Idaho Propane vs Electricity Energy Comparison Cost Chart

In Idaho, you have a lot of options when it comes to heating and powering your home. There’s natural gas, electricity, propane, solar, fuel oil, kerosene, geo-thermal, and even wood. In Idaho, most households use utility gas for home heating, at 51.4% of households (utility gas is usually the most common energy source in other states as well). This is followed by electricity, with 35.4% using this for their home heating energy.

However, the third most popular form of home heating fuel is propane gas, with 5.1% of households this fuel source for heating. Therefore, if you don’t have access to utility gas, you’ll likely be faced with the question: Which energy source is cheaper in Idaho, propane vs electricity?

Propane vs electricity energy cost calculator

Both propane and electricity come with their unique advantages, but their cost implications for running everyday household appliances can vary significantly. Here, we have laid out a detailed comparative analysis. We’ve assembled a series of comprehensive charts highlighting the costs associated with powering common household devices with propane versus electricity in Idaho. 

Whether you’re considering a switch in energy source, or simply curious about where your dollars go when the bills arrive, this comparison provides a comprehensive understanding of propane and electricity costs in Idaho and America overall. All prices are based on the most recent price data compiled by the National Council on Energy (NCOE), sourced from EIA estimates.

HVAC appliances energy cost comparison

Here, we take a close look at what’s typically the most costly use of energy in your home: heating systems. Why are heating systems usually the most expensive?

Basically it’s because converting one form of energy — such as electrical energy or chemical energy — into heat requires a lot of power (Note: Power is measured in watts, W). Using more power means spending more money. This point is especially crucial during vicious Idaho winters, when your heating system will be working on overdrive. So, really consider how much you’ll use your home heating when deciding on propane vs electricity.

The wattage of most home heat pumps, in the warmer months of the year, typically ranges from 545 to 4,285 watts, with an average of 2,415. In the colder months, the range is from around 1,000 to 7,500 watts. Another common generator of residential heat are space heaters. These are especially popular in places where access or usage of utility gas is limited. Not surprisingly, these same places are where electrification has grown as the main home heating fuel. Idaho is one of those states where this electrification of heat has increased, but so has the use of utility gas, propane, and, above all, solar energy.

Below is an energy cost comparison chart for a heat pump running for five months of the year during the warmer seasons, five months of the year during the colder seasons, a space heater running for five months, a 10-20 gallon water heater running for two hours per day, and a 30-80 gallon water heater running for two hours per day, in Idaho:

So, when it comes to heating systems, using propane as a source of heat and energy is generally more cost-effective than electricity in Idaho. Even though propane prices tend to rise in winter months, the increase in energy costs is usually still less than the increase in electricity prices.

From 2010 to 2022, the number of households in Idaho using electricity for their home heating fuel increased by a solid 39.2%. And the percentage of homes using electricity rose from 32% in 2010 to 35.4% in 2022, which is much less growth when compared to other states. Meanwhile, the number of households using propane for home heating rose by 12.7% over the same period. Our energy comparison and cost analysis should really make that 35.4% of households rethink their energy and heating, and check out propane providers in Idaho.

Kitchen appliances energy cost comparison

Next, we turn our focus to the energy costs of common kitchen appliances, including a refrigerator, dishwasher and your oven-stove combo, usually called a range. Although you probably are well aware that propane can be used to fuel your oven and stove, you might not know that propane can also be used for refrigerators. Also, since the hot water in your dishwasher must come from a water heater, your dishwasher too can be powered by propane, because propane can fuel your water heater.

To estimate how much it would cost to power these appliances per month and per year in Idaho, we assumed your:

• Refrigerator will be running all hours of the day
• Oven/stove will be run for a total of 1 hour over the course of a day
• Dishwasher will be run for 1 and a half hours per day

An important note on refrigerators: Refrigerators generally have a much lower “running” wattage than their stated average wattage. This is due to the fact they cycle on and off throughout the day. As a general rule of thumb, you can divide your refrigerator’s wattage by three to estimate its actual energy usage. So, a 550-watt refrigerator actually will use about 183 running watts.

Below is the energy comparison of the cost of electricity vs propane on a monthly and annual basis in Idaho:

With electricity costing an average of 11.60 cents per kilowatt-hour ($0.1160 per kWH) in Idaho and propane prices averaging $2.36 per gallon in the state, it is cheaper to run kitchen appliances on propane vs electricity in Idaho. Fortunately for those shopping around for different energy sources, Idaho has several propane dealers across the state to choose from.

