cost of electric vs propane heat

[yooperdirt]

Hello,

I am thinking about replacing my gas furnace with electric.
Has anyone figured out at what cost per KWH does electic heat become less expensive to run?

Variables,

1992 Nordine gas furnace, standing pilot in 700ft2 1992 home
Propane cost 3$ per gallon
Electric cost 8 cents/kwh (cheap in this area vs national average)
Northern Michigan weather

Thanks

[yooperdirt]

http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/experts/heatcalc.xls

I just found this link that will calculate my question above.

For my above example propane will cost $32.85 per million btu's and electic will cost 23.45 per same.

I might switch to the electric

[Robert]

Hi,

Depends on your area cost, your weather and your comfort level. Those calcs will get you in neighborhood, but you won't know for sure until you have tried both.


Add in the expense of a new electric furnace to that figuring also and most likely an upgrade to current electrical service panel.

Then running of 240vac to furnace area instead of 120vac.

Remember that you'll use more kwh with 240 than with 120, so also add in cost of gas along with electric rates.



Thanks,
Robert