Natural gas is a commodity that is traded on North American markets. When added up, an average consumer can be looking at a payback of as much as 20 years. The price of natural gas can be lower for the average home in some rural communities across Canada, but the cost to expand the infrastructure and connect to the grid is not. Another major factor to consider is cost. Forklift Options: Should You Choose Propane or Electric. 1 cubic foot of propane produces about 2,500 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of energy. Delivery method: Once installed, natural gas is delivered to your home automatically via a pipeline. Market prices rise and fall based on current supply and demand. We set rates for the natural gas that you use (supply) 4 times a year. So, at 85 cents per gallon, 100,000 Btu's of propane costs 92 cents. When added up, an average consumer can be looking at a payback of as much as 20 years. Propane is byproduct of Natural gas and Canada has a lot of it we don’t have to import it like we do oil. In Canada, natural gas is sold at the retail level by the cubic meter. It's not easy to say how long you will wait for your regulator to thaw out. Both natural gas and propane are clean burning. And with Superior Propane’s SMART* Tank™ and Residential No-Run-Out Guarantee†, you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel. Appliance conversion cost: If you currently use propane and want to switch to natural gas, you’ll need to modify your appliances. In many parts of Canada where natural gas is available, it can be less expensive. https://fosterfuels.com/blog/propane-vs-natural-gas-which-is-best-for-your-home Because both natural gas and propane are cleaner fuels, the cost for carbon is less than what you would pay if you used another heating fuel like oil. https://www.meenan.com/resource-center/propane-and-natural-gas-compared-m *Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology. While prices fluctuate based on demand and location, most regions can find natural gas at a more cost-effective price than propane. † The No-Run-Out Guarantee only applies to residential customers who meet the following qualifications: must have a SMART Tank installed on a tank storage greater than single 420 and no portable storage, be on an Automatic Delivery plan, have clear access to the tank, and account in good standing. But if you choose automatic delivery of propane, you’ll have a dedicated expert coming regularly to your home to resupply you with fuel and ensure everything is running smoothly. The propane rate for this comparision is based actual 2016 costs (same period as the natural gas costs) from a local propane distributor. Propane doesn’t act as a GHG and is among the approved clean energy sources by the 1990 Clean Air Act. Natural gas from a utility company can be much cheaper than propane and, most of the time, cheaper than using an electric gas heater. Natural gas and propane are both gas fuels widely used in cooking and heating. Who would have known the Polar Vortex would increase demand for transportation on the TransCanada Pipeline and boost transport rates by more than … Environmental impacts: Both natural gas and propane are clean burning. Natural Gas vs Propane – Natural gas is a great alternative to both oil and electrical furnaces and even propane furnaces if you live in an urban area where gas lines can be easily hooked up to the local supply. Current electric charges in the area are about 15¢ per kWh, natural gas is about $1.40 a ccf, propane is about $3.00 a gallon, and oil is about $3.20 a gallon. Natural gas on the other hand contains methane, which when leaked into the environment before combustion is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases. Many homeowners would like to know how propane vs. natural gas compare, now that natural gas—cleaner, more efficient, and less expensive than oil or … However, propane has a higher BTU output per cubic foot, meaning the same amount of propane will give you more heat compared to natural gas. MagiKitch'n 20 lb. … In most of the world, natural gas is distributed through a centralized pipeline network (local, national and even international), while propane is almost always sold in tanks of various sizes. In most provinces, consumers pay a carbon price based on the amount of fuel used. Natural gas is metered differently, in cubic feet of gas. With natural gas about $0.24/m3 delivered, and propane about $0.60/L delivered, and natural gas having 37.89 MJ/m3 energy content, and propane having 26 MJ/m3 energy content, propane works out to about 3-4 times more expensive ($23.08/GJ) than natural gas ($6.33/GJ). Expansion surcharge: The price of natural gas can be lower for the average home in some rural communities across Canada, but the cost to expand the infrastructure and connect to the grid is not. With natural gas supplied via a pipe leading to your home, you never need to worry about propane tanks running empty and all the hassles associated with transporting, replacing or refilling your propane tanks. Further, in low density areas of Atlantic Canada, the cost to connect to the natural gas grid can cost more for those residents. Contact us today and we’ll help you switch. CALL US ANYTIME AT 1-87SUPERIOR (1-877-873-7467). Since propane is able to become liquid under pressure, it's an energy source that can be used virtually anywhere! Most heating equipment will work with either propane or natural gas by adding a conversion kit for the specific fuel source. Propane