one room like that. According to a rate analyst that I know(my daughter), analysis shows that it will cost about $180 more to heat a home with a heat pump in Indiana this year.

How you extrapolate your cost from a statewide average is way beyond my math capabilities.

 

[sig-guy]

At 28 degrees, it switch's to Electric Resistance heat.
I have a propane stove it is 80% efficient, get's combustion air from out doors.

I paid $1.75 per gal to fill my tank.
Question being, which is cheaper to operate below 28 degrees?

LP at 1.75/gal burning at 80% efficiency will cost 2.387 per 100K Btu or 23.87 per M Btu.

Electric at:
10cents/KW will cost 2.928 per 100K Btu or 29.28 per M Btu. (22.66% more)
12cents/KW will cost 3.513 per 100K Btu or 35.13 per M Btu. (47.17% more)
14cents/KW will cost 4.099 per 100K Btu or 40.99 per M Btu. (71.72% more)

 

[sig-guy]

Tough to really get a measure on the costs for one room like that. According to a rate analyst that I know(my daughter), analysis shows that it will cost about $180 more to heat a home with a heat pump in Indiana this year.

$180 more than what? Last year?

 

[gregkl]

$180 more than what? Last year?

Sorry about that. It will cost $180 more for a heat pump vs. gas. However, it looks like you have some good statistics to determine a real number.

 

[looney2ns]

Thanks! Is it most efficient use of the propane stove by running it at the lowest btu setting that will still maintain the room temp? It is controlled by a wall stat.

 

[sig-guy]

Sorry about that. It will cost $180 more for a heat pump vs. gas. However, it looks like you have some good statistics to determine a real number.

Not knowing the specifics, that's a pretty broad statement.

Type of HP (Ground or Air sourced)
Type of supplement heat (electric or dual fuel)
Furnace efficiency (80/90, 90+)
Fuel type (LP or Nat)
Fuel cost (locked in or variable)
Electrical rates
Weather conditions (HDD)

In most cases, a modern HP will be cheaper to operate then a gas fired furnace. Unless we have a terrible winter with most of the days staying under 15-20 degrees.

I've done the math and you have to have a lot of cold days to offset the savings of a HP. Which doesn't normally happen here in IN.

 

[sig-guy]

Thanks! Is it most efficient use of the propane stove by running it at the lowest btu setting that will still maintain the room temp? It is controlled by a wall stat.

Low and steady wins the race.