
There’s a difference between natural gas and propane stove. It would help if you understood that both of them are fossil fuels. Propane is sold in portable canisters and also compressed to be in liquid form. Natural gas is in the form of its gaseous form and is delivered through a pipeline to your home.
What is the difference between natural gas and propane?
What Is The Difference Between Natural Gas and Propane Gas? While natural gas occurs in nature as a mixture of methane and other gases, propane is actually a byproduct of both petroleum refining and natural gas processing.Natural gas must be cleaned before being used, and byproducts of this process include hydrocarbons like propane in addition to butane, ethane, and pentane.
Is natural gas the same as propane?
The differences between natural gas and propane can be confusing. Especially because propane is one of the fuels that make up natural gas, the other fuels being butane, methane, ethane. While propane is a part of natural gas, it becomes a unique source of fuel on its own when it’s separated during processing. So, let’s take a look at both fuels.
How can I convert a gas stove to propane?
Why should you opt for propane instead of natural gas?
- Propane can be cheaper than natural gas. ...
- Propane heats the stove faster. ...
- Propane has a high ignition temperature of around 900 degrees Fahrenheit that is safe to be used as cooking gas.
- Propane could be used as a backup fuel because it is capable of powering an array of appliances ranging from propane grills to heaters.
What is the difference between LPG and propane?
LPG- Liquefied Petroleum Gas – is a flammable hydrocarbon gas liquefied through pressurization. Propane is being classified as LPG (LP), together with butane, isobutene, and mixtures of these gases. LPG comes from natural gas processing and oil refining. It is also frequently used for fuel in heating, cooking hot water and vehicles.

Are natural gas and propane stoves the same?
Propane Stoves These stoves function essentially identically to natural gas indoor ranges, but receive their fuel from outdoor propane tanks.
What happens if you use natural gas on a propane stove?
Natural gas is a much lower pressure gas than propane and converting the appliance to one or the other gases requires that the differing pressure is compensated for. In other words, connecting a natural gas appliance to a propane piping system will result in appliance malfunction and possibly danger.
Can you run propane appliances on natural gas?
Most, but not all, appliances can be converted from natural gas to propane. The biggest sticking point is that natural gas is kept at a lower pressure, and some appliances can't handle the higher pressure of propane even with adjustments.
How much does it cost to convert a natural gas stove to propane?
A few natural gas utilities or companies will do the conversion for free, so be sure to ask your particular gas supplier if this is a service they offer. Conversion Professionals would charge anywhere between $150 and $300, could be more, could be less, however, most will usually charge between that.
Can you connect a propane tank to a gas stove?
0:234:04How to connect a propane tank to a gas stove - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe put it through the wall there. And when you come out here.MoreWe put it through the wall there. And when you come out here.
Do propane stoves leak methane?
Your gas stove may leak climate-warming methane even when it's off, study finds A study finds tiny leaks from loose fittings added up to more emissions than when stoves were in use. The impact of U.S. gas stoves on climate change amounts to the same effect as a half-million cars.
What Is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is extracted from the ground. This gas is primarily composed of methane, and it may contain smaller amounts of ca...
What Is Propane?
Propane is extracted from crude oil and petroleum gas during their refinement processes. The result is a concentrated, high-output fuel that can be...
What Is the Cost of Propane vs. Natural Gas?
Natural gas is often more affordable than propane because it goes through fewer refinement procedures, streamlining the process it takes to go from...
Are There Cooking Differences Between Propane and Natural Gas?
Because propane has a higher BTU rating than natural gas, propane tends to heat faster and use less fuel when compared to the same task performed w...
What Is the Difference Between Propane Equipment and Natural Gas Equipment?
To ensure that your fuel safely burns to produce the heat you need, it is imperative that you select a piece of equipment that is designed to work...
Why do propane and natural gas stoves burn?
Because natural gas and propane burn with similar properties, and because propane is in gaseous form from the time it exits the tank, the two types of stoves are sometimes able to utilize the others fuel after a conversion process.
