As a company that handles both propane delivery and natural gas hookups, the team at LG Jordan Oil Co. has a good background on the difference between these two fuels. Customers sometimes ask us if we use the same piping for both. WE DO NOT because natural gas and propane are different and require different lines to deliver fuel to your home’s heating, hot water, and appliances.
To get you more familiar, here is a rundown of how propane and natural gas differ…and how that affects the pipes that bring it to equipment in your North Carolina home.
While propane is a coproduct of natural gas extraction and production, they are quite different fuels under the microscope. Here are a few significant differences:
That difference in heat production means that piping for natural gas is sized differently than propane piping. Propane piping has a smaller diameter because you use less of this fuel for the same amount of heat generation.
As a result, a home with propane piping is not equipped for natural gas. We would need to change it out for piping with a larger diameter. As you can imagine, this also affects the connections and valves for regulators and other hardware. They need to be replaced too.
When it comes to natural gas and propane, piping requirements differ significantly due to variations in pressure, fittings and materials. Consider these variables.
Pressure Ratings. Propane operates at higher pressure, requiring hoses made from durable materials like stainless steel or reinforced rubber to prevent leaks or bursts. These hoses undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety. Natural gas, delivered at lower pressure, uses hoses with less reinforcing, though they still meet safety standards for secure delivery.
Fittings and Connections. Propane and natural gas fittings are not interchangeable. Propane fittings are designed for higher pressure and often include safety features like check valves. Natural gas fittings, tailored for lower pressure, are specific to natural gas appliances.
Material Composition & Usage. Propane hoses tend to be built tough to handle outdoor use with BBQs and portable heaters. In contrast, natural gas hoses, made from lighter materials, are typically used indoors for stoves and furnaces.
Understanding these differences ensures safe and efficient appliance operation. To always choose the right hose for your system, consult a professional with training in gas systems.
As mentioned before, you need access to a utility for a natural gas hookup, making this option a nonstarter for many rural area households. If you do have access to a utility, you can expect to spend at least $2,000 to connect your home—and likely even more than that. Plus, the more appliances you need to connect, the more expensive it gets. Installing and connecting a propane tank can be noticeably less expensive, especially if you’re leasing your tank from a propane company.
Because propane and natural gas operate under different pressures, they use different piping, fittings and materials. So, you would need to replace any lines intended for natural gas with propane lines, and every natural gas connection you’re no longer using would need to be safely capped by a professional. (LG Jordan can handle this process!)
Then, there’s the matter of ensuring all your appliances are outfitted for propane. Converting appliances and gas lines from natural gas to propane is often possible, but it’s not always straightforward. While many appliances can be adapted, some are not designed to handle propane’s higher operating pressure, even with modifications. Key components such as valves, orifices and regulators must be replaced or adjusted to ensure the correct fuel flow and safe operation. This process helps the appliance burn fuel efficiently and prevents performance or safety issues. Due to the technical complexity and safety risks involved, this type of conversion should always be handled by a trained professional. But don’t worry — we are only a phone call away and always ready to help.
Whether you’re installing propane or natural gas connections in your home, you need to have trained, licensed, and experienced professionals handle the job. At LG Jordan, we’ve set up many families throughout Wake, Chatham, and surrounding counties with natural gas services.
We’ve also helped many households make the change to propane, too! Our technicians work with you to find the best propane tank for your family and ensure that it’s installed safely and quickly. Then, you’ll have an energy partner to make reliable provide propane tank refill visits, so you’re kept comfortable all year long.
Contact us for a free consultation on our propane or natural gas services. Our team is standing by and ready to get started.
