Can You Put Central Heat and Air in a House With Propane?

A Common Configuration

• A central furnace is among the most common types of propane heating configurations. Forced air heating systems use propane to fuel a burner that provides a flame to heat the plenum and generates the heat blown by a fan through the ducts in your home. Propane furnaces are practical in new construction because they can be installed in small areas, such as a utility closet or attic. Newer systems have electronic ignition systems that do not require a constantly burning pilot light to conserve fuel. An outdoor unit is often combined with an indoor furnace to provide air conditioning. The propane tank is typically installed outside the home, and a line feeds the fuel to the burners for use as needed.

No Chimney, No Problem

• Homes built without a chimney are ideal for propane central units. Propane heating does not require a chimney or flue to ventilate fumes. These units can be vented horizontally or vertically, and the exhaust is cooler than other sources of heat. This allows PVC pipes to carry away any toxic fumes associated with the system in a safe way that does not require a chimney. This factor makes propane central heating a good option for most homes.

Propane Advantages

• In addition to the flexibility of placement and easy ventilation options, there are other advantages for using propane in your central heating system. According to the Furnace Compare website, propane costs about half of what it costs to provide equivalent heat with electricity. Propane generally provides a consistently higher temperature of warm air and hot water than electricity. It also heats a hot water heater in far less time than an electric water heater, making for quick recovery times.

Lifespan

• Since propane central heat pumps run in shorter cycles because of their higher efficiency, they do not wear out as quickly. The average lifespan of a propane heating system is 15 to 20 years, according to the Eastern Propane website. This is up to 10 years longer than comparable electric heat pumps.