Heat....Electric vs Gas vs Propane

[ETMom]

We use our woodstove to heat for the short amount of time that it is cold.
Another option would be a pellet stove. They don't seem to be as popular here, as where I am from, however, they are very efficient in their heating. I have one that can burn pellets and corn. It has an automatic thermostat, so all I have to do is fill the hopper and clean the ash tray (usually once per week). Pellets average about $3.50 per 40 pound bag.
We lived in the high desert when we bought ours. It was no big deal to have 3 to 4 feet of snow for 3 to 4 months. Our last winter there averaged approximately 22 degrees for 4 months. During these cold months, I used about a bag of pellets a day and kept my home at about 76 degrees.
I only saw about a $25.00 per month increase in my electric bill (stove uses electricity for the blower and for the fire pot)
You don't have to deal with smoke if you forget to open the damper of the wood stove. They are very clean and the heat they put out is the same warm comfortable heat as from a wood stove.
Just another option.

[Capt Wizard]

I just want to use propane for cooking and the hot water heater. I expect the heater to take the most. But have no idea how much. Need to know to properly size the tank. Thanks. CW

[stillkit]

For the past 30 years, I've lived in north Texas in homes with electric, gas or propane heat.

Frankly, I've noticed little difference in the cost most of the time. Right now, thanks to G.W. Bushs' "deregulation" of the electric business, my typical winter-time heating bill is about $300+ for the coldest months. When I had propane, the cost of filling the tank would invaribly rise to the $500+ level during the winter and, in one particular cold snap, I had to have it filled twice in one month. Natural gas is relatively cheap, but you still have to add your electric bill on top of that, so it too comes out about the same.

[StarMD]

Natural gas is almost always cheaper than electric, where propane and electric prices can oscillate.

This [url=http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=914]DOE Energy Costs - National Propane Gas Association[/url] shows a price comparison from 1999 to 2007. Prices will vary by location, so you should check in your area.

This [URL]http://www.saveonenergy.com/compareoffers.aspx?sa=1&zipCode=76180&ContextId=1& subpageid=26&serviceTypeId=1[/URL] is a comparison of electric rates in the DFW area.

Oncor provides the lines and service, while the you can purchase electric from various retail providers in this area.

[Kantom]

I'd go with cow pattie heat. The "chips" are in abundant supply. They're also light weight in summer during drying. My brother bought 3 heifers for his large backyard just as a source. Kids also play with the cows, learning how to milk them and watch out for snakes. They also eventually provide plenty of beef for the freezer, but you have to replenish your small herd, unless you bring in a bull for conjugal visits.

[Kantom]

I'd also try burning bermuda grass in an outdoor kiln. Plenty of grass in summer. Buy an old industrial vapor system to move the warm air via ducts into the living space. Use a recirculatory add-on to keep smoke levels down.

[loves2read]

different kind of troll I guess--a "green" one

[killer2021]

Natural gas by far especially since DFW is sitting on a massive shale deposit that holds AT LEAST 2.5 TCF of gas. If natural gas prices spike the well owners will just pump more gas and keep the price low. Hydraulic fracturing has created a new gas boom for the USA. I am surprised we aren't rushing to convert our cars to natural gas!