Fueling Your Home: 
Differences between Propane and Natural Gas

When it comes to selecting an energy source for your home, many want to know how propane stacks up against natural gas. Both have their merits, but for a growing number of Canadian households, propane emerges as the clear winner. Its advantages in cost, versatility, and environmental impact make it a standout choice for modern homes. Let’s explore why propane is often the better choice for a variety of household applications and for all your residential energy needs.

Propane vs. Natural Gas Cost Comparison

Propane is a clean, available, cost-effective and versatile fuel. While natural gas has strengths in certain geographies and applications, natural gas can be a less efficient fuel when compared to propane. When you convert between units and compare average rates, it may appear that natural gas is the cheaper option. However, the ‘real cost’ for your home will depend on a number of factors including where you live and the efficiency of your furnace and appliances. Check our article on propane vs. natural gas.

Propane Long Term Savings

Propane is not just about heating; it's about overall energy efficiency. One common misconception is that propane is more expensive than natural gas. Although natural gas may appear cheaper upfront, propane's higher energy output means it provides more energy per unit, leading to less consumption and long-term savings. 

Additionally, propane is a portable fuel that doesn’t rely on the grid system, which makes it an ideal solution for rural and remote customers. Whereas the natural gas infrastructure is underdeveloped making the fuel inaccessible to much of rural Canada. Although natural gas prices may seem favourable for consumers, the high cost of building the grid system and connecting rural customers can make it economically unviable.

Performance Analysis: Propane vs Natural Gas

Heating Efficiency and Speed

Propane's higher BTU output translates into faster and more efficient heating compared to natural gas.  Although the cost per unit is less for natural gas, you’ll use twice as much of it to power the same appliances. Simply put, propane produces more heat or energy for the same amount of fuel, therefore less fuel is used.

Additionally, due to its higher energy content per unit, propane also can heat spaces and water faster than natural gas. This is particularly advantageous in colder climates or in situations where quick temperature changes are needed.

Propane Reliability and Accessibility

Propane's ability to be stored and its transportability make it a reliable energy source, especially in remote or rural areas where natural gas pipelines are not available. This ensures that homeowners have a consistent energy supply, regardless of their location. 

Superior Propane’s Auto Delivery program ensures customers’ propane supply is continuously replenished for undisrupted warmth and comfort. In addition to being a reliable fuel source, propane becomes even more cost-effective by opting in one of our flexible pricing plans that works with your budget and energy needs. 

Propane's Health and Safety Advantage

A Cleaner Burning Fuel

Propane stands out as an environmentally responsible choice, when compared to natural gas, due to its reduced emission profile, making it a very eco-friendly fuel. Unlike natural gas, propane is not classified as a greenhouse gas and has no impact on the atmosphere if accidentally released prior to combustion. In contrast, natural gas, primarily composed of methane, becomes a significant environmental hazard when it escapes unburned into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and up to 5% of natural gas can be inadvertently released during transmission, prior to use. This unburned methane has a greenhouse impact on the atmosphere that is 25 times greater than CO2. These differences in emissions make propane preferable, particularly in residential settings where air quality is a crucial concern.

Leak Safety Considerations in Propane Use

While both fuels contain mercaptan, an added odourant for easy leak detection, propane's heavier-than-air quality means it accumulates at floor level in case of a leak, unlike natural gas which rises to the ceiling. This difference in density requires different safety considerations, with propane's behavior often making leaks more detectable at ground level. Additionally, if there is a propane leak it does not contaminate water or soil, as it dissipates in the air.

If released, propane dissipates into the air without contributing to greenhouse gas levels, ensuring a safer environmental profile, whereas natural gas leaks can contribute to atmospheric methane – a potent greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential

Propane’s Versatility

Beyond just home heating and cooking, propane's versatility allows it to be used in multiple applications. From home heating to powering water heaters and generators to fueling outdoor grills and fire pits, propane's wide range of uses aligns with a sustainable lifestyle. Its ability to operate efficiently in both urban and rural settings further enhances its appeal as a low carbon fuel.

For homeowners who prioritize sustainability, propane represents a forward-thinking energy solution. Its low impact on the environment before and after combustion, coupled with its high efficiency, positions propane as a key component in the transition towards more sustainable living. As the world increasingly focuses on reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, it makes it an ideal fuel choice for homeowners looking to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining efficient energy use.

Understanding the Natural Gas Expansion

Natural gas expansion is touching dozens of small, often rural communities across Canada. It promises potential consumers lower energy costs, but it faces significant challenges such as high infrastructure costs which are often financed on the backs of existing ratepayers to pay for the expansion. In contrast, propane offers a more viable solution across Canada. Low-emission propane is readily available in rural areas today, has a comparable carbon footprint to natural gas and requires no major infrastructure investment to reach homes and businesses. This adaptability positions propane as a preferable energy source for many Canadians, aligning with sustainable energy goals.

Propane's Role in Canada's Energy Future

The Strategic Advantage of Propane in Canadian Homes

In the context of Canada's diverse geography and climate, propane's flexibility and efficiency make it particularly suitable. Its ability to provide reliable energy in varied settings, from urban centers to remote locations, positions propane as a key player in Canada's energy landscape.

Economic Growth and Community Development

Propane is a cost-effective and readily available energy source that already has the infrastructure in place to reach areas that are inaccessible by natural gas. For these reasons, propane is affordable for businesses large and small, it supports local industries, and it creates jobs, thereby stimulating the local economy. 

A Sustainable Energy Future

Propane's role in reducing emissions positions it as a sustainable energy choice for the future, with lower emissions than any other fossil fuel, and readily available infrastructure. Its environmental benefits align with Canada's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, making it a forward-thinking choice for residential energy needs in the journey towards a Net-Zero future.

Why Propane Stands Out compared to natural gas

Propane offers significant advantages over natural gas for residential or commercial use. Its higher energy efficiency, eco-friendliness, versatility in delivery and storage, and safety features make it a standout choice. Whether for heating, cooking, or overall energy needs, propane's benefits makes it a smart, eco-conscious and cost-effective choice for homeowners across Canada.