Propane Vs. Natural Gas: Which is Better for Your Home?
When it comes to heating your Western Massachusetts home, there are a lot of factors to consider. While we don’t always get to choose which fuel our home uses, if you find yourself needing to decide between propane or natural gas for your home’s heating system and appliances, FSi has some helpful information to guide you in your decision. Keep reading this blog post to learn the key differences between propane vs. natural gas.
Propane vs. Natural Gas: What’s the Difference?
What is Propane?
Propane is a liquid petroleum gas, often referred to as LPG and is a produced one of two ways – as a by-product of natural gas, or through the accumulation of agricultural waste. The latter method creates what is called renewable propane making it a clean and more environmentally friendly fuel option.
What is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that forms underground and contains mostly methane and also butane, propane, and carbon dioxide. Before natural gas can be used in homes, it must go through a process of removing many of the ingredients found in it. After that, it can be run through pipes to reach commercial and residential spaces.
The Differences Between Propane and Natural Gas
There are a few key differences between propane and natural gas that can help you weigh the pros and cons when deciding which fuel choice is better for your home.
Related Post: Why Propane for Your Home?
Cost
Initially natural gas appears to be a cheaper option than propane. However, if you have to put in a gas line to reach your home, that can be an expensive up-front cost. Also, natural gas burns nearly twice as fast as propane, meaning you’ll be spending more money on fuel to stay warm or to keep your appliances running.
The two fuels are measured in different units – propane in gallons and natural gas in cubic feet. Prices for both fuels tend to fluctuate yearly, making it a little more difficult to compare the overall cost.
Efficiency
Because propane is longer lasting, it is a more energy efficient fuel than natural gas. If you live in a colder climate, this is an important factor to consider, as you’ll likely be using more fuel in the winter to stay warm. Propane also produces clean emissions which means it meets the standards put forth by the EPA for burned fuels. In this area, propane is the clear winner.
Safety
When it comes to our homes and family, safety is a top priority, so choosing a fuel option that is less likely to cause an issue is key. While both are highly flammable, propane has a flammability range of 2%-10% compared to 10%-15% in natural gas. Also, a natural gas leak in pipes is often difficult to detect and costly to repair. Overall propane is a safer choice and is endorsed by the National Fire Protection Agency.
Related Post: Propane Safety Tips
Final Thoughts About Propane vs. Natural Gas
Overall, at FSi, we believe propane is a great fuel option for its efficiency, eco-friendliness and overall cost. To start using propane in your home contact FSi and let us take care of all your propane concerns and needs. Get in touch with us by visiting our office in South Hadley, calling us at 413-552-3500, or contacting us online.