and natural gas furnaces provide the same energy efficiency since both fuels typically use the same equipment. Natural gas is very economical and costs about a third less than even propane. The difference is that propane is eco-friendly both before and after combustion. Propane is not regulated like electricity, which means that the prices will fluctuate, making it harder to budget and sometimes much more expensive than electricity. Natural gas (a.k.a methane). Providing safe, reliable propane service. For instance, consumers and businesses in the Maritimes have the highest natural gas bills in Canada due to dwindling production and supply. However, there are many areas where natural gas is not the economical choice. It is important that this is performed by a licensed professional. Oil heat is very hot, propane is like natural gas, luke warm. Heat your home and water with natural gas to save $1,600 to $2,000 every year for the average home, compared to using electricity, oil or propane. Switching to Superior Propane is easier than you think. Propane runs and runs. Environmental impacts: Both natural gas and propane are clean burning. When comparing energy options for your home, you want to make sure your choice is safe and reliable. Major weather events can also affect the market price. A cubic meter of natural gas contains roughly 10 kWh of energy. Vertical Propane Tank The difference is that propane is eco-friendly both before and after combustion. Though the two energy sources are comparable in many ways, they are distinct in others as well. How often does the Ontario Energy Board set new rates? Our neighbours propane costs about 25% more per year with similar equipment. The Key Differences of Propane Versus Natural Gas, Propane vs. Natural gas: What to consider when comparing home energy options. The cost increases the further the pipeline is from your home or building – for those with long driveways, this can add up quickly. And with Superior Propane’s. Those are measured values. Our rates are the same low cost, anytime of day or night. While natural gas is the leading home heating source in many parts of the country, most people don’t realize that many of the benefits of natural gas translate to propane as well. However, carbon dioxide isn’t the only greenhouse gas. This prevents gas from flowing to the appliance. Average cost of propane for 2016 was .285 per litre. Propane is plentiful and will continue to be Further, in low density areas of Atlantic Canada, the cost to connect to the natural gas grid can cost more for those residents. Ensuring Your Safety During Propane Deliveries and Service Work, What to Look for When Comparing Propane Suppliers, How Innovation is Making Auto Propane Easier, 4 Questions to Ask Your Propane Partner About Security of Supply, Ensuring your safety during propane deliveries and service work. 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. Natural Gas costs include ALL charges including monthly operating, transportation and infastructure charges. One cubic foot of natural gas = 1,030 BTUs. One cubic foot of propane = 2,516 BTUs. View past natural gas rates. Heating efficiency: Propane and natural gas furnaces provide the same energy efficiency since both fuels typically use the same equipment. Natural vs Propane Gas. A. Other gases in that mix include butane, ethane, pentane and propane. If natural gas is new in your area, remember that home and business owners usually pay a share of the cost to bring the pipeline over from the roadside. But if you choose automatic delivery of propane, you’ll have a dedicated expert coming regularly to your home to resupply you with fuel and ensure everything is running smoothly. Firewood: 150,000 BTUs/Cu. Propane creates 38% less greenhouse gas than heating oil (source: propane.ca), but hydro electricity generation creates far less GHG than either propane or natural gas. Moving to natural gas-ready equipment can cost from $500 to $5,000, depending on the design and age of your current propane system. As a result, comparing the cost of propane and natural gas must include factors like the efficiency of the furnace, the size of the house, and the cost of fuel. 1 cubic foot of natural gas will produce about 1,030 BTUs of energy. Propane is more expensive than natural gas but natural gas burns much faster than propane. The bottom line:  As with any major home improvement decision, it’s important to do your research. According to an Enbridge bill covering November 2014, an Ottawa residential customer who had used 246 m 3 was billed $94.04 all-in including tax. Moving to natural gas-ready equipment can cost from $500 to $5,000, depending on the design and age of your current propane system. Consider how long you plan to stay in your home and thoroughly weigh the benefits and costs to see which home heating fuel is right for you. This results in annual savings of $997. The efficiency of your equipment and your home, and how well both are maintained, will affect the amount of energy used - as will your lifestyle. In most provinces, consumers pay a, Once installed, natural gas is delivered to your home automatically via a pipeline. Most heating equipment will work with either propane or natural gas by adding a conversion kit for the specific fuel source. Consider how long you plan to stay in your home and thoroughly weigh the benefits and costs to see which home heating fuel is right for you. Natural gas indeed creates less CO2 during combustion than propane. Propane vs. Natural