Most gas furnaces are available set up to operate using either natural gas or propane. Naturally, buyers want to know which is better. Before you even get to that debate, you have to determine whether you even have a choice. Propane is more easily compressed into a liquid state that can be stored in a tank and is delivered to your home in a tank truck. Most homes can have a propane storage tank installed so propane is a viable alternative for most homes.
Natural gas does not compress as easily as propane and is usually delivered through a municipal pipeline. If your area has natural gas service, then you can choose between the two energy sources. If there are no municipal gas lines serving your area, your only alternative is propane.
Assuming you have a choice, it doesn’t make much difference which type of gas you use from a comfort standpoint. The heat provided by a natural gas furnace is not significantly different than that provided by propane furnace. You won’t notice much of a difference between the two types of fuels in terms of comfort.
The real difference is in the cost of the two energy sources. Propane is more expensive than natural gas, but it is also more efficient. It takes more natural gas to produce the same amount of heat produced by a given amount of propane. Your local HVAC contractor can help you determine which fuel is more cost effective in your area. Don’t forget to include the cost of buying a propane storage tank and the cost to hook up to the municipal gas line in your calculation if necessary.
