Subject: Re: Cooking with Propane?

From: [email-masked] (Barry Andreasen - Sun BOS Hardware)
Date: 8 Sep 1993 19:31:02 GMT

/tmp/rrn7342.15861
>Living on a rural property, as I see it, I have 2 choices for a new
>stove top/oven in a new kitchen - electric or propane. I've heard lots
>of comments about gas heating, but assume they refer to natural gas,
>not propane. As a point of reference, I've only ever cooked on an 
>electric stove.
>
I also agree that gas (propane or natural) beats electric any day.  I
have used all 3 and will (given the choice) never install electric
again for a variety of reasons (listed below).  In general though
propane and gas are synonomous in functionality.  They provide similar
function but have some different features and properties that may
affect things like installation.

>So, WRT electric vs propane, any comments on :
>
>1.  quality of heat

If by quality you mean efficiency, it is similar to natural gas
(approximately 80% efficient).  Propane provides approximately 92,000
BTU/gal compared to 1000 BTU/cu.ft. for natural gas.

>2.  cost of equipment

All of the equipment is identical to natural gas equipment with
propane burner units added.  This usually is a small modification to
the burner jets to handle the liquid (larger jets).

>3.  cost of operation

Propane costs vary but around here they are about 2 times the cost of
natural gas.  I've included a comparison below that I did several
years ago that breaks this down to more of an equal comparison across
the different heat types.

>4.  how often does a propane tank need to be filled?
Depends on the size and what is hooked up.  I had a 500 (?) gal tank
that ran everything (heater, hot water, stove, and dryer), but heated
primarily with wood. The tank was filled on a schedule 4 times a year,
and was usually only about 1/2 empty each time (150-200 gallons).

>5.  we will have (hopefully) a very tight house with mechanical ventilation.
>    Are there any air quality issues?
Some people say that using propane leaves a distinct smell.  I did
notice it on a few occasions, but generally did not (I may have simply
become accustomed to it though).  In any case, it was never something
that was terribly noticeable (only once or twice in 5 years did any of
our regular house/party guests every notice it) and it is definitely
not offensive (IMHO).

>6.  Safety?
Have it professionally install first off.  I would also select
pilotless appliances.  In addition, if you expect to every see natural
gas coming up the street, use black iron piping instead of the copper
runs you can get.  LP is a heavier than air material, and if leaks
develop they will literally flood a cellar (at least until they get to
the pilot light :-{ ).  Using black iron, I felt at least a bit more
comfortable that an occasional knock wouldn't rupture the line.  In
actuallity, I don't think it would have with copper anyway (we had it
for 2 years), but black iron is also required for natural gas (due to
the pressure), so the upgrade was in preparation for the gas company
coming within reach.

In addition to heating there are some convenience aspects as well.
Electricity does not require the placement of a tank (more difficult
if you get a larger one).  LP will not leave you cold if the
electricity goes out during a cold winter storm.  Electricity is slow
to get things up to temp (cooking) and remains hot for a period
afterwards, gas is instant.

Standard comparison method for multiple heat sources
***************************************************
Source	units		Therm/unit	efficiency
______	_____		________	__________
Wood	cord		210/cord	0.7
Coal	ton		272/ton		0.7
N. Gas	cu. ft.		.01/cf		0.8
LP	gallon		.92/gal		0.8
Oil	gallon		1.385/gal	0.8
Elec	kwhr		.03412/kwhr	1.0

To figure out the relative cost find the costs in your area for these
sources, and plug them into the formula:
	cost/unit / ( Therm/unit * efficiency) = relative cost

sample results (outdated new england prices)
--------------
wood @$145/cord => $0.99/Therm
coal @$140/ton  => $0.74/Therm
gas  @$.70/100cf=> $0.88/Therm
LP   @$.90/gal  => $1.23/Therm
Oil  @$.70/gal  => $0.72/Therm
elec @$.10/kwhr => $2.93/Therm

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I said it, perhaps I meant it, but regardless, I speak only for myself!
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---

From: [email-masked]
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1993 16:01:49 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>, [email-masked] (Randy Murray Test Eng) writes:

>.....

Here in New Mexico:
Each gal of Propane rates 92,600 BTU	cost 75-90 cents
Each Therm of Gas rates 100,000 BTU	costs about 45 cents 
Each KWhr of Electricity rates 3,413 BTU cost 9 cents inavg, (or $2.63  for
100,000 BTU)

> 4.  how often does a propane tank need to be filled?

	(Number of Gal) * (92600 BTU/gal) /(total BTU consumption per day)

>....

Shang