Propane Vs. Natural Gas Comparison

Propane and natural gas - both have their own advantages and disadvantages. In fact, propane itself is derived during the processing of natural gas. So which one is better? Comparing the two in terms of efficiency, cost and possible hazards, can help you decide which one has an edge over the other.

Propane Gas

An efficient fuel, propane is normally a gas that is compressible to a transportable liquid. This fuel is derived from the petroleum products during natural gas processing. Propane is most often used as a fuel for engines and portable appliances. The popularity of propane refrigerators and propane heaters seems to be soaring day by day.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is formed by methanogenic organisms in bogs and marshy areas. The fuel is closely associated with fossil fuels, and primarily consists of methane gas. It can be stored in the uncompressed form as well as compressed form. In compressed form it is stored as:

• Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• Compressed natural gas (CNG)

It is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and hence harmful for the environment.

Propane Vs. Natural Gas

Efficiency: Natural gas contains approximately 1,030 BTU per cubic foot whereas propane contains 2,490 BTU per cubic foot, which means, if a particular amount of natural gas provides 1000 BTU energy, the same amount of propane would provide 2500 BTU energy. (BTU or British Thermal Units is a scale used to measure heat.) Because of this, when shifting from one fuel to another, you have to alter some components of your machine. Conversion kits available in the market facilitate conversion from propane to natural gas or vice versa, with utmost ease.

Cost: Propane is processed from natural gas, while the latter is extracted from the ground in a usable state. Owing to the extra processing i.e. separation and distillation, propane tends to become costlier than natural gas. Generally, propane is six times more expensive than natural gas, however the price may differ according to regions.

Portability: When it comes to portability, propane has a definite edge over natural gas because propane, which turns to liquid at - 46 degrees Fahrenheit, can be easily compressed and filled in tanks which can be transported to your homes. On the other hands, it is very difficult to compress natural gas, and therefore most often it is transported by the means of pipelines.

Risk of Explosion: Both are prone to explosion, but propane being heavier than natural gas tends to settle down which makes it more vulnerable to large explosions. Natural gas is lighter and dissipates easily, hence there are relatively less chances of explosions.

Environment Friendly: Although, both propane and natural gas are considered clean burning fuels, the natural gas is also considered a potent greenhouse gas. Propane is a non-toxic gas which won't pollute the environment even if it is released in air. Therefore, when it comes to being environment friendly, propane scores over natural gas, and is thus referred to as a 'green fuel'.

Both these fuels share several common traits, which makes it difficult to pin point as to which one is better of the two. Propane and natural gas are also used as alternative fuels in vehicles, and both are considered clean fuels when it comes to emissions.

Depending on your use, you can choose the fuel that is the most beneficial for you. Portable propane heaters and grills are available for home use. However, you should make a choice after taking into consideration several factors, the most prominent ones being safety, availability, and your usage. For instance, even though propane barbecues are available, people prefer natural gas to propane because propane barbecues tend to release pollutants which allegedly alters the taste of the food.