Is It Cheaper to Use a Propane Heater or an Electric Heater During a Long Power Outage?
When the power goes out for days, staying warm becomes expensive fast. The short answer? Propane heaters cost less upfront but need constant refueling. Electric heaters paired with portable power stations cost more initially but might save you money long-term, especially if you can recharge with solar panels. Let's break down the real numbers so you can make the smart choice.
What are the Differences Between Propane Heaters and Electrical Heaters?
But before you even mention the price, you should consider what you are actually purchasing. Both of these heaters function in vastly different ways.
How Propane Heaters Work
Propane heaters function by consuming liquid propane gas to produce heat. They have an inner flame that heats either a ceramic or metal component, which, in turn, heats the surrounding air. There are two components to indoor propane heaters: vented heaters and ventless heaters. Vented heaters require a chimney or flue through which the exhaust is directed outdoors. Other heaters can be placed anywhere in the room, but the byproducts are released inside the room. This is the reason even “indoor-safe” units require detectors or ventilation.
Most models of gas space heaters provide heating at a rate of 10,000 to 40,000 BTUs per hour (it was previously at 30,000 BTUs). The larger the BTU, the larger space it can handle, yet it consumes fuel faster.
Functions of Electric Heaters
Electric heating is simpler. Electricity passes through a heating element, either metal coils or ceramic plates, creating heat due to resistance. You have convection heaters where warm air is blown, radiant heaters that directly heat objects, and oil-filled radiators that retain warmth for a considerably longer period.
The wattage used by most space heaters is between 750 and 1,500 watts. The average 1,500-watt space heater operating at the high setting consumes 1.5 kilowatt-hours per hour. Without power, you’ll need a generator or a portable power station to provide the energy supply.
Power Outage Reality Check
Here’s the best part: an indoor propane heater is ready to go when the electricity goes out. There’s no need for electricity to function properly. A heater requires electricity to work—or so you may think. A heater functions well only if a power station is ready to support it. A basic comprehension of these helps you understand why the comparison between costs is not simple.
How Much Does a Propane Heater Cost to Buy and Run?
Let's get into the actual dollars you'll spend on propane heating during an outage.
Initial Investment for Equipment
A decent indoor propane heater runs $100 to $500 (previously $100 to $400), depending on size and features. Budget models start around $80, while high-efficiency units with oxygen depletion sensors and tip-over shutoffs cost $300-$600 (previously $300-$500).
But the heater itself is just the start. You'll need:
Propane tanks: $30-$80 for a 20-pound tank (the same size used for grills)
Carbon monoxide detector: $25-$60
Propane hose and regulator, if not included: $20-$40
Total upfront: roughly $150-$600 to get started safely.
Propane Fuel Consumption and Pricing
This is where the ongoing costs hit. Propane prices vary wildly by region and season, but let's use the 2024 average of about $3.50 per gallon (previously $3.50). A 20-pound tank holds about 4.7 gallons, so that's roughly $16.50 per tank.
Now for consumption: A 15,000 BTU propane heater burns approximately 0.58 gallons per hour on high. That same 20-pound tank lasts about 8 hours of continuous use. Run it 12 hours a day, and you're going through 1.5 tanks every day—that's nearly $25 daily in fuel costs.
Real-World Operating Expenses
Let's map out a week-long outage with moderate use (10 hours per day):
Daily propane cost: $20.60
Weekly total: $144.20
Monthly projection: $618
These numbers assume you're running the heater pretty consistently. If you only heat at night or in one room, you'll use less. But remember—propane prices spike during winter storms when everyone's scrambling for fuel. I've seen prices jump to $5+ per gallon during emergencies.
The hidden cost nobody mentions? Driving around during a power outage, trying to find propane refills. Time, gas for your car, and the frustration factor all count.
What Does Electric Heating with Portable Power Cost?
Electric heaters seem simple until the power's out. Then you need backup power, and that changes the math completely.
Equipment Investment Breakdown
A quality electric heater costs $30-$150. Nothing fancy needed—a basic 1,500-watt model heats a room just fine.
The real investment is the portable power station. For running an electric heater, you need serious capacity:
1,000Wh station: $600-$900 (runs a heater 30-45 minutes)
2,000Wh station: $1,200-$1,800 (runs a heater 1-1.5 hours)
3,000Wh+ station: $2,000-$3,500 (runs a heater 2-3 hours)
Yes, those prices are steep. But here's what people miss—these power stations charge from wall outlets, car ports, or solar panels. Buy a 400W solar panel setup ($400-$800), and you can recharge during the day for free.
Total upfront cost with solar capability: $2,500-$4,500, depending on capacity.
Charging Costs and Methods
Charging from the grid when power's on costs roughly $0.30-$0.60 per full charge for a 2,000Wh station (using average U.S. electricity rates of $0.15-$0.17 per kWh). That's negligible.
Solar charging is free but weather-dependent. A 400W panel in decent sunlight can fully recharge a 2,000Wh station in about 6-8 hours. Cloudy days take longer or might not fully charge.
During an extended outage, you could run a 1,500W heater for 1 hour, let solar panels recharge the battery during the day, then run the heater again that evening. It's a cycle that costs nothing after your initial investment.
