2007-07-26 12:41:10 · 10 answers · asked by Reo 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Hi,
Yes, there are some advantages, but there are also disadvantages. Most revolve around cost and convenience.
Of the 4 heating choices - oil, electric, propane, natural gas, electric is usually the most expensive followed by propane. At different times, depending on the market, oil and natural gas are cheaper. (Advantage gas)
Electric and Natural Gas come from your local utility comany which is a monopoly. What they charge, you have to pay (Enron???). With oil and propane, you can shop around for different delivery companies whose prices do vary. The theory is that competition keeps prices lower. (Advantage propane)
Natural gas and electric come right to your house. Someone reads the meter and you pay for what you use - simple. With oil and propane they get delivered and you pay to fill up the tank. But there are different options available. You can prepay for the year - buy in the summer when prices are cheaper and then they deliver "your" fuel. This can save you significant amounts. They also have price protection plans where they will guarantee that the price won't go above a certain amount. (Advantage propane).
But propane requires a tank, which is big and bulky and another thing that can break or leak. (Advantage gas).
If you really want a comparison, do a google search for gas and propane comparison. There are formulas that will tell you how many BTU's of heat are produced per unit. Then find out the cost in your area and you can see what the difference is.
Good luck.
2007-07-26 13:21:46 · answer #1 · answered by sirollerblader 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Can't possibly imagine there would be and most neighborhoods that offer natural wouldn't allow propane and what would be the point? People usually choose propane because they prefer gas but cannot get the feature in their area, rural areas for example. Propane is not a cheap option either.
2007-07-26 14:19:23 · answer #2 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
another problem is that propane runs at a much higher pressure than natural gas. natural gas runs between 4 and 10 psi in most cases. you can actually put your finger over an open natural gas line and stop it completely. propane may cause new leaks to your existing natural gas lines, that is to say if you can still use your natural gas lines with propane. you may have to convert the whole system over to new lines to accommodate the propane.your natural gas will never run out and leave you without heat or hot water. (unless there is a substantial problem with the system, which has happened to us like twice in 17 years in our home) I think that you have to go around and relight any pilot lights in your home every time you change tanks. also, take a look at someones house that has propane. you will immediately notice the obnoxious tank sitting in their yard. stick with natural gas, save yourself the headaches
2007-07-26 13:35:09 · answer #3 · answered by cronos51101 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Natural gas is piped in without interruption--and the gas controls are all nice and set for your house. propane is in a bottle outside the house and can cost a lot to fill when the time comes. Either way--you pay. Both get hot and cook--both are clean burning...propane leaks are DANGEROUS if that were to ever happen.. I can't see changing what you have.
2007-07-26 13:07:59 · answer #4 · answered by fire_inur_eyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have natural gas now there is no real reason for you to think about changing.
While it is unlikely that your natural gas flow would ever be disrupted, if you would opt for your flow to be shut off in times of high usage you might get a favorable rate on your gas.
But then you would need a back up & be able to switch over when asked. The switch from gas to propane isn't automatic on you stove or furnace.
2007-07-26 12:57:58 · answer #5 · answered by Floyd B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure instead of being piped to your property by converting to propane you can enjoy schedulig deliveries, purchasing one thousand gallons at a time and the lovely view of the tank in your yard. GAs is gas and Propane is great if you cannot have natural gas but for my dollar natural gas is the second best source of heat. Wood is by far the most efficient source.
2007-07-26 12:48:19 · answer #6 · answered by arborsurgeon 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Not really, it is more about the available gas. I grew up where we had to use propane and the cost isn't cheaper and you also either have to have it brought to you (a charge for this) or go to a holding station to get it. Cost wise it isn't cheaper.
2007-07-26 12:50:53 · answer #7 · answered by shortcake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO. Propane is expensive, and you always run the risk of running out. The natural gas is cheaper and it is always there. good luck.
2007-07-26 12:45:08 · answer #8 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It actually burns cleaner.
That's about it.
In my area, if enough is bought during the summer at it's lowest price, you'll get it cheaper than natural gas.
My uncle has two 1000 gallon tanks painted up as Holsteins. Looks nice, but that's what you'd have to live with.
2007-07-26 13:59:06 · answer #9 · answered by rangedog 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give the points to the other guy, I can't better his answer.
2007-07-26 12:46:53 · answer #10 · answered by xenon 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