Propane, classified as a fossil fuel, poses minimal harm to nature. Contemporarily, natural gas, originating from organic matter, is another product with a relatively low environmental impact. In this blog, we will get to know what is cheaper to heat with propane or natural gas.
What is Cheaper to Heat with: Propane or Natural Gas?
A very common question that often arises in people’s minds of what is cheaper to heat with propane or natural gas. So, the answer is natural gas tends to be cheaper than propane. Natural gas is widely available and passed through pipelines. It is more energy efficient than propane. The advantages of propane are a lot, so let us discuss below.
Which has More Heat: Propane or Natural Gas?
Propane is more energy efficient, and thus it has more heat than natural gas. The higher energy content of propane is the main reason that it is used in residential heating systems and in industrial processes as well. While natural gas is distributed through pipelines and is used for central heating systems for homes and businesses. So now you got the answer to one of the benefits of propane, and what is cheaper to heat with – propane or natural gas?
Also See: How to Conserve Heat Energy at Home
Is Propane Heat Expensive?
Natural gas and propane are both popular energy sources, but the question arises, is it cheaper to heat with propane or natural gas? Or is propane heat expensive? So, in reality, the cost of propane is more though the price may vary between locations and, like any other fuel, change over time. But yes considerably propane is more expensive.
How Much Cheaper is Natural Gas than Propane?
Now the question arises, how cheap is natural gas than propane? Well, natural gas costs about 30 percent less than propane.
Also See: What Appliances Use Gas in the House?
What are the Advantages of Propane?
Well, the advantages of propane are as follows:
1. Affordable and Efficient
According to the national fuel prices defined by the United States Department of Energy, the price of propane is two times less than electricity charges.
Despite propane having a higher purchase price compared to the electric model, its remarkable efficiency enables homeowners to consume less energy in comparison to appliances that run on alternative fuel sources. With propane, you can buy it in advance at low prices and store it for winter.
2. Easy to Store
Propane tanks offer remarkable environmental benefits, demanding minimal upkeep, and exhibiting an impressive lifespan of up to 40 years. Propane is a convenient fuel for grilling, camping, and other activities because it can be easily carried in liquid form.
Also Read: What is MAPP Gas?
3. Better Substitute
Switching to propane is a smart choice to reduce gasoline consumption by 20%. By expanding the utilization of this cost-effective fuel in fleets, a substantial portion of the displacement objective could be achieved.
4. Safer to Use
Propane’s safety record is excellent, thanks to the strict codes and regulations set by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
5. Environment-friendly Product
Propane is safe and does not dissolve in water. Since it is released as a gas, it does not spill, accumulate, or leave any residue. According to research conducted by the Southwest Research Institute, propane emissions generate significantly less smog-causing hydrocarbons compared to gasoline, with a reduction of 60-70%. It reduces the release of harmful substances such as benzene and toluene by an impressive 96%.
Also See: What are Eco-Friendly Products?
What are the Disadvantages of Natural Gas?
Despite being the most commonly used gas for various purposes, natural gas does have the following drawbacks.
1. Environmental Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Natural gas causes air pollution because some of it escapes into the atmosphere and cannot be fully captured. Pollution from natural gas is a major problem that causes toxicity in drinking water, human health, nearby water, animals, and ecosystems.
Burning natural gas in inappropriate conditions does contribute to greenhouse gases, and this is unavoidable. Even though it is cleaner than other fossil fuels and emits fewer greenhouse gases, it still causes pollution.
Additionally, check out our comparison blog – Renewable Energy Vs Fossil Fuels.
2. Expensive Storage
Despite the advantages of natural gas in terms of storage and transportation compared to other fossil fuels, it does have one major drawback in terms of storage. The volume of it is actually four times larger than the volume of petrol. As a result, the cost of natural gas storage is significantly higher due to the requirement for additional storage capacity.
3. Non-Renewable Source
Natural gas, like other fossil fuels, is not a sustainable solution for mankind’s energy needs and will eventually deplete. Large natural gas discoveries have been made, but they will eventually run out.
For more details on renewable resources, take a look at What are Renewable Energy Resources?
4. Suitability
A limitation of natural gas is that industrial biogas plants are only viable when there is a sufficient amount of raw materials available, such as food waste and manure. That’s why biomethane is the ideal choice for rural and suburban areas due to its formation as natural gas.
5. Toxic and Flammable
Inhaling large amounts of natural gas can be very harmful and poisonous. Methane is a gas that removes oxygen and can cause death. An accident involving natural gas can result in far more devastating consequences due to its highly flammable nature. Being colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is difficult to detect leakages. Also, due to higher combustibility, mishandling results in explosions.
Also Read: What is HDPE Plastic – Is HDPE Biodegradable?
How Much Propane Does It Take to Heat a House for a Month?
Propane is an available fuel. It takes an average of 800 gallons of propane per year to heat a 2,000-square-foot home. A 2,000-square-foot home generally requires 73 gallons of propane per month for heating. Old furnaces go through 2.67 gallons of propane on a daily basis to generate heat during winter and fall.
After reading the entire topic, you got an idea of what is cheaper to heat with propane or natural gas. When it comes to choosing a fuel for heating, cooking, or powering appliances, cost is an important consideration. Natural gas tends to be cheaper, while propane can be a practical choice in certain situations. In the end, the best fuel depends on various factors, and you should choose it according to your need and availability.
Source: FACTS ABOUT GAS AND PROPANE