In essence, natural gas mainly consists of methane (CH₄) blended with minor amounts of other hydrocarbons. Natural gas is channeled to residences and commercial spaces through subterranean pipelines. While both LPG and natural gas are used as energy sources, they lpg vs natural gas differ in their composition and physical properties. Unlike propane, there aren’t different types of natural gas to worry about, either. You don’t need to weigh the pros and cons of truck deliveries versus picking up canisters of fuel. After your infrastructure is set up, there really isn’t much else to think about.
Getting estimates from a gas or propane furnace installer
- Call 811, the federally mandated Call Before You Dig number, and your underground utility lines will be marked for free.
- If you are running a large number of appliances on fuel, such as heaters, fireplaces, stoves, dryers, and outdoor lights, you probably want to go with natural gas.
- You will see on that page how there is a lot more to home comfort that we currently consider, and what a difference it can make if you design your home with comfort in mind.
- Often referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), this term can also cover other condensed gasses.
- Propane is being utilized more frequently for two key reasons.
- It’s supplied to homes through main gas pipelines and is used to provide heat.
This means you will use half as much propane to generate the same amount of heat or to fuel appliances in your home. If you compare propane and natural gas based on cost, you’ll definitely find that propane is sold at higher prices per unit volume. But the direct comparison is not very fair because we all know that propane has a higher heating efficiency. Therefore, both propane and natural gases don’t have any negative effects on the environment.
What is natural gas vs propane?
Propane is available to efficiently and affordably heat your home anywhere. Propane systems are cheaper to run than electric systems, and it is a reliable fuel source in the coldest of climates. As you can see, propane and natural gas are very different from one another. But if we summarize it, we can see that propane is safer and highly energy-efficient, while natural gas gives you more convenient access.
If you have an existing natural gas infrastructure in a house, then it usually makes more sense to continue to roll with natural gas. If you have no natural gas infrastructure, propane is easier to install and use than natural gas. There are also efforts to reproduce propane by using entirely natural processes. Studies are being conducted into how to use bacteria, algae, and plants to produce the C3H8 molecules without having to refine natural gas.
It is stored and transported in liquid form under pressure, making it suitable for areas where natural gas pipelines are not available. Natural gas, on the other hand, is a fossil fuel that is found underground in reservoirs. It is delivered to homes and businesses through pipelines, making it more convenient for areas with established gas infrastructure.
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Natural gas flows through the pipeline on-demand, so it will always be available when you need it for grilling, healing your home, or fueling your dryer, stove, or gas fireplace. If you decide to convert to natural gas, you will need to figure out what to do about the propane tank buried in the side or back of your yard. If you own the tank you could sell it, but you’ll have the cost—and work—of excavating it and restoring the area.
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When burned, both natural and fossil gases emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. However, natural gas has for a number of years been considered less polluting than coal and oil because it releases less CO2. While propane is a product of fossil fuels like natural gas, they are not the same. Knowing this can help you understand your energy bill a bit more thoroughly!
Energy Information Administration, natural gas prices averaged $7.37 per thousand cubic feet in October of 2022, and propane prices averaged $2.66 per gallon. Underground pipelines supply natural gas to homes, so it’s always available. Both gases are flammable, but natural gas has a higher flammability rating. Propane tanks are less likely to explode, but if they do, the impact is less because propane lines are not part of a grid system connecting houses.