LPG and Natural gas are two different gases, not only by name but also by composition. Natural gas is a mixture of methane, propane, and other combustible gases. On the other hand, LPG- Liquified Petroleum gas is propane. Propane, when separated from the natural gas, is stored in liquid form is known as LPG.
They are both highly combustible gases, but LPG has a higher calorific value than natural gas, which means it goes a little longer. If you are confused about which gas to choose for your daily use, you should read this article. It has the major differences between the two gases; you can pick your option accordingly.
Installation Techniques
You can find many appliances in the market that work with both natural gas or LPG. However, both the gases require a different setup and fitting for gas utilization. You need to contact the appliance manufacturer and order conversion kits if the appliance does not already come with one. In other words, it is not easy to change the source of fuel for your appliances. You will need to choose that well in advance or change the appliance for a different source.
Natural gas is available in some areas that have underground pipes fitted to bring it to homes. However, your LPG gas supplier has it stored in tanks, cylinders of different sizes. These tanks need periodic replacements or refills. For LPG, you have the option to fit a larger tank in your backyard. A professional service provider only does it. They can dig up and fit the tank underground or keep it outside as per your requirement.
Storage and Delivery Methods
Since LPG or Propane is stored in tanks and portable cylinders, it is easier for suppliers to deliver it to remote areas without natural gas provision. On the other hand, natural gas is always available for use as it is connected through underground pipes to your homes.
If there is a leak in the natural gas pipeline, you will have an increased utility bill without knowing the actual cause. However, a leak in the propane tank does not affect that much as it is stored in a limited quantity.
Chemical Difference
LPG is C3H8 and is a by-product of natural gas processing. It is the cleanest burning fuel available as it emits half the amount of carbon dioxide than other fuels. In addition, it is a non-harmful fuel as it does not pollute water or soil.
Natural gas, on the contrary, has a high composition of methane which is naturally more potent than CO2. In addition, methane is a lighter gas; hence, it rises and gradually breaks down into carbon dioxide. As a result, natural gas burns more cleanly than other fuels.
Safety and Security
Both LPG and natural gas are odorless and colorless. Therefore suppliers add a harmless chemical known as mercaptan to help in leak detection. However, it is non-combustible and adds an odor to the gas. They generally smell like rotten eggs or Sulphur.
LPG leaks are more dangerous than natural gas leaks because propane is heavier and does not rise easily. It stays down and stays in the air. On the other hand, methane is a lighter gas and rises in the air and dissolves. If you have a natural gas pipeline installed, you may want to check on any dizziness, headaches, or nauseous symptoms that get better when you leave the building. For LPG leaks, you can smell the gas and turn off the knob of your propane tank to stop the leak. Open the windows, doors and let the room ventilate itself.
Cost and Efficiency
While LPG is more costly than natural gas, but it also produces more heat than methane. Therefore, propane costs less; in others, natural gas costs less depending on the geographical areas and the availability of these burning fuels.
In any given case, both these fuels are less costly than electricity. Before deciding which fuel you should use, also consider the appliances at your home. Propane heating systems are less expensive in terms of maintenance and also last longer than their counterparts. Propane is considered to be more environmentally friendly than natural gas. However, the propane being heavier than natural gas makes LPG leaks more dangerous.
