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Confused about Electric/Gas/LP…

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  • #21727
    imported_refuge821
    Participant

      Maybe part of the difference is in the current trend of gas being so much higher than it used to be.  We live in Central VA and have a total electric home (1600 sf) and our bill averages under $100/month.  Last bill was $54.53 for August.  We're very into energy conservation:
      http://www.thenatureinus.com/2008/04/cut-your-energy-bill.html

      Another consideration is that some people have allergies to LP gas and even natural gas.  I had asthma in the homes we lived in that had gas, so we will never go back to that choice.

      #21747
      imported_ClairS
      Participant

        One of the problems with LP is that it's a derivative of oil, so that makes its cost tied to the cost of a barrel of oil, and that's not good.

        Electricity is normally generated by coal, nuclear, hydro and natural gas. That's what makes the price more stable. These are all things we have in the U.S.

        If you can, get natural gas instead of propane. It's price goes up and down, but it isn't nearly as expensive as LP, and no one has to refill you each year.

        The other thing to do is talk with people that have all electric service and those with both electric and propane service and see what their bills have been over the past year or so. Also note what kind of appliances they have and who their service provider is.

        Electricity has always been a good value, but heating is probably the least efficient use of electricity. Electric base board heating is probably a big energy hog and not very efficient. Forced air electric heat is probably more efficient, but not as efficient as natural gas.

        After you've made a good survey, then go with what the data is telling you.

        Also, before you buy a house, make certain it is very well insulated. No matter how efficient your energy system is, you'll be throwing money out the window and through the attic if you don't have lots of insulation.

        Clair

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