Looking to Propane Vs Natural Gas Cost Calculator? Wondering what the cost difference will be? This cost calculator can help! Just enter in a few pieces of information, and we’ll do the math for you. Keep in mind that these are approximate calculations, and your results may vary depending on your location. Still, this calculator can give you a good idea of what to expect. So why not give it a try?
What is propane gas?
Propane gas, mostly known as LPG, is a flammable 3-carbon hydrocarbon. It is used as fuel in the kitchen, vehicles, refrigerants, etc. The full form of LPG is liquefied petroleum gas.
It indicates that propane gas can be stored in liquid form in steel containers like vessels, cylinders, and storage tanks. Propane is a fossil fuel refined through natural gas processing and crude oil refinery process. It is generally odorless. For safety purposes, the odor is added artificially.
What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a hydrocarbon that primarily consists of methane gas. Various amounts of other alkanes and gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, helium, etc. may also be present.
Natural gas is mostly found in solid and liquid hydrocarbons like coal and crude oil under the earth’s surface. The primary component of Methane is one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Propane Vs Natural Gas Cost Calculator:
we’ve created a Propane vs Natural Gas Cost Calculator. This calculator takes into account the initial cost of installation, the price of propane or natural gas, and the efficiency of the system. The calculator also considers the climate in your area and the size of your home.
Based on this information, the calculator will provide an estimate of the total cost of each system over a period of time. In most cases, propane is more expensive than natural gas on an annual basis. However, propane may be the better choice in areas with colder climates or homes with larger square footage.
Propane vs natural gas BTU comparison:
Compare to the cost of propane and natural gas, and a uniform unit is needed. However, BTU or British thermal unit is a convenient unit to measure the amount of energy both of the gases possess.
According to the British Thermal Unit, one cubic foot of propane gas equals 2516 BTUs, and one cubic foot of natural gas equals 1030 BTUs. That means, a 100000 BTU natural gas furnace can burn 97 cubic feet of natural gas in 1 hour. Again, a propane furnace can heat 40 cubic feet of propane gas per hour.
Therefore, propane supplies more than twice the energy of natural gas, which indicates the higher efficiency of the propane furnace as a source of heat. The energy content of LPG or propane gas is higher than natural gas. Out of per cubic meter of propane gas, 93.2 MJ of energy is produced. Natural gas produces 38.7 MJ of energy per cubic meter.
some bestseller propane and Lpg gas cooker:
Now, let’s take a look at the prices of both two gases for the same quantity. Natural gas costs USD 6.23 per 1000 cubic feet, which is nearly 1 million BTUs. One million BTUs of natural gas are roughly equivalent to 11.20 gallons of propane, that is, 26.99 USD worth of propane.
Apparently, unit-wise, the cost of natural gas seems to be cheaper. But, we have previously seen that propane can produce more energy per unit in comparison to natural gas. On the whole, propane would burn longer (more than twice) than the same amount of natural gas.
Combustive advantages:
Due to a higher BTU rating, propane is more likely to get heated faster than natural gas. The compatibility of the equipment you are using may also affect the whole process. Propane is less likely to stain utensils. But since both are clean fuels, there is no significant difference in terms of staining.
Setting up the conversion kits:
Now, if you want to switch to propane gas from natural gas or vice-versa, the equipment and fittings should also be changed. Both of the appliances operate at different pressure levels. The jet size in propane for LPG appliances is smaller, whereas natural gas has larger orifice or jet size. Conversion kits should be bought while switching from one gas to another. Besides, well-equipped and safe plumbing should be ensured.
Environmental aspects:
Propane or LPG burns less volume per hour, resulting in the production of fewer tailpipe emissions. On the other hand, among the other fossil fuels, natural gas has a cleaner burning with a negligible amount of by-products like sulfur, mercury, and other particulates. So there is no major distinction between the environmental impacts of both gases, although natural gas emits more carbon dioxide.
Household safety:
Propane or LPG is heavier than air. So it tends to settle down on the surface. But natural gas is much lighter than air. In case of any leakage, natural gas dissipates faster in air. Moreover, if the plumbing is done correctly, there is no risk of significant accidents due to the gas leakage in propane appliances.
Verdict:
Natural gas is more affordable and hassle-free. There is no need for storing and refilling in the case of natural gas. On the other hand, propane is better if you’re looking for a fuel that gets heated faster. Propane and natural gas both are eco-friendly. So the choice is up to you whether to switch to any of the mentioned gases.