July 6, 2021 – Appliances, Home Owners, Propane Answers
Propane is a green fuel with several benefits over natural gas; mainly in efficiency, convenience and versatility. Importantly, natural gas has a higher degree of methane so it contributes more to greenhouse gas and is therefore more damaging to the environment. Natural gas is not a renewable fuel so it will not be replaceable in the near future.
But the biggest determination on propane versus natural gas is which fuel suits you best at this moment in time as it relates to infrastructure. Natural gas is delivered via pipelines but is not accessible everywhere. Propane is transported by truck and can be delivered anywhere.
Efficiencies & Convenience
Propane is clean burning and has a higher energy efficiency — over two times that of natural gas. One cubic foot of propane equals 2,506 BTUs, whereas one cubic foot of natural gas equals 1,030 BTUs. Natural gas may cost less per gallon, but more of it must be used to heat the same appliances as compared to propane.
Bundling appliances to run on propane offers the most in cost and efficiency since propane delivers more energy per dollar. Where cooking is concerned, propane is the preferred choice. It offers precision temperature control and the added convenience of portability such as for outdoor barbecuing. Propane is also more cost effective for grilling over high heat.
Versatility
Propane can fuel most appliances in your home. In addition to home heating, propane fuels water heaters, stove tops, ranges and clothes dryers. It also fuels outdoor living like pool heat, outdoor lighting, patio heaters, portable and full-home backup generators, and the list goes on.
Unlike natural gas, propane fuel is portable so it’s perfect for off-the-grid living and for transporting from one location to another, like camping and outdoor barbecues.
Propane is receiving increased attention as the fuel of choice for off-the-grid living because it is environmentally friendly, accessible, cost efficient, portable and convenient. Effective as a single source home energy solution, it can support fuel needs like stand-alone systems for home heating, hot water, cooking and other purposes.
If you are already set up for natural gas, it makes sense to stick with it. Consumers who have access to both fuels have the luxury of deciding which fuel fits their needs best, including what it’s used for most.
For instances where neither natural gas pipelines nor propane systems have been installed, a natural gas installation could be extremely costly and possibly, not available at all.
Propane is easily accessible and delivered to consumers by truck through a propane distributor.
Propane fuel is more convenient, versatile and economical than natural gas. It is stored in cylinders, commonly referred to as propane tanks which typically range in size from 5-gallon portable tanks up to 1000-gallon permanent cylinders.
These refillable above- or underground cylinders installed on your property enable you to keep an ample supply on hand at all times. The consumer decides what tank size is needed and which propane distributor to use. Propane customers also have control over whether to be on will-call or automatic deliveries.