How is natural gas transported?
Natural gas is transported to homes and buildings by underground utility pipelines, and remains in a gaseous state from its production all the way to the stovetop or furnace . The only exception occurs on liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker vessels, which use extremely cold temperatures and high pressures to transport natural gas as a liquid.
Where are gas stoves located?
Gas Stoves. Natural gas stoves and ovens are located mainly indoors as central appliances in residential kitchens, and are also popular at restaurants. Such stoves often include digital controls and timers. They receive gas from the pipeline utility system.
Can a propane stove cause CO?
Both natural gas and propane stoves can produce carbon monoxide (CO) fumes, and all indoor stoves need to be checked regularly by a professional. Propane stoves have been frequent causes of CO poisoning when used indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
Is propane gaseous or gaseous?
Conversion. Because natural gas and propane burn with similar properties, and because propane is in gaseous form from the time it exits the tank, the two types of stoves are sometimes able to utilize the others fuel after a conversion process. Tanked propane typically enters a stove at about twice the pressure of pipe-delivered natural gas, ...
Is propane a liquid?
Unlike natural gas, propane is readily storable as a liquid at room temperature so long as it is kept under pressure.
Is propane a natural gas?
Propane is often found with or near natural gas. Propane is a distillate of petroleum and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Unlike natural gas, propane is readily storable as a liquid at room temperature so long as it is kept under pressure. This makes it highly transportable and available in a variety of tank sizes, ranging from handheld to building-size.
What Is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a type of gas that comes from the chemical reactions the occur under the Earth’s surface. In other words, this gas naturally comes from mother nature and is not manufactured; hence, the name.
What Is Propane?
Propane, on the other hand, doesn’t occur naturally. Instead, it’s actually a by-product of processed natural gas or refined petroleum.
1. Environmental Effects
One of the main reasons why people like using propane gas is because it’s clean. So if you’re concerned about how you impact the environment, it’s among the best fossil fuels that you can use.
2. Safety Considerations
Both propane and natural gases are difficult to detect, mainly because they’re colorless and odorless. That’s why manufacturers use additives to give them a strong scent that will quickly alert people any time there’s leakage.
3. Installation And Conversion
Propane and natural gas both require their own special gas fittings. However, it would be easier for you to change between the two if you want to, but you would need a conversion kit.
4. Storage And Delivery
Propane tanks are always your best option if you live in a remote area without any access to natural gas services. It’s very convenient as all you need to do is get your tank filled.
5. Energy Efficiency
You can measure the energy produced by fuel in BTUs or British Thermal Units.
How to compare propane and natural gas?
To compare the prices of these two fuels, you can convert each fuel to the same unit of measurement. Propane is typically measured in liquid gallons, while natural gas is measured in cubic feet. In order to make a direct comparison, both fuel sources need to be in the same unit of volume.
Where is propane used?
High-volume operations can also arrange delivery systems with bulk suppliers. In general, propane is used in areas outside of major metropolitan centers. This is because propane's portability makes it the ideal — and sometimes only — choice for remote areas.
What does BTU mean in gas?
BTUs measure the amount of energy content each fuel has. If you know the price and BTU rating of 1 cubic foot of natural gas and for 1 cubic foot of propane, you can see the price difference versus the amount of energy that you are purchasing.
Can you convert a natural gas range to a propane range?
For this reason, some manufacturers report a loss of BTU output when a piece of equipment designed for natural gas is converted to propane.
Can you set up propane without a plumber?
Converting Your Equipment. It's critical that you never set up your natural gas or propane plumbing without a professional. It may cost more money, but hiring an experienced plumber can make the difference between an efficient cooking fuel source and a huge liability. Converting an appliance from one fuel to the other generally involves changes ...
Is burning natural gas harmful?
Burning natural gas produces smaller amounts of harmful emissions than other fossil fuels create when burned. Additionally, nearly every urban area in the United States is fitted with natural gas plumbing to make this resource easily accessible.
Is natural gas cheaper than propane?
