Homeowners all over our service area here in North Carolina use propane or kerosene to keep their homes warm and comfortable. And no matter which fuel you choose, LG Jordan is here for you with dependable, safe propane and kerosene delivery.
But, if you are buying a home, or building a new home, the choice between these fuels can factor into your decision making. We’ve put together some information to help you figure things out:
Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), was first identified in 1910 by chemist Walter O. Snelling while he was investigating gasoline evaporation and storage. The vast majority of today’s propane comes from domestic natural gas production, although some comes from oil refinement as well. More than 90% of the United States’ propane supply is made here domestically, or just north in Canada.
Kerosene is a light fuel oil derived from distilling petroleum. It was first distilled from bituminous coal and oil shale by Canadian physician and geologist Abraham Gesner in 1846. While it is used for home heating and lighting, it can also be used as jet fuel and as a cleaning solvent.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the University of Connecticut, propane and kerosene have the following heating capacities, measured in British thermal units (Btu):
Both kerosene and propane heating systems tend to be quite efficient, with AFUE ratings in the 90s. So, at first glance, it would seem that kerosene has the edge over propane on heating efficiency. However, there are other factors to consider when deciding which fuel type is better for your home.
Kerosene has historically been more expensive than propane, often resulting in a higher overall cost as a heating option. Because propane is largely U.S.-made, its price also tends to be more stable. And there are other considerations, which can make propane far more cost-effective for North Carolina homes:
Finally, it’s important to consider safety for your home and property. Propane is non-toxic. Even in the rare event of a leak, it won’t negatively affect your water, soil, plant life or animals. On the other hand, a kerosene leak can contaminate soil, water, flora and fauna. The result is often a considerable expense for clean-up and environmental remediation.
With kerosene, you get more heat compared with propane. Even though kerosene can be more expensive than propane, it may cost less for heating when you factor in that heating efficiency.
If the environment is a concern, propane burns much cleaner than kerosene so your carbon footprint is reduced by using propane.
Propane’s biggest advantage is its versatility. Not only can it be used for heating and cooking, it can also run a wide range of propane appliances including space heaters, fireplaces and hearths, clothes dryers, and whole-house backup generators.
Ultimately, the fuel you choose depends on your priorities and how you will use it. Our experts will be glad to answer any questions you have, so feel free to contact us and we’ll help you sort through it all!
Get reliable, safe delivery of propane and kerosene in the Apex, NC-area by becoming an LG Jordan customer today!
