In New Hampshire, you have a ton of options when it comes to heating and powering your home. You can choose from natural gas, electricity, propane, solar, fuel oil, kerosene, gasoline, coal, and even wood. Most households in New Hampshire rely on fuel oil, kerosene, gasoline, alcohol, and other combustible liquids for home heating, with 40.1% of households doing so. The second-most used energy source in New Hampshire is utility gas, with 21.8% of homes using this fuel source; utility gas is usually the most common energy source in other states.
However, coming in third place is propane, with 18.7% of homes in New Hampshire using it for heating and energy. In fact, out of all 50 states, New Hampshire has the highest rate of households that use propane for home heating.
But if you don’t have access to utility gas or fuel oils, then your choices of energy supply narrow. The two most common alternatives in this case are propane gas and electricity. So, you may have to find out the answer to the question: Which is cheaper, propane vs 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 gas and electricity come with their unique advantages and drawbacks. But more importantly, their cost implications for running everyday household appliances can vary significantly. Therefore, we put together a detailed energy comparison of the costs associated with propane vs electricity. We’ve also constructed a series of charts that highlight the costs involved in powering common household devices with propane vs electricity in New Hampshire.
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 New Hampshire 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
First, we’ll break down what’s usually the most costly use of energy in your home: heating systems. Why are heating systems usually the most expensive?
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). More power means more money coming out of your wallet. And in New Hampshire, those New England winters are notoriously severe, which means that the energy costs related to heating are going to add up quickly.
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 and, not surprisingly, the same places where electrification has grown as prime home heating fuel. The number of households in New Hampshire that use electricity for home heating has increased by 56.1% from 2010 to 2022. Usage of propane, however, grew at an even greater rate, 57.7%.
Below is an energy cost comparison chart of propane vs electricity 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 New Hampshire:
| Appliance (W, average) | Length of Time Used | Cost per Month: Electricity | Cost per Month: Propane | Cost per Year: Electricity | Cost per Year: Propane |
| Heat pump (2415 W) | 5 months during warm weather | $410.72 | $218.62 | $2,053.59 | $1,093.08 |
| Heat pump (4250 W) | 5 months during cold weather | $722.80 | $384.73 | $3,613.98 | $1,923.64 |
| Space heater (1500 W) | 5 months during cold weather | $255.10 | $135.79 | $1,275.52 | $678.93 |
| Water heater (10-20 gallon – 1600 W) | 2 hours per day | $22.68 | $12.07 | $272.26 | $144.92 |
| Water heater (30-80 gallon – 4500 W) | 2 hours per day | $63.78 | $33.95 | $765.73 | $407.58 |
Thus, when it comes to heating systems, using propane as a source of heat and energy is way more cost-effective than electricity in New Hampshire. Even though propane prices rise in winter months, the increase in energy costs is usually still less than the increase in electricity prices. Hopefully, our energy comparison and cost analysis of propane vs electricity should really make the 11% of New Hampshire households using electricity rethink their energy and heating, and check out propane providers.
Kitchen appliances energy cost comparison
Next, we’ll break down the energy costs of common kitchen appliances, including a refrigerator, dishwasher and your oven-stove (this combo is often called a range). While you might be aware that propane can be used to fuel your oven and stove, you might not know that propane can also be used for refrigerators. Additionally, 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 New Hampshire, 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 propane vs electricity on a monthly and annual basis in New Hampshire:
| Appliance (W, 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 | $31.18 | $16.60 | $374.36 | $199.26 |
| Oven/stove (3500 W) | 1 | $24.80 | $13.20 | $297.79 | $158.50 |
| Dishwasher (1800 W) | 1.5 | $19.13 | $10.18 | $229.72 | $122.28 |
With electricity costing an average of 23.31 cents per kilowatt-hour ($0.2331 per kWH) and New Hampshire propane prices averaging only $1.82 per gallon, it is much cheaper to run kitchen appliances on propane vs electricity in New Hampshire. Fortunately for those shopping around for different energy sources, New Hampshire has several propane dealers across the state to choose from.
Laundry and living room appliances energy cost comparison
Third, we’ll break down the energy costs of those two mainstays of the laundry room — washers and dryers — as well as that hearth of the home — the fireplace. Non-wood fireplaces can be fueled by electricity or propane, as well as several 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 New Hampshire:
| Appliance (W, 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 | $13.17 | $7.01 | $158.01 | $84.10 |
| Fireplace (1500 W) | 2 hours per day, 5 months during cold weather | $21.26 | $11.32 | $106.29 | $56.58 |
| Washing machine (900 W) | 4 hours, 1 day per week | $3.65 | $1.94 | $43.76 | $23.29 |
As the table above makes clear, it is substantially cheaper to run laundry appliances on propane vs electricity in New Hampshire. The average cost of electricity in New Hampshire is well above the national average, while propane’s comparatively cheap price in the state and its energy-efficiency makes it the cheaper fuel source.
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.
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. This is particularly important for households in more remote parts of New Hampshire.
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.
What is cheaper to heat with propane vs electricity in New Hampshire?
Heating a home in New Hampshire 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. New Hampshire generally has costs of living that are around 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 New Hampshire, 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.
