How Efficient Are Propane Water Heaters?

Written on: May 22, 2023

Comparing propane’s efficiency to electricity.

Think about how many times you use hot water throughout the day. You will likely start your day with a steaming shower. Whenever your child needs to wash their hands, you’ll warm the water. Any time you run a load of laundry or clean the dishes, you depend on your water heater.

Is it any wonder that the average U.S. household uses about 20 percent of its energy on water heating?
In Ansonia, Watertown, Newtown and nearby communities, Seymour Oil & Propane helps families find the right water heater for their needs. We have found that propane water heaters are some of the most efficient options.

Are electric or propane water heaters more efficient?

When considering the efficiency of a standard storage-tank water heater, it’s best to look at its recovery rate. The recovery rate of a product indicates how many gallons of hot water it can generate in one hour. Propane water heaters have a recovery rate that is nearly twice that of an electric product.

What does that mean for your home? You’ll need to use around 30 percent less energy to heat your water, which will make a considerable dent in your energy spending.

Are propane tankless water heaters worth it?

If you want peak hot water generation and energy efficiency, then a propane tankless water heater is the best option.

As the name suggests, these systems do not store water in a tank and distribute it when you need it. Instead, they use a powerful flame to heat water whenever a hot water fixture or appliance needs it. A sensor calibrates how hot the flame needs to be and shuts it off when hot water is no longer needed.
Tankless water heaters have some significant benefits:

• Plentiful hot water on demand. There is no “recovery rate” with on-demand water heaters. Our team can assess your home’s peak flow rate and select a tankless water heater to meet it. You’ll never again have to put off a shower until the dishwasher is finished!
• Lower energy usage. As we’ve established, propane is already a highly efficient fuel for heating water. Tankless systems are even more energy efficient because they don’t need to reheat stored water constantly. The U.S. Department of Energy found that homes with tankless systems are up to 34% more energy efficient than homes with storage-tank units.
• More space. You can save an average of 12 square feet of floor space by going tankless. Tankless water heaters are wall-mounted and often as small as a briefcase.
• Longer service life. Because tankless water heaters are less exposed to corrosive particles, they can last over 20 years with appropriate maintenance.

Seymour Oil & Propane has the right water heater for your home.

Our expert technical team installs and services top-quality hot water appliances from Richmond, Bock, Rheem, Reliance, Bosch and other trusted manufacturers. When you speak with a Seymour team member, we’ll account for your home’s unique needs, then find the perfect water heater to meet them.

Don’t delay. Our team members are standing by to help. Contact us today.