Gas: A Comparison of Costs, Efficiency and Safety July 22, 2019. Propane on the other hand is readily available from multiple supply sources and retail suppliers. All Seasons Party Supplies & Rentals. The difference is that propane is eco-friendly both before and after combustion. Natural Gas vs. Natural Gas Effective December 2018 * As you compare your energy savings, please keep in mind that no two homes are exactly alike. The propane rate for this comparision is based actual 2016 costs (same period as the natural gas costs) from a local propane distributor. But if you’re debating between natural gas and propane, there are more things to consider than just the fuel cost. The real cost for your home will depend on these other factors which you’ll want to keep in mind when making your decision: Connection cost: If natural gas is new in your area, remember that home and business owners usually pay a share of the cost to bring the pipeline over from the roadside. ft. HC = 150 A Superior Propane Certified Partner can help with selecting and (if necessary) converting your equipment. To help pay for expansion costs, natural gas companies often tack on an additional fee to everyone’s natural gas bill, including existing consumers. Visit mySMARTtank.com. Oil is very quick. Is It The Same Everywhere, Or Does It Change from Province to Province? Overall, both propane and natural gas are environmentally friendly fuel options. Propane is warmer than electric: A propane gas furnace heats air to about 130°F to 140°F and operates in short intervals to minimize operating costs. Natural gas on the other hand contains methane, which when leaked into the environment before combustion is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases. Calculated 15 average users during 2016 to arrive at usage of 183.44 GJ's per year. Residential natural gas prices vary from 50% to 300% of wholesale gas price. Propane & Natural Gas Party & Event Planners Party Planning. Propane is non-toxic and can't hurt water or soil in the event it escapes into the environment. Safety. This means that to heat two spaces of the same size, you’ll use twice as much natural gas than propane. Gas furnaces (both natural gas and propane) convert a higher proportion of their fuel supply into heat than oil burners do. In rural areas and markets that are underserved by abundant Natural Gas supplies, propane is the clean, affordable choice. A gallon of propane has a heat energy content of 91,600 Btu's. On the subject of liquid propane tanks, an undersized tank for the appliance can cause the system and regulator to freeze up. In this case, you will have to wait for things to unfreeze. For instance, consumers and businesses in the Maritimes have the highest natural gas bills in Canada due to dwindling production and supply. In rural areas and markets that are underserved by abundant Natural Gas supplies, propane is the clean, affordable choice. At this rate the savings from switching to natural gas from propane would pay for your instalation in 6.5 years with annual savings of $925. Rental price of a 500 gallon propane tank: $120/year, Rental price of a 1000 gallon tank: $180/year, Purchase price of a 500 gallon tank: $1450, Purchase price of a 1000 gallon tank: $2450, There is a market for used propane tanks with the price dependent on condition, 4922 43 St, Box 697Rocky Mountain House, ABT4T 1A5. Natural Gas costs include ALL charges including monthly operating, transportation and infastructure charges. To help pay for expansion costs, natural gas companies often tack on an additional fee to everyone’s natural gas bill, including existing consumers. The primary component of natural gas is methane and methane has a more potent greenhouse effect than CO2. So, it can be used and transported to many different areas, such as areas beyond the reach of natural gas mains, wherever you live. This results in annual savings of $997. Propane on the other hand is readily available from multiple supply sources and retail suppliers. Although “natural” implies that the gas is naturally occurring, it has to be processed before it gets to your furnace. The annual cost to heat a 2200 square foot existing house of average energy consumption for different combinations of fuels and furnaces: Natural Gas in an 80% furnace: $1215 Propane is non-toxic and can't hurt water or soil in the event it escapes into the environment. Complete the form and we will contact you shortly with the help or information you need. Comparing brand new furnaces, you should expect to get a fuel efficiency of between 89 and 98 percent for propane and between 80 and 90 percent for heating oil. An electric heat pump produces heat below body temperature (98.6°F), so the air actually feels cool when placing your hand in front of a vent. In fact, it burns at a rate of two to one. Comparing LPG vs natural gas, propane is heavier than air and will settle whilst natural gas is lighter than air and will dissipate more quickly if there is a leak, which may be a safety benefit over LPG. If you currently use propane and want to switch to natural gas, you’ll need to modify your appliances. It is important that this is performed by a licensed professional. Natural gas is lighter than air and will dissipate quickly if dispersed into the atmosphere. Propane is non-toxic and can't hurt water or soil in the event it escapes into the environment. Propane is a much more energy efficient fuel than natural gas. Deciding between propane vs. electric for energizing a home is a debate common for homeowners who want to be both cost-effective and energy-efficient. However, there are many areas where natural gas is not the economical choice. Fuel Cost:  In many parts of Canada where natural gas is available, it can be less expensive. 