The Dixon Energy team frequently discusses the practical differences between propane and natural gas with homeowners. To most homeowners, these energy sources seem nearly identical. They power the same types of gas systems and appliances, from furnaces and water heaters to stoves, generators and gas logs. Indeed, most propane comes from the same production pipeline as natural gas.
That said, these are two distinct and different fuels. They produce different amounts of heat and have different compositions. In this article, we’ll discuss some of these distinctions and what they mean for you.
Propane is a natural gas liquid primarily extracted from the same wells as natural gas. Fracturing rock basins to extract methane also releases liquid fuels, including ethane, butane, isobutane and pentane, and propane is the most abundant.
Extracting propane doesn’t require additional drilling since it’s part of the natural gas stream from the well. The U.S. produces a significant amount of propane and has become a net exporter. This means the propane used for heating, hot water, cooking and more is domestically produced.
(Some propane also comes from crude oil production, and we’re seeing an increasing amount of renewable propane. Renewable propane is chemically identical to conventional propane, but it’s made using organic feedstocks like used cooking oil, woody biomass and plant oils.)
The main physical difference between methane and propane is density — methane is lighter than air, while propane is heavier. Propane is stored as a liquid in tanks, making it independent of utility lines. This gives homes and businesses on-site energy storage and enhanced energy security.
Propane and natural gas technically burn at the same temperature — roughly 3,560˚F. However, when it comes to heat energy, propane packs a much bigger punch. The best way to compare the heat energy content is by looking at the British thermal units (Btu) they can generate. One Btu represents the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
A single cubic foot of propane produces approximately 2,520 Btus of heat, while natural gas generates less than half that amount, at around 1,012 Btus. That means you’re getting over twice the heat generation when you choose propane. When you combine this with the exceptional efficiency of today’s propane systems and appliances, you can enjoy superior home comfort while keeping your energy spending in check.
If you’re interested in avoiding the often high costs and significant disruption of adding a natural gas connection to your home, please reach out to Dixon Energy to discuss our propane services. We’ve been taking care of the fuel and home comfort needs of families in Morris Plains and throughout northern New Jersey for over a century. Our propane delivery and tank leasing services ensure you have a reliable supply of heating fuel when you need it. We even offer FREE automatic propane delivery to customers!
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