Long-Term Operating Costs
Here's where electric heating pulls ahead. After that high upfront cost, your recurring expenses are minimal:
Grid charging: $0.50 per day maximum
Solar charging: $0 per day
Battery replacement: Every 3,000-5,000 cycles (roughly 8-15 years with normal use)
A week-long outage with grid recharging: about $3.50 total. With solar? Zero ongoing costs.
The batteries do degrade over time, eventually needing replacement. The budget is about $600-$1,200 for a new battery pack in 10+ years. Still, that's way less than years of propane purchases.
For those who want a powerful and long-lasting backup, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro offers an ideal solution with its ability to recharge via solar panels, ensuring that you can power your heater, lights, and other devices while reducing long-term costs.
Which Heating Method Costs Less During Extended Power Outages?
Now we can actually answer the question. But the answer depends on how long "extended" means to you.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Cost Analysis
For a one-time emergency lasting a few days, propane wins on total cash outlay:
3-day outage (30 hours heating): ~$60 in propane vs $2,500+ for power station setup
But run those numbers over multiple outages or one very long outage:
First year with 4 week-long outages: Propane costs $576 in fuel alone vs $2,500 upfront for electric (but no ongoing fuel costs)
Year two: Add another $576 for propane vs maybe $20 in charging costs for electric
Year five: You've spent $2,880 on propane vs $2,500-$2,600 total for electric
The break-even point hits around 18-24 months if you face regular outages.
Total Cost of Ownership Over 5 Years
Here's the complete picture:
| Cost Category | Propane Heater | Electric Heater + Power Station |
| Initial Equipment | $300 | $2,800 |
| Year 1 Fuel/Energy | $576 | $20 |
| Year 2 Fuel/Energy | $576 | $20 |
| Year 3 Fuel/Energy | $576 | $20 |
| Year 4 Fuel/Energy | $576 | $20 |
| Year 5 Fuel/Energy | $576 | $20 |
| Maintenance | $100 | $50 |
| 5-Year Total | $3,280 | $2,950 |
Based on 4 week-long outages per year, 10 hours daily heating
Which Option Makes Sense for You?
Choose propane if:
You rarely lose power (once a year or less)
You need heat immediately, with no prep time
Upfront budget is tight
You have easy access to propane refills
Choose electric with portable power if:
You experience frequent or long outages
You can invest upfront for long-term savings
You want a multi-purpose solution (the power station runs other devices too)
You have space for solar panels to recharge for free
Don't forget the convenience factor. Running out of propane at 2 AM in a snowstorm is miserable. A power station that recharges itself with solar panels? That's freedom.
Choosing Right Heating Backup
The math is clear: propane heaters cost less initially, but electric heating with portable power stations wins long-term, especially with solar recharging. Calculate your typical outage frequency, check propane prices in your area, and factor in convenience.
Ready to invest in reliable emergency heating? The EcoFlow DELTA Pro offers unparalleled performance, with its 3,600Wh capacity and 3,600W inverter that can keep your heater running for extended periods during an outage. Ready to invest in reliable emergency heating? Start by assessing your actual power outage history and heating needs—then choose the system that matches your situation and budget.
FAQs
Q1. Can I Use a Propane Heater and an Electric Heater Together During a Power Outage?
Absolutely—they work well together and are probably even better in tougher scenarios. Use the propane heater inside as the base heat in larger living spaces because you don’t have to use electricity, and they stay warm all the time. Next, you use the electric heaterfromf the power station in the bedroom at night or for small spaces to heat the room specifically. This method diversifies propane use and helps extend the life of your portable power station, as well as provides backup in case of a failure in either one of them, because it’s versatile and flexible. Many people use electric heat as a secondary heat source because of flexibility reasons—just don’t heat the same space with propane and electric heaters,s as that’s wasteful and even hazardous with propane.
Q2. How Do Temperature Extremes Affect the Efficiency of Propane Heaters Versus Electric Heaters?
Where things get iffy with propane heaters is when the temperature is super cold, as propane doesn’t vaporize well below 20°F, so the flow rate might take longer. This results in a decrease in the number of BTUs, and the propane heaterstrugglesg just to stay on. Electric heaters, on the other hand, work fine at any temperature outside, but the battery within the portable power station loses performance. Lithium batteries, in fact, can decrease in performance by as much as 20-40% if the temperature is below freezing. So, the trick is to store the propane tank inside (not immediately next to the propane heater, naturally) or insulate your power station so that it’s warmed before usage. Electric heating is ideal when the temperature is below freezing.
Q3. What’s the Actual Carbon Monoxide Risk With Indoor Propane Heaters, and How Much Does Proper Safety Equipment Cost?
The risk is there, but easily mitigated with the right equipment and ventilation. Indoor propane space heaters emit carbon monoxide (CO)—a colorless and toxic gas. “Indoor-safe” with oxygen depletion sensors or not, these things can still produce toxic CO in un- or under-ventilated areas. Requirements include a CO detector ($25–$50) for plugging into an outlet or for battery use, kept at about knee height, where CO tends to accumulate. Leave a 1-inch window open when using a propane space heater, even when the temperature is well below freezing. Contemplate budgeting for a battery-powered backup for a CO detector ($30–$60). Add costs for necessary ventilation. Safety equipment will cost $75–$150 at a bare minimum, not optional.