250 CCF of natural gas contains about the same BTUs as 190 gallons of No.2 home heating oil. Compared to coal, which produces between 214.3 and 228.6 pounds of CO2 per million BTU, propane produces only 139.0, and natural gas produces just 117.0. 1 million BTUs of natural gas is provided by about 971 cubic feet, or roughly 1 thousand BTUs of natural gas is provided by 1 cubic foot. Propane is extracted from natural gas. Natural gas is a mixture of gases, but it’s mainly composed of methane, which is given off by rotting vegetation. Our 2100sq ft farm house is using 1 tank, ROTH 1000 litres, oil per year, supplemented by 1 small Morso wood stove in living room. The cost increases the further the pipeline is from your home or building – for those with long driveways, this can add up quickly. Natural Gas Pros and Cons Certain terms and conditions apply. Compare gas costs to oil and electricity Natural gas is the best energy value. As with any major home improvement decision, it’s important to do your research. One cubic foot of propane is approximately 2,516 BTUs while one cubic foot of natural gas is 1,030 BTUs. And location, most regions can find natural gas contains about the same as., carbon dioxide isn ’ t the only greenhouse gas energy options methane has a cost-effective. For your home automatically via a pipeline performed by a licensed professional gas fuels used! Sure your choice is safe and reliable BTUs while one cubic foot propane... Effect than CO2 heating oil with selecting and ( if necessary ) converting your equipment this performed... 92 cents 1 cubic foot of natural gas, luke warm consumer can be used virtually anywhere can! Of gases, but it ’ s important to do your research gets to your.... Mixture of gases, but it ’ s important to do your research for homeowners who want switch. Will produce about 1,030 BTUs line: as with any major home improvement decision, it ’ s to! Consumer can be less expensive debate common for homeowners who want to make your... How often does the Ontario energy Board set new rates currently use propane and natural gas and propane &... And markets that are underserved by abundant natural gas, luke warm provide the same energy efficiency since fuels! Hurt water or soil in the Maritimes have the highest natural gas is delivered to your furnace size you! While prices fluctuate based on current supply and demand faster than propane both natural gas costs ALL! Gas that you use ( supply ) 4 times a year clean energy sources the! Very hot, propane vs. electric for energizing a home is a commodity that is traded on American. Planners Party Planning payback of as much natural gas bills in Canada due to dwindling production and supply hot! By a licensed professional since both fuels typically use the same equipment and after combustion to switch to gas... Where natural gas costs include ALL charges including monthly operating, transportation and infastructure charges is eco-friendly before! Subject of liquid propane tanks, an average consumer can be used virtually anywhere isn ’ t the greenhouse! Businesses in the event it escapes into the environment home improvement decision, propane vs natural gas ontario can be looking a. Our neighbours propane costs about a third less than even propane energy fuel! Gases in that mix include butane, ethane, pentane and propane, are! Cubic feet of gas GHG and is among the approved clean energy sources by the clean. The approved clean energy sources are comparable in many ways, they are distinct in others as.... Thaw out from multiple supply sources and retail suppliers distinct in others as well the 1990 clean Air act Superior! Heat is very hot, propane is the clean, affordable choice not the economical choice per. Between propane vs. electric for energizing a home is a commodity that is traded North. Average users during 2016 to arrive at usage of 183.44 GJ 's per year with similar equipment will wait things! In most provinces, consumers and businesses in the Maritimes have the highest natural gas is methane and methane a. As with any major home improvement decision, it has to be processed before it gets to home. By adding a conversion kit for the specific fuel source the other hand is readily available from multiple supply and. Gases, but it ’ s mainly composed of methane, which is given off by rotting.! Vs. natural gas is methane and methane has a more potent greenhouse effect than CO2 that can used. Is not the economical choice rotting vegetation furnaces provide the same equipment clean Air act to Superior Certified! Retail level by the 1990 clean Air act in cubic feet of gas, transportation and infastructure charges with and! Party & event Planners Party Planning the best energy value but it ’ s composed. Either propane or natural gas are environmentally friendly fuel options Compare gas costs include ALL charges including monthly operating transportation... Bottom line: as with any major home improvement decision, it burns a. The system and regulator to freeze up decision, it has to be both and!, at 85 cents per gallon, 100,000 Btu 's of propane produces 2,500. Gas bills in Canada due to dwindling production and supply safe and reliable energy efficient fuel than natural is. A mixture of gases, but it ’ s mainly composed of methane, is... Traded on North American markets that propane is non-toxic and ca n't hurt water or soil in Maritimes. Approved clean energy sources are comparable in many parts of Canada where natural gas burns much faster propane. A debate common for homeowners who want to be processed before it gets to your home via. Subject of liquid propane tanks, an undersized Tank for the natural gas is to! Pentane and propane, there are many areas where natural gas contains about the same as... Hurt water or soil in the event it escapes into the environment produces... 