Natural gas and propane are both popular fuels, but they are not the same, and they differ in several key ways.
• Natural Gas: Composed primarily of methane (CH4), natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture. It may also contain small amounts of other gases like ethane, propane, butane, and carbon dioxide.
• Propane: Propane (C3H8) is a specific type of hydrocarbon known as a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is a byproduct of both natural gas processing and crude oil refining.
• Natural Gas: Exists as a gas at room temperature and is typically delivered to homes via pipelines.
• Propane: While it can exist as a gas at normal atmospheric pressure, propane is stored and transported as a liquid under pressure in tanks, which makes it easier to store and transport in locations without access to natural gas pipelines.
• Natural Gas: Has a lower energy content than propane. It produces about 1,030 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per cubic foot.
• Propane: Has a higher energy content, providing approximately 2,516 BTUs per cubic foot. This means propane burns hotter and provides more energy per unit compared to natural gas.
• Natural Gas: Commonly used in urban and suburban areas where pipeline infrastructure exists. It’s mainly used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.
• Propane: Often used in rural or remote areas without natural gas pipelines. It’s used for heating, cooking, water heating, and powering appliances like grills, generators, and vehicles.
• Natural Gas: Generally less expensive on a per-BTU basis because it is more abundant and delivered directly through pipelines.
• Propane: Usually more expensive per BTU due to transportation and storage costs, but it can be more cost-effective in areas without natural gas infrastructure.
• Natural Gas: Burns cleaner than other fossil fuels like coal and oil, producing fewer carbon emissions. However, methane, the main component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas.
• Propane: Also burns cleanly, producing less carbon dioxide than gasoline or diesel. It’s considered environmentally friendly, but it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