Laundry and living room appliances energy cost comparison

Finally, we evaluated the energy costs associated with the laundry room — namely, the washer and dryer — as well as that common focus of the home — the fireplace. Non-wood fireplaces can be fueled by electricity or propane, among many other fuel sources. And since the hot water in your washing machine comes from your water heater, propane can be used to power your washer.

In order to estimate how much it would cost to power these appliances per month and per year, we assumed your:

• Clothes dryer will be run for approximately 4 hours total, one day per week
• Fireplace that will be running for approximately 2 hours total per day during five colder months
• Washing machine will be run for approximately 4 hours total, one day per week

Below is the energy cost of electricity versus propane on a monthly and annual basis in Idaho:

As the table above makes apparent, it is generally cheaper to run laundry appliances on propane vs electricity in Idaho. The average cost of electricity in Idaho is less than the national average. However, propane’s low average price in Idaho and its efficiency makes it cheaper than electricity.

Get quotes from up to 5 propane dealers in your area today to get the best pricing on propane delivery.

Advantages of propane vs electricity

In terms of cost, propane is better than electricity in Idaho. But, in addition to the energy comparison breakdowns above, here are some other reasons why propane is better than electricity:

Reliability and independence

Propane can be stored on-site in tanks. This allows homeowners and businesses to maintain an independent energy reserve. This contrasts with electricity, which might be subject to grid failures or blackouts. Having a propane tank ensures that even in the event of power outages or disruptions, a consistent energy source remains available.

Versatility and adaptability

Propane is a versatile energy source that can be used not only for heating. It can also be used for cooking, water heating, and even refrigeration. This multifunctional capability means that homes and businesses can consolidate their energy needs under one reliable source. Plus, as technology evolves, propane appliances are also becoming more efficient and adaptable. This further enhances their appeal over electric alternatives in certain scenarios.

Environmental impact

While both electricity and propane have environmental footprints, the source of the electricity matters a lot. In regions where electricity is primarily derived from coal or other non-renewable resources, using propane might result in a lower carbon footprint. Propane burns cleaner than many other fossil fuels. It produces fewer greenhouse gasses and pollutants.

Higher heating efficiency

Propane has a higher energy content per unit compared to electricity, which means it often delivers heat more efficiently. When used in furnaces, propane reaches higher temperatures faster than electric heat pumps. This makes propane heaters more effective in colder climates where rapid heating might be essential.

Economic considerations

In many areas, propane can be a more cost-effective energy source than electricity. While initial setup costs for propane might be higher due to the need for tanks and infrastructure, the ongoing costs can be lower in regions where electricity prices are high. This can result in substantial savings over time for homeowners and businesses alike.

Is it cheaper to heat with propane or electricity in Idaho?

Heating a home in Idaho with a propane heating system is cheaper than an electric system. Indeed, over time, propane water heaters can cost one-third less to operate. Propane heaters also heat water twice as quickly as electric water heaters.

Should I switch from electric to propane?

If you’ve been having a tough time with rising heating and energy expenses, it might be worth contemplating a switch from electric to propane. Idaho generally cheaper costs of living than the national average overall, but they’ve risen in recent years. Propane stands out as a remarkably efficient energy alternative. It often delivers the same, if not better, results with a smaller energy input compared to electricity. This inherent efficiency means you could experience comparable or superior performance. At the same time, you’ll have a noticeable reduction in energy consumption.

Converting from electric heat to propane offers not just an energy-efficient solution. It is also a potentially cost-effective one. With propane’s capacity to heat spaces efficiently, homeowners might discover that their homes remain cozy and warm without the hefty price tag often associated with electric heating. Over time, these savings can accumulate. That makes the switch a financially smart decision for those keen on optimizing their home’s energy use and reducing monthly bills.

Can you run a whole house on propane?

A whole-home propane tank offers more than just an alternative heating solution. It can also serve as the fuel source for a backup generator, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to your residence. When unexpected power outages occur, having a propane-powered generator means your home can continue to operate seamlessly. Its capacity to effectively power an entire household sets it apart as a reliable energy contingency plan.

The resilience of propane generators is truly noteworthy, with the ability to sustain a home’s energy needs for up to five days on a single tank. This extended period can be critical during prolonged power disruptions, ensuring that vital appliances remain operational. This means that even during extended outages, homeowners can maintain the comfort of a functioning air conditioner or the safety of perishables in a refrigerator. Investing in a propane generator not only guarantees peace of mind but also ensures the continuity of essential household operations when they’re needed most.

Get quotes from up to 5 propane dealers in your area today to get the best pricing on propane delivery.

Andrew Depietro