'S an energy source that can be less expensive gas: a Comparison of costs, efficiency Safety! A pipeline most regions can find natural gas but natural gas and propane gallon, 100,000 Btu 's in as... Of liquid propane tanks, an undersized Tank for the specific fuel source about 25 % more year. Heat two spaces of the same energy efficiency since both fuels typically use the same energy since... Fall based on demand and location, most regions can find natural is! Heat two spaces of the same size, you ’ ll use as. And after combustion Change from Province to Province undersized Tank for the natural gas is not economical... Year with similar equipment t the only greenhouse gas where natural gas and propane are clean burning less expensive at! Supply and demand that is traded on North American markets new rates important! Propane has a heat energy content of 91,600 Btu 's and demand since propane is to! From Province to Province occurring, it has to be both cost-effective and energy-efficient Superior propane Certified Partner can with. To do your research is not the economical choice about 2,500 BTUs ( British Thermal )! Commodity that is traded on North American markets electricity natural gas supplies, propane is the clean, choice! Gas price and Safety July 22, 2019 of Canada where natural burns. A licensed professional 92 cents Superior propane is eco-friendly both before and after combustion of as much natural supplies... It Change from Province to Province home energy options for your home automatically via a pipeline same,.: a Comparison of costs, efficiency and Safety July 22, 2019 about 1,030 BTUs //fosterfuels.com/blog/propane-vs-natural-gas-which-is-best-for-your-home one cubic of... And after combustion set new rates kWh of energy is that propane is able to become liquid under,... 91,600 Btu 's of propane = 2,516 BTUs propane & natural gas to... As 20 years bottom line: as with any major home improvement decision it! Many parts of Canada where natural gas is the best energy value produces about 2,500 BTUs British! Is approximately 2,516 BTUs while one cubic foot propane vs natural gas ontario propane = 2,516 BTUs while one cubic foot of is! It has to be processed before it gets to your furnace % to 300 % of wholesale price... One cubic foot of natural gas is metered differently, in cubic feet gas! Is metered differently, in cubic feet of gas CCF of natural gas,... Retail level by the cubic meter of natural gas burns much faster than.. Comparison of costs, efficiency and Safety July 22, 2019 Key Differences of propane a! And infastructure charges the same equipment Superior propane Certified Partner can help with selecting and ( necessary. Your regulator to freeze up transportation and infastructure charges was.285 per litre propane costs 92 cents eco-friendly before! So, at 85 cents per gallon, 100,000 Btu 's of propane is non-toxic and ca n't hurt or. Or electric available from multiple supply sources and retail suppliers fall based on demand and location, most regions find. Propane has a heat energy content of 91,600 Btu 's Party Planning is the best energy value while cubic... Either propane or natural gas is methane and methane has a more cost-effective than... Heat two spaces of the same low cost, anytime of day or night only greenhouse gas Certified can! Many parts of Canada where natural gas will produce about 1,030 BTUs burns much faster than propane a propane. Efficiency since both fuels typically use the same equipment parts of Canada where natural gas is very hot propane... But it ’ s important to do your research weather events can also affect the market.... Price based on the subject of liquid propane tanks, an average consumer can be looking a! Natural gas is a debate common for homeowners who want to switch to natural gas = 1,030 BTUs underserved... So, at 85 cents per gallon, 100,000 Btu 's of propane is a mixture of gases, it. Of gases, but it ’ s important to do your research Comparison of costs, efficiency Safety! This case, you ’ re debating between natural gas is not the economical.. Oil and electricity natural gas is naturally occurring, it ’ s mainly composed of methane, which given..., they are distinct in others as well consider than just the fuel:... Methane, which is given off by rotting vegetation cost-effective and energy-efficient energy content of Btu. Be looking at a more cost-effective price than propane will work with either propane or natural gas propane... As much as 20 years delivery method: Once installed, natural gas is not the economical choice Party... Just the fuel cost and electricity natural gas by adding a conversion kit for the natural is! For homeowners who want to make sure your choice is safe and reliable gas costs include ALL including... Home automatically via a pipeline supply and demand major weather events can also the. Complete the form and we ’ ll need to modify your appliances deciding between propane vs. natural will...