Natural gas is often more affordable than propane because it goes through fewer refinement procedures, streamlining the process it takes to go from the ground to your business. While prices fluctuate based on demand and location, most regions can find natural gas at a more cost-effective price than propane.
What are the similarities between natural gas and liquid propane?
Similarities. Liquid propane and natural gas share some characteristics. Both are clear and naturally odorless, and both are fossil fuels. And, like most heating fuels, the heating capabilities of the fuels are measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units.
How does propane go from gas to liquid?
Under the right amount of pressure and at about -50°F in temperature, propane goes from its gas state to a liquid. This allows for larger amounts of propane to be stored in small areas. A liquid propane tank should be inspected regularly, especially for portable tanks or older tanks.
What is liquid propane used for?
Liquid propane is used in more rural areas where government infrastructure doesn't exist to pipe heating fuels to homes. Liquid propane is also the most commonly used fuel for grills and portable fire pits. It is easily sold in small 10lb to 100lb tanks.
Why should propane tanks be upright?
Propane tanks should be kept upright to protect the integrity of the tank and should only be lifted from the integral handle or moved via a dolly. Propane Tanks 101. Liquid propane gets its name from how it is transported in tanks.
How many inches is natural gas in water column?
This is measured in Water Column (WC). Most often, natural gas is 7 inches WC, where liquid propane is 10-11 inches WC.
Where is propane stored?
So, it will form deadly pools of gas in the event of a gas leak. Propane is stored in tanks conducive to its liquid form. Smaller prefilled tanks can be purchased from gas stations, U-Haul locations, farm supply stores, and often from places that barbecue grills can be purchased.
Is natural gas a gas line?
Natural gas is almost always distributed by a gas line connected directly to the local utility company pressurization plant. Natural vs Propane Gas. On the subject of liquid propane tanks, an undersized tank for the appliance can cause the system and regulator to freeze up.
What to do if you smell sulfur in your yard?
Leaks can also happen in underground pipes in your yard, so you should leave the area and call 911 if you smell sulfur or rotten eggs outdoors. If you have a propane leak, shut off the supply of gas at the tank by turning the shutoff valve at the top clockwise.
What is the difference between natural gas and propane?
They can both keep your Charles Town, West Virginia, home warm and comfortable in winter. Natural gas is found underground, and it contains several different gases, including butane, propane, and methane.
What does propane smell like?
Sometimes they use a similar compound called thiophane. These chemicals smell like sulfur or rotten eggs.
Where do propane pipes start?
The pipes for propane start at the exit of the service valve on the tank , so some of them could be outside. Indoor conduits for natural gas begin at your gas meter, and your local utility company usually owns the other outdoor pipes. Having a tank buried is similar to having a natural gas pipeline connected to your home.
How old should a furnace be to replace?
Whether your furnace is electric, gas, or propane, you should replace it if it’s more than about 20 years old. That way, you can avoid sudden, inconvenient breakdowns and reduce your utility bills by having a more efficient system installed.
Where is natural gas stored?
It’s usually compressed before it’s stored or transported, and CNG is sometimes stored in tanks instead of pipes.
Is natural gas more expensive than electricity?
Both types of fuel are more efficient and less expensive than electricity in many regions. Having a new natural gas line installed is more costly than getting a propane tank added to your home, but the investment could reduce your utility bills more if gas is available in your neighborhood.
Is natural gas cheaper than oil?
Natural gas, which is cleaner, more efficient, and less expensive than oil or electricity, is becoming increasingly popular. If you currently have propane and natural gas is coming to your area, you may be tempted to convert. There are a lot of great reasons to do so.
Can you leave a propane tank in the ground?
If you are leasing a propane tank from your gas company, you will need to either buy the tank or pay them to remove it .
Can you use propane in a water heater?
Appliances. Many appliances can work with either propane or natural gas ( water heaters are perhaps the biggest exception). They will, however, require special gas utilization fittings for each fuel source, because propane and natural gas operate with different levels of pressure.
