In South Carolina, you have plenty of options when it comes to heating and powering your home. You can choose from natural gas (called utility gas by the Census Bureau), electricity, propane, solar, fuel oil, kerosene, coal, and even wood. In South Carolina, most households use electricity for home heating, with a full 71.1% of households doing so. Utility gas, which is usually the most common energy source in other states, accounts for 23.3% of household heating in the Palmetto State.
Only 3.5% of South Carolina households utilize propane gas for home heating. This is a shame because propane prices in South Carolina make propane gas more cost-effective than electrical heating, as we’ll show below.
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Propane vs electricity energy cost calculator
Both energy sources come with their unique advantages, but their cost implications for running everyday household appliances can vary significantly. Here, we dive into a detailed comparative analysis of the energy costs of propane vs electricity. We’ve put together a series of charts highlighting the costs associated with powering common household devices with propane vs electricity in South Carolina.
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 South Carolina 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
We start by breaking down what’s typically the most expensive use of energy in your home: heating systems. Why are heating (as well as air conditioning) systems usually the most expensive?
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). More power means more money coming out of your wallet. South Carolina can have some tough winters, especially out in the more upland, interior areas. So, the heating source you choose for you house really matters because the cost of keeping your home warm will climb real 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 popular generator of residential heat are space heaters. These are especially common in cities and regions 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. South Carolina has seen the number of households using electricity for home heating increase by around 300,000 from 2010 to 2022.
In the table below is an energy cost comparison chart for propane vs electricity. The hypothetical scenario includes 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 South Carolina:
| 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 | $255.84 | $197.73 | $1,279.20 | $988.67 |
| Heat pump (4250 W) | 5 months during cold weather | $450.24 | $347.98 | $2,251.18 | $1,739.89 |
| Space heater (1500 W) | 5 months during cold weather | $158.91 | $122.82 | $794.53 | $614.08 |
| Water heater (10-20 gallon – 1600 W) | 2 hours per day | $14.13 | $10.92 | $169.59 | $131.08 |
| Water heater (30-80 gallon – 4500 W) | 2 hours per day | $39.73 | $30.70 | $476.98 | $368.65 |
So, when it comes to heating systems, using propane as a source of heat and energy is generally more cost-effective than electricity in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina using electricity for their home heating fuel increased by 25.6%. And the percentage of homes using electricity rose from 65.8% of households in 2010 to 71.2% of households in 2022. Hopefully, our energy comparison and cost analysis will make the 71.2% of South Carolina households relying on electricity think about their energy and heating, and check out propane providers.
Kitchen appliances energy cost comparison
Next, we to turn to the energy costs of common kitchen appliances, including a refrigerator, dishwasher and your oven-stove combo, which is often 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 South Carolina, 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
Here’s something to note about 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 South Carolina:
| 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 | $19.42 | $15.01 | $233.19 | $180.23 |
| Oven/stove (3500 W) | 1 | $15.45 | $11.94 | $185.49 | $143.36 |
| Dishwasher (1800 W) | 1.5 | $11.92 | $9.21 | $143.09 | $110.60 |
The average price of electricity in South Carolina is 14.52 cents per kilowatt-hour ($0.1452 per kWH), which is less than the national average. The average South Carolina price is $3.03 per gallon, which is higher than the U.S. average price. Yet it’s still cheaper to run kitchen appliances on propane vs electricity in South Carolina because propane is the more energy-efficient fuel.
Laundry and living room appliances energy cost comparison
Lastly, let’s examine 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. What’s more, 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 propane vs electricity on a monthly and annual basis in South Carolina:
| 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 | $8.20 | $6.34 | $98.42 | $76.07 |
| Fireplace (1500 W) | 2 hours per day, 5 months during cold weather | $13.24 | $10.23 | $66.21 | $51.17 |
| Washing machine (900 W) | 4 hours, 1 day per week | $2.27 | $1.76 | $27.26 | $21.07 |
The table above shows that it’s generally cheaper to run laundry appliances on propane vs electricity in South Carolina. Fortunately for those shopping around for different energy sources, South Carolina 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 South Carolina. But there are more reasons why propane is superior. 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.
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.
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.
Is it cheaper to heat with propane or electricity in South Carolina?
Heating a home in South Carolina 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?
Inflation has been rough in recent years. Rising heating and energy expenses could mean you should consider a switch from electric to propane. South Carolina generally has costs of living that are less expensive 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. 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 South Carolina, 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 exceptional. They have the capacity 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.
