In Missouri, you have a lot of options when it comes to energy and powering your home. There’s natural gas, electricity, propane, solar, fuel oil, kerosene, coal, and even wood. Indeed, 2.6% of Missouri households use wood as their fuel source for home heating.
However, most households in Missouri use utility gas for their home heating needs, with 48.8% of households doing so. The second-most common home heating fuel is electricity, with 39.2% of households in Missouri using this energy source.
In third place is propane, with 8.4% of Missouri households using propane gas for home heating. If you don’t have access to utility gas, your choices of fuel source for home heating will likely come down to propane or electricity. So, if you’re deciding between energy sources for your home, you might have to deal with the question: Which is cheaper in Missouri, propane or electricity?
Get quotes from up to 5 propane dealers in your area today to get the best pricing on propane delivery.
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Propane vs electricity energy cost calculator
Both propane and electricity come with their own unique advantages, but their cost implications for running everyday household appliances can vary significantly. Here, we’ve laid out a detailed comparative analysis of energy costs between propane and electricity. We’ve put together a detailed chart showing the costs associated with powering common household devices with propane versus electricity.
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 Missouri and America overall.
Laundry and living room appliances energy cost comparison
Next we turn to one of those two pillars of the laundry room: dryers. We’re also going to look at living room appliances that can run on propane. For example, non-wood fireplaces can be electric or propane (among other fuel sources). To estimate how much it would cost to power these appliances per month and per year, we assumed your:
- Clothes dryer will be running 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
Below is the energy cost of electricity versus propane on a monthly and annual basis in Missouri:
| Appliance (watts, average) | Hours of Use | Cost per Month: Electricity | Cost per Month: Propane | Cost per Year: Electricity | Cost per Year: Propane |
| Dryer (3250 W) | 4 hours, 1 day per week | $8.04 | $4.08 | $96.46 | $48.95 |
| Fireplace (1500 watts) | 2 hours per day, 5 months during cold weather | $12.98 | $0.94 | $155.82 | $11.30 |
As the chart above makes clear, it is generally cheaper to run laundry and living room appliances using propane versus electricity. The average Missouri propane price is cheaper than the national average, as is the average cost of electricity in Missouri. However, propane is still cheaper than electricity.
HVAC appliances energy cost comparison
The heating and cooling systems used in your house usually consume the most energy. That’s because converting one form of energy — such as electrical energy or mechanical energy — into heat requires a lot of power (Note: Power is measured in watts). More power means more money and with the winters Missouri can get, your home heating system will be used a lot.
The wattage of home heat pumps, in the warmer months of the year, typically range 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. Below is an energy cost comparison chart for a heat pump running for five months of year during the warmer seasons, five months of the year during the colder seasons, and a space heater running for five months in Missouri:
| Appliance (watts, average) | Length of Time Used | Cost per Month: Electricity | Cost per Month: Propane | Cost per Year: Electricity | Cost per Year: Electricity |
| Heat Pump (2415 watts) | 5 months during warm weather | $250.73 | $127.25 | $1,253.65 | $636.27 |
| Heat Pump (4250 watts) | 5 months during cold weather | $441.24 | $223.95 | $2,206.22 | $1,119.73 |
| Space heater (1500 watts) | 5 months during cold weather | $155.73 | $79.04 | $778.67 | $395.20 |
Yet again, we can see that using propane as a source of heat and energy is cheaper than electricity in Missouri. Those 39.2% of Missouri households that use electricity for home heating should check out propane suppliers in their area, so they can save on energy costs.
Kitchen appliances energy cost comparison
Let’s take a look at a couple of common kitchen appliances, including a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and your oven-stove. In order to estimate how much it would cost to power these appliances per month and per year, 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
It’s important to note that 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 cost of electricity versus propane on a monthly and annual basis in Missouri:
| Appliance (watts, average) | Hours of Use per Day | Cost per Month: Electricity | Cost per Month: Propane | Cost per Year: Electricity | Cost per Year: Propane |
| Refrigerator (550 W) | 24 | $19.03 | $9.66 | $228.53 | $115.99 |
| Oven/stove (3500 W) | 1 | $15.14 | $7.68 | $181.79 | $92.26 |
| Dishwasher (1800 W) | 1.5 | $3.95 | $1.94 | $47.40 | $23.24 |
As you can see in the chart, it is generally cheaper to run kitchen appliances using propane versus electricity in Missouri. Fortunately for those shopping around for different energy sources, Missouri has several propane dealers across the state to choose from.
Advantages of propane vs electricity
In terms of cost, propane is better than electricity in Missouri. What’s more, in addition to the energy comparison breakdowns above, here are some other reasons why propane is better than electricity:
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.
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.
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.
Environmental impact
Both electricity and propane have carbon footprints. But the source of the electricity matters considerably when it comes to how “green” it is. 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.
Is it cheaper to heat with propane or electricity in Missouri?
Heating a home in Missouri 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. Missouri generally has costs of living that are lower than the national overall average. 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.
Get quotes from up to 5 propane dealers in your area today to get the best pricing on propane delivery.
Can you run a whole house on propane?
In Missouri, 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. These propane-powered generators ensure 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. They have 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 by 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.
