The next line up in our series of articles comparing heating types is pellet stoves vs propane. These two heating types are a bit more difficult to compare because they are actually quite different.
But, we will do our best and try to present all the info to you in an unbiased fashion. So lets get started!
Pellet stoves are installed in one location and that's where they stay. They are space heaters and are designed to heat room they are in - although they do well in heating whole houses if you choose the right unit.
Propane heaters also come in two styles:- Wall mount - mounts on a wall
- Outdoor heater - designed to heat outdoor areas
- Central heater - heats the whole house
- Semi-portable units
Propane heaters can be a little more flexible as there are portable and outdoor models available. They can also be installed as a central heating unit so can heat an entire house effectively.
Heating performance between the two heater types really depends on the style of the propane heater.
Pellet stoves will generally pump out more heat and heat a larger area than a wall mount propane heater. But of course, a pellet stove cannot compete with a central unit that heats an entire house.
As a very broad statement - both heater types are similar when it comes to space heating.
Both propane heaters and pellet stoves have similar efficiencies as well - they both waste very little of the fuel in the burning process.
Installation costs for heaters are one of the hardest things for me to estimate. The costs can vary so much depending on your location, style of house, existing heater and so much more.
I have used some very broad averages in the table below - so be sure to do your due diligence and ask your local experts for a firm price.
So as you can see, propane heaters are quite a bit cheaper when you look at overall costs. This is due to the price of the actual heater being much cheaper, while labor costs to install a propane heater are actually higher than that of a pellet stove.
Now take a look at the graphic below - talk about a winner by a long shot!
Pretty extreme hey?
Pellet stoves are complex machines and as such, require quite a bit more maintenance than a propane heater.
A few other things to consider before deciding which heater type is best for you:
- Pellet stoves require electricity to operate, but backup options are available
- Propane heaters may be indoor safe or outdoor only. Outdoor only heaters produce dangerous carbon monoxide being released into the indoor environment which is very dangerous and even deadly
- Pellet stoves require constant refueling. This may or may not be suitable for your situation. Bags of pellets are large and quite heavy, so take this into consideration. You will also need somewhere to store a considerable amount of pellet fuel if you use your heater often
It is always a tough gig, giving a recommendation. Both heater types have their benefits and downfalls.
Propane heaters are cheap and require little maintenance, but are expensive to run.
Pellet stoves cost more to install and require constant refueling, but are very cost effective heaters.
But for this comparison, I believe the pellet stoves come out on top. While they do cost a little more to get up and going, in the long run, they will save you money and the radiant heat they provide is comforting on those cold winter days.
Interested in learning more about this topic? Check out these articles:
