I'm in the process of buying a fixer upper in southern Ohio, and I'm trying to decide between gas and electric for heating and hot water. My current home is all electric with baseboard heaters, an electric stove, and an electric water heater. The new house needs a furnace and water heater, and it has existing duct work, but no propane tank. I've heard from some folks that going all electric would be easier to install, but I'm really focused on maximizing efficiency. From what I've gathered, gas seems cheaper to run. Should I opt for an electric setup or go for gas, knowing I would need to install a propane tank? There's also a wood-burning stove, but I'm unsure if that's a viable option due to maintenance. What do you all recommend?
5 Answers
Gas is generally considered to provide warmer heat, but remember that it might be tricky if you have to install a propane tank first. For costs, it really depends on your specific needs and local prices. If you're looking for consistent warmth without worrying about electricity costs spiking, gas might still be a good bet!
A heat pump and induction range sounds like a great combo! You might want to consider putting any savings from installing gas into solar panels instead. It could give you sustainability and savings in the long run!
If you had access to natural gas, I'd lean that way. Since you're starting from scratch, though, consider going electric. Adding solar could be a smart move if your location supports it!
I actually whipped up a quick cost calculator for you. It'll help figure out the best option based on your local electricity and propane rates. Electric heat pumps can be super efficient, but keep an eye out for any additional heating needs during cold snaps.
Definitely consider a propane tankless water heater for endless hot water, paired with electric for everything else. Just make sure you own the tank, so you’re not stuck with leasing it. It could be useful for a backup generator as well, especially during extreme winters!
That said, have you thought about the long-term effects of using gas? A lot of houses are slowly moving towards all-electric for health benefits too. Just a thought!