Comparisons are a big part of our lives and they can help us to make important decisions about costs, safety, efficiency and much more. This is certainly the case with natural gas and LPG. The two gasses essentially fill the same needs so which is better, economically, and in other areas. Let’s find out.
The Great Gas Comparison
While LPG and natural gas vary at the chemical and molecular level, today we’re just going to focus on the important differences that might matter to home and business owners.
Natural gas is the gas which enters our homes through the pipes and can be used for a range of purposes – from heating to cooking and for various appliances. As the name suggests, natural gas is a natural and clean source of energy which is formed from deep within the earth and delivered conveniently to our homes.
While it has no smell or colour, the gas we use has a natural and unpleasant scent added to it for safety purposes.
LPG, or liquid petroleum gas, is a by-product, which essentially means you are recycling when you make use of it. Just like its natural cousin, you can’t really see or smell it but it is also given a scent to alert us to gas leaks.
Around the home LPG is used for the same purposes as natural gas, but it doesn’t come to us through the pipes, but rather in tanks that we store around the home.
Now we’ve seen an overview about how these products differ, let’s look at the pros and cons they have.
Convenience or Flexibility
When it comes to the more convenient gas you simply can’t beat natural. This gas comes to us straight from the pipes, meaning there’s no storage considerations, unlike LPG which need their gas tanks stored outside the home.
On a similar note, the gas in those tanks can run out and will need replacing. If you’re not keeping a watch on your levels you could get a nasty surprise during your shower or before the barbeque.
The only advantage for LPG here is that it can be installed and used in areas where natural gas in unavailable.
Safety
Safety considerations are another important point of comparison and said simply, both products are safe for use. While LPG is heavier in the air and doesn’t diffuse as easily, you can rest easily using both of these for your home.
That said, you need to respect all gasses by acting responsibly around them and watching diligently for leaks.
The Price Comparison
Finally we have the question of economy. The actual running costs of natural gas and LPG will vary. Natural gas connections incur a service charge every three months. If you only have one appliance it can be cost effective to have a small LPG cylinder that you can change yourself. It’s a different story if you have large LPG cylinders which have a rental cost. If you have multiple appliances such as a hot water heater, cooktop/cooker it will be more cost effective to run them on natural gas if it is available in your area.
Conclusion
With all the facts before us, it seems that natural gas is generally the better option, especially if you’re powering your entire home. Don’t write off LPG entirely though. It’s convenient for many areas and certainly has its use powering individual appliances.
Just remember to always be safe around gas, and that includes using professional gas fitting services. For a reliable professional in Brisbane, you can contact Jason’s Plumbing for all your natural gas and LPG needs – from installations to appliances and gas leak repairs.