What Is the Difference Between Natural Gas and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)?

What Is the Difference Between Natural Gas and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)?

You hear both terms used all the time when people talk about gas, energy, fuel, heating, cooking and so on. So what is the difference between natural gas and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)? It can be confusing to see these terms used on various gas appliances so it's important to understand how they differ.

About Natural Gas

Natural gas is a highly versatile gas that is used primarily for heating and cooking. It is delivered to houses through a main network of pipes and is accessible for appliances through gas bayonets in the home.

Natural gas is formed through incredible pressure on decayed plant and animal matter deep within the earth. This process happens over millions of years and results in an odourless and colourless gas largely made up of methane. Because of this, an unpleasant smelling chemical is added for easy detection of gas leaks.

Natural gas is lighter than air so if there is a leak, it will rise and disperse quickly. Be sure to turn the gas off, open all windows and wait outside if a gas leak does occur.

Apart from being a clean source of energy, the huge benefit of natural gas is that it's available continuously through the network of pipes as opposed to LPG which is delivered in tanks.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG

LPG is the name we give to what is largely a mix of hydrocarbons (propane and butane). It is a by-product of petroleum, oil or gas production and so using LPG supports recycling and getting the most out of waste products.

It's also odourless and colourless so a chemical is added to give an unpleasant odour for easy gas leak detection. LPG is stored under pressure in liquid form in tanks.

The main uses of LPG are for heating and cooking. Another popular use is as an environmentally friendly replacement for petrol in cars.

LPG is heavier than air and because of that doesn't disperse as easily as natural gas.

Regards home use for heating and cooking, LPG works very well but is delivered in large tanks that are stored just outside the home. There is a cost to have the tanks replaced and they can run out of gas at an inconvenient time. i.e. in the middle of a shower or during a dinner party.

Why Natural Gas is Best for Home

Overall natural gas is a better choice for home heating and cooking purposes. The main reason is that its connected to your home and won't run out. The convenience of having your heating and cooking gas on tap as opposed to being delivered in tanks makes it a much better choice.

Of course, if there is no natural gas mains near your home, then LPG is the next best choice.

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