When temperatures drop and snow piles high, New Englanders know one thing for sure — a reliable, efficient home heating system isn’t optional. It’s essential. But when it comes to keeping your home warm through those long, frigid months, the big question is: should you heat with propane or electricity?
At Tankfarm, we believe knowledge is power (and warmth). So let’s break down how propane and electric heating stack up when it comes to efficiency, cost, reliability, and environmental impact — and why more New England homeowners are switching to propane every year.
1. Understanding Efficiency: How Each Energy Source Converts Power to Heat
Propane Efficiency
Propane is one of the most efficient home heating fuels available today. Modern propane furnaces operate at efficiency ratings between 90–98%, meaning nearly all of the energy in propane is converted directly into usable heat. Because propane burns hotter than electricity, it warms air faster and maintains that warmth longer — especially important when temperatures fall below freezing.
Electric Efficiency
While electric heat pumps have made strides in recent years, they struggle in cold climates. Once outdoor temperatures drop below 30°F, electric systems often need backup heating (typically electric resistance coils), which drastically reduces efficiency and drives up utility costs. In a New England winter, that means your electric system could be working overtime — and your bills will show it.
Verdict: For cold climates like New England, propane wins on efficiency. It provides instant, powerful heat, without the strain or backup systems electricity often requires.
2. Cost Comparison: Which Option Saves You More Money?
Electricity Costs in New England
Electricity rates in New England are among the highest in the nation, averaging between 25–30 cents per kWh, depending on your utility provider. When you’re heating a home all winter, those rates can add up quickly — especially as demand surges during cold snaps.
Propane Costs in New England
Propane prices are typically more stable and predictable, especially when you’re with Tankfarm. Our technology-driven approach gives customers real-time pricing transparency, letting you track trends and manage your energy spend. And unlike electricity, propane doesn’t spike based on grid demand or weather emergencies.
Many of our New England customers report saving hundreds — even thousands — of dollars annually after switching from electric heat to propane.
Verdict: With fair, transparent pricing and high energy output per gallon, propane is the more cost-effective choice for most New England homeowners.
3. Reliability: When the Power Goes Out, Propane Keeps You Warm
Winter storms and nor’easters are a way of life in New England — and power outages can last for days. If your home relies on electric heat, you’re left in the cold the minute the grid goes down.
Propane, however, operates independently of the electric grid. With a properly sized tank, you can heat your home, cook your meals, and even power your generator without interruption. Tankfarm’s SMART tank monitors take that reliability one step further — tracking your levels in real time and automatically scheduling deliveries so you never run out.
Verdict: When it comes to reliability, propane is unmatched — especially in storm-prone regions like New England.
4. Environmental Impact: Propane Is a Cleaner Choice
If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, propane offers a cleaner-burning alternative. It emits fewer greenhouse gases and less carbon dioxide than electricity generated from coal or oil. In fact, propane produces 43% fewer emissions than the equivalent amount of electricity when sourced from fossil fuels.
Plus, propane is non-toxic and non-polluting, meaning it won’t harm soil or groundwater if spilled — a key advantage over fuel oil. As renewable propane becomes more available, its environmental edge continues to grow.
Verdict: For eco-conscious homeowners, propane offers both performance and peace of mind.
5. Comfort and Versatility: Why Propane Feels Better
Beyond efficiency and cost, propane simply feels better. It delivers warmer air (around 115°F to 125°F) compared to electric systems, which often produce air around 95°F. That’s why propane-heated homes feel cozier, faster.
But propane’s versatility extends far beyond your furnace:
- Water heating: Propane water heaters recover twice as fast as electric ones.
- Cooking: Propane stoves provide precise temperature control favored by chefs.
- Backup power: Propane generators keep your lights — and heat — on during outages.
- Outdoor living: From patio heaters to fire pits, propane extends your outdoor season well into fall and winter.
With Tankfarm, your entire energy ecosystem can run smarter — and cleaner — on propane.
6. Why New England Homeowners Choose Tankfarm
We’re not just another propane company. Tankfarm combines rugged reliability with cutting-edge technology to make home heating simpler, smarter, and more affordable.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Fair & Transparent Pricing: Our commitment to technological innovation and efficiency ensures you always receive fair and transparent pricing. Unlike other providers, we never charge tank rental, delivery, or any other hidden fees—ever.
✅ Never Run Out Guarantee: With free tank monitoring and automated refill services you'll never run out of propane, guaranteed.
✅ Best In Class Customer Service: Tankfarm leads the propane industry in customer satisfaction, earning the highest ratings across the board. In 2025, we achieved a Net Promoter Score of 82—more than double that of our nearest competitor.
The Bottom Line: Propane Wins for New England Winters
When you stack up all the factors — efficiency, cost, reliability, comfort, and sustainability — propane outperforms electricity in nearly every category.
For homeowners across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, propane delivers powerful, consistent, and affordable heat — the kind of warmth New England winters demand.
If you’re ready to make the switch, Tankfarm makes it easy. From installation to monitoring, we handle everything — so you can stay warm without the worry.
👉 See how much you could save this winter.
Get your free propane quote today.
