The Differences Between Propane and Natural Gas

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Gas stoves and other appliances or furnaces in a home use natural or propane gas as fuel. Both of them are an incredible source of fuel that can keep your home warm and your appliances running smoothly. While natural gas is usually found underground, it comes with different gases that include butane, propane, and methane. Natural gas can come in liquid form, compressed, or uncompressed.

Propane on the other hand, also known as liquefied petroleum gas is usually stored in liquid after being separated from natural gas. If you’re trying to decide which of the two you should install in your home, there are several differences you must consider. Some of these differences include the delivery method, the efficiency, the safety, the installation as well as the compositions.

Installation techniques

Most home appliances work with both natural and propane gas, but each of them require different installation techniques and fitting. When you decide to switch from propane gas to natural gas, you must use a conversion kit from the appliance manufacturers. If the appliances came with the kit when you first bought it, then you don’t need to buy one.

When it comes to natural gas, it can only be found in different areas that have underground piping. Propane on the other hand is stored in cylinders or tanks that needs to be refilled or replaced on a regular basis. One of the benefits of propane is that it comes in different sized cylinders. You can choose a large tank and have it buried underground for safety purposes.

If you decide to convert from propane gas to natural gas, you need to get rid of the propane tank or at the very least have it emptied. You can have your tank removed if you want to sell it or you can leave it behind the place if you don’t intend to sell it.

Delivery and storage method

Propane is advantages because it can be delivered anywhere. This makes it and ideal choice for a lot of homeowners, especially people who live in rural areas or far away from natural gas pipeline. If you choose to use propane, you need to have it delivered and your tank refilled.

It may be quite hard to get it during snow storms but it’s still more convenient compared to natural gas. When it comes to safety, a natural gas leak is worse because the supply is always available making it very dangerous. When it comes to propane however, the supply is just one tank so it is finished and the leak will stop once it runs out.

Cost and Efficiency

Propane tends to be a little more expensive than natural gas. However, it has a much higher heat compared to natural gas. In some areas though, natural gas can be more economical, while in other areas, propane gas costs less.

Before you install any kind of gas, it is important to consider what kind of appliances you have in your home. Propane heater systems and most propane appliances usually last longer compared to natural gas appliances