Liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, commonly known as propane in the U.S., is a combination of propane and butane. It’s stored in a pressurized container and is a good energy alternative for cooking and heating. Meanwhile, natural gas is composed mainly of methane and small amounts of other gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This fossil fuel is available to residences in towns and cities through gas mains or pipelines.
Whatever fuel source you select, one vital thing to remember is picking the right company to install your gas line. In southern Sydney, for instance, you can search online for plumber Sutherland Shire to see plumbing companies that can do the job for you. But, please select one that specializes in plumbing, and has a good reputation for installing gas pipes for home and commercial clients.
To help you make an informed decision, here are vital points you must consider when deciding whether you should install LPG or natural gas in your kitchen:
Availability
If you live in a big town, city, or the suburbs, you won’t have sourcing problems with LPG and natural gas. But, if you live in areas that aren’t accessible to natural gas mains or pipelines, or plan to go off the grid, you don’t have a choice but to switch to propane or LPG.
You can benefit from deregulation when sourcing natural gas because it is no longer monopolized by companies. Natural gas in Georgia is deregulated, for instance. It’s one of the few US states where you can pick your natural gas supplier. That means you can get a low price for natural gas to heat your water, run your dryer, and use your stove.
Since LPG is available in tanks, you can easily transport it wherever you live. But, there are some essential tips to remember when switching to propane. Among them, you must find a reliable LPG supplier not just for availability, but also for ensuring the propane tanks meet safety standards.
Safety
Natural gas and LPG are relatively safe to use, especially if you maintain your appliance well, and remember shutting off gas to the stove when not in use or you’re going away for an extended period. However, natural gas is a little more advantageous for safety reasons because it’s lighter than air, and, thus, quickly dissipates if there’s a leak.
Meanwhile, propane is heavier than air. So, when it leaks, it’ll stay on the spot longer. And, suppose there’s a spark near the leaking propane tank—here could be a huge blast that may result in property damage or physical harm. Moreover, it would help if you took extra precautions when transporting LPG. Dropping the tank accidentally could cause a leak, which, in turn, may cause an explosion.
Effect On Environment
If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, you may want to consider picking natural gas over LPG. Natural gas is viewed as a cleaner alternative to propane.
However, natural gas is a non-renewable fuel that uses a lot of energy to extract. Some people find this a big issue when weighing the effects of natural gas on the environment. Meanwhile, companies are now offering cleaner LPG with the help of newer and more advanced refining techniques.
Cost
Global demand drives the volatility of both LPG and natural gas prices. But, the price of natural gas is generally lower than that of LPG. However, some believe that LPG is much more efficient as it heats faster than natural gas. So, you use less fuel and save more money when using LPG.
FAQs
Check out these good-to-know facts about LPG and natural gas:
- What’s the difference between LPG and natural gas?
They have different element compositions or chemicals. LPG is made from a three-carbon alkane or propane, whereas natural gas consists of a group-14 hydride or methane. Manufacturer-produced LPG is from refined petroleum and natural gas processing. LPG gas has isolated hydrocarbon mixtures to separate it from natural gas or crude oil refining.
- Does natural gas remain gas in bottles?
Natural gas remains as gas because it is methane even when pressurized. Wet or raw natural gas contains LPG, which includes propane and butane. They’re called ‘bottled gas’ made from natural gas processing.
- Are natural gas bottles lighter than LPG bottles?
LPG is heavier than air, while natural gas is the opposite. However, natural gas bottles are heavier than LPG because the former has a higher pressure.
The Bottom Line
Both LPG and natural gas are efficient fuel sources ideal for cooking at home. Since each option has good and bad points, what you install in your kitchen depends mainly on what’s best in your situation. Regardless of what fuel source you pick, finding experts to install LPG or natural gas pipes is crucial for your family’s safety and future maintenance costs.
