Propane Gas vs. Natural Gas: Which Is Better For Your Home?
Many customers have wondered about propane gas vs. natural gas for their home energy needs. Whether you already have natural gas service at your home or you're thinking of adding propane, here are some pros and cons of propane gas vs. natural gas. Stay informed...
Before You Decide, Consider Installation Costs
If you’re like many residents in the more populated areas of Central Maine, you may already have natural gas lines supplying fuel to your home. Vice-versa, if you live in a more rural area, you may not have the convenience of nearby gas lines to tap into. Piping natural gas to a home can be cost prohibitive, which is why propane is the fuel of choice for many customers. Typically, propane is easier and more cost-effective to plumb and install when compared to natural gas.
Americans use natural gas as an energy source more than any other fuel. As the fastest growing and cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas is responsible for nearly one-third of our total energy demand and almost one-quarter of our electricity generation.
Natural Gas vs. Propane Gas Composition
Natural gas is predominantly composed of methane and is sourced from underground natural reserves via drilling and fracking. It emerges alongside petroleum deposits and is processed to remove impurities.
Propane, a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, consists of hydrocarbons like propane and butane. It is extracted from raw natural gas using refrigeration and pressure.
What Is The Cost Difference Between Propane And Natural Gas Use?
Natural gas is generally cheaper to purchase, per BTU (British Thermal Unit, a measure of energy), in areas where pipeline infrastructure already exists to lower transportation costs.
Propane has a higher energy content per unit than natural gas, of approximately 2,500 BTUs per cubic foot compared to natural gas’s 1,030 BTUs per cubic foot. This means propane-powered appliances tend to be more efficient, offering more heat and energy per unit of fuel consumed. This greater energy potential per unit also results in more efficient heating when propane is used for a home’s primary heating source.
Converting Natural Gas Appliances To Propane Gas
Switching to propane from natural gas offers many benefits, including the fact that many natural gas appliances can be converted to run on propane. Conversion requires professional installation of specialized components designed to manage the pressure and energy differences between the two fuels. The components are usually available directly from your appliance manufacturer, and Plourdes can install them correctly for safe operation.
Pros And Cons Of Using Natural Gas vs. Propane Gas For Your Home
A homeowner should consider a cost-benefit analysis of choosing natural gas vs. propane gas for their home’s primary fuel source, with a hefty consideration for the cost of installation if their home doesn’t already have natural gas supply lines connected. Here are a few pros and cons of each fuel type.
The PROS of using natural gas:
- Continuous Supply: Natural gas provides a steady supply through pipelines, minimizing the risk of running out of fuel unless those pipelines are disrupted.
- Lower Fuel Costs: Generally, natural gas is cheaper per BTU compared to propane, offering long-term savings on energy bills.
- Minimal Storage Hassles: No need for on-site storage tanks, reducing maintenance concerns.
The CONS of using natural gas:
- High Installation Costs: Installing natural gas lines can be expensive and disruptive, particularly if the home is far from the nearest pipeline.
- Limited Availability: Not all areas have access to natural gas infrastructure, especially in rural settings.
- Environmental Concerns: Although cleaner than some fossil fuels, natural gas extraction and transport can still have significant environmental impacts. Also, natural gas doesn’t burn as cleanly as propane gas.
The PROS of using propane gas:
- High Efficiency: Propane has a higher energy content per unit, making appliances more efficient and effective at heating.
- Flexible Location: Propane is ideal for homes in rural or off-grid areas, as it doesn’t require pipeline infrastructure.
- Reliable Onsite Storage: Propane is stored in tanks on your property, ensuring availability even if external supplies are disrupted.
- Safety: Propane is stored in pressurized tanks, minimizing leak risks, and has a distinct odor added for leak detection. It also doesn’t produce harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide if burned correctly, although CO detectors are still required in homes using propane. Safety is important!
The CONS of using propane gas:
- Higher Fuel Costs: Propane tends to be more expensive per unit than natural gas.
- Regular Deliveries: Propane tanks need periodic refilling, requiring diligent monitoring and scheduling.
- Initial Setup: Although less disruptive than natural gas lines, installing storage tanks and associated fittings still incurs costs.
Propane: The Clean-Burning Choice To Reduce Environmental Impact
Both natural gas and propane burn cleaner than other fossil fuels, but propane produces fewer pollutants during combustion. This produces far less impact on air quality. Natural gas can release methane during extraction and transport, which, although not directly harmful to air quality, contributes significantly to global warming.