Most people think the only difference between propane gas and natural gas is how it gets delivered to your home. In fact, there are a lot of differences between the two fuels—and the value they provide.
In fact, plenty of people opt for propane even if they have the option to connect to natural gas lines. There is a string of benefits that propane delivers that natural gas just doesn’t match.
If you have a choice between propane and natural gas, how do you know the best option for your home? While there are similarities, there are important differences. It’s smart to consider the benefits and downsides of both.
Technically, both propane and natural gas burn at the same temperature—3,560˚ Fahrenheit—that’s pretty hot. But unit-for-unit, propane delivers much more heat energy than you get from natural gas.
One cubic foot of propane generates approximately 2,520 Btus of heat. One cubic foot of natural gas generates less than half as much, at about 1,012 Btus of heat. (One Btu is the amount of energy needed to increase the temperature of one pound of water by 1˚ Fahrenheit.)
In basic terms, propane delivers more than twice the Btus of natural gas, so you need much less propane to produce the same amount of heat or energy. Propane also generates more Btus than an equivalent amount of electricity. That makes propane a great value. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174.
That kind of heating power can mean a lot in the middle of a Vermont winter.
In addition to being super-efficient at heating, propane is incredibly versatile, and can be used to power other appliances such as ranges, dishwashers, laundry machines, and water heaters as well as grills and fireplaces. It can also be used to power a generator that will keep your home running when the electric lines are down.
Propane heating equipment requires less maintenance and lasts longer than heating oil-fueled equipment.
Propane doesn’t produce significant carbon dioxide; in fact, propane is approved as a “clean fuel” by the U.S. Government. Propane is also nontoxic and nonpoisonous, so it doesn’t contaminate groundwater or soil if it leaks—which means propane tanks can be safely buried out of sight.
Propane is stored in a tank at your home or business and is delivered in a truck from your chosen propane dealer. With convenient options like tank monitoring and automatic delivery, you never need to worry about supply.
There are a few cons to using propane. Propane-burning equipment often costs more to purchase than heating oil-based systems—but it tends to last longer and require less maintenance.
Propane is combustible in air, so precautions are needed to operate equipment safely.
Natural gas is very efficient at heating—just not as efficient as propane. And like propane, you can use it to run a range of appliances, including ranges and water heaters, as well as to heat your home.
Because natural gas is delivered to your home via a pipeline, you don’t have to worry about scheduling deliveries or checking your tank.
As noted, natural gas is less efficient than propane, which delivers more than twice the BTUs. So you’d need more natural gas to produce the same heat as propane.
Connecting to natural gas can be costly, depending on how far you are from the service line. It also requires excavation that can be expensive as well as destructive to your yard and garden.
Aging infrastructure can result in leaks that are hard identify and even more challenging to repair, while at the same time utilities and public utility commissions argue over who foots the bill. (Utilities would like to pass the cost on to customers.)
Those old, undersized pipelines can also result in supply challenges when temperatures plunge and demand goes up.
Leaking natural gas (which is common in those aging pipe systems) contains methane, a greenhouse gas that is very harmful to the environment.
Both natural gas and propane are subject to market fluctuations that will affect price. A dollar-for-dollar comparison can be tricky, because propane is measured by the gallon while natural gas is measured in cubic feet. When you convert the units and compare average rates, usually natural gas looks less expensive, but the comparison is still misleading. Because propane delivers more energy, you need twice as much natural gas to achieve the same amount of heat.
That means propane delivers great value for your money—and so does Jack Corse! We make it easy to do business with us with convenient automatic delivery service and friendly and responsive customer service reps to take your call. We also offer payment plans that help take the sting out of winter bills.
Contact us for more information and to become a customer today!