Propane vs. Butane

Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has become a widespread energy source in Americans’ homes. Gas is the most popular heating type built in new houses, with 49% of all single-family houses completed in 2021 having an LP connection.

Various gases, such as butane and propane, are available for heating and cooking. Determining the right choice for your home can be tricky because these gases have similar qualities and residential uses. Understanding their differences is crucial for choosing a fuel that is suited to your needs, whether you want to power a few appliances or your entire home.

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What Is LPG?

Also known as LP gas, LPG refers to a group of hydrocarbon gases. Of these gases, propane is one of the most commonly used. Technically speaking, LP gas and propane are the same because propane is a type of LPG.

However, not all LP gas is propane. Butane is another well-known LPG.

What Is Propane?

Propane gas is mainly a by-product of natural gas processing but is sometimes also produced from crude oil. As America is one of the largest LPG producers in the world, most propane consumed in the U.S. is locally produced.

When compressed, propane transforms into a liquid that is kept in tanks for easy transportation and storage. Though propane is a clean-burning fuel that is colorless and odorless, manufacturers add an identifying odor to alert you in case of a gas leak in your home. This nontoxic additive gives the gas its distinct sulfuric smell, similar to rotten eggs or skunk spray.

Propane Uses

Propane is a versatile energy source for the U.S. — it has allowed millions of people to heat their homes, power generators, and run businesses. Reliable and multifaceted, propane has a wide range of uses, such as:

  • Heating: Propane furnaces, tankless water heaters, fire pits and patio heaters, log sets and pool heating
  • Cooking: Propane ranges and grills
  • Other residential uses: Propane dryers, lighting and more

Many homes are also built with propane energy pods, which integrate space and water heating, cooking, clothes drying and fireplaces to form one high-efficiency system.

Propane Benefits

In 2021, the residential sector accounted for 51% of propane sales in the U.S. Additionally, 9% of all households use this gas for at least one application in their home.

Propane is popular for various reasons, ranging from fuel savings to reliability. The benefits of propane include:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Propane appliances are generally more efficient than electrical appliances, which can reduce your energy bills.
  • Incentives: States such as North Carolina and Virginia offer tax incentives for propane use. If you use propane in your home, you may be eligible for tax credits or rebates.
  • Reliability: The U.S. has abundant propane, making it a widely available and dependable fuel choice. Plus,propane lets you keep your appliances running in harsh weather conditions and power outages or live entirely off-grid.
  • Safety: Compared to other fuels,propane is a clean-burning fuel that can improve air quality and create a safer home environment for you and your family.

In addition to being excellent for indoor settings, propane is well-suited for outdoor use. Its low boiling point of around minus 44 degrees Fahrenheit allows it to withstand extreme temperatures.

Propane vs. Butane

What Is Butane?

As propane and butane are both members of the LPG family, they share many similarities. Butane is also extracted from natural gas at processing plants or produced from crude oil through petroleum refinement. In 2023, the U.S. produced 623 thousand barrels of butane each day.

Butane is a colorless gas with a slight petroleum-like smell. Like propane, it is liquified for storage and transport.

Butane Uses

Butane is predominantly used as a fuel, propellant and refrigerant in the industrial and transportation sectors. It also has some residential uses, such as powering boilers to heat homes, portable gas heaters and single-burner stoves.

Because butane is usually sold in small cylinders, campers and others utilizing RVs often use it on their trips. Although people use this gas as an energy source on outdoor excursions, it is better suited for indoor use, as the boiling point of butane is about 31 degrees Fahrenheit.

Butane Benefits

In addition to being easy to use due to its portability, the benefits of butane include:

  • Speed and efficiency: Single-top stoves powered by butane are superior to electric ones. Like most gases, butane lights instantly and quickly to provide the maximum heat output.
  • Low toxicity: As a clean-burning fuel, butane is generally considered safe and nontoxic when used appropriately during activities such as cooking.

What Is Their Environmental Impact?

Another similarity between butane and propane is that both gases have minimal negative environmental impact.

Greenhouse gases, such as methane, are one of the biggest drivers of climate change. Compared to gasoline and diesel, LPGs are a greener alternative because they release fewer harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Both propane and butane have a lower carbon content, and propane is completely methane-free — this is why these gases are referred to as clean burning fuels.

Propane is one of the cleanest fuels on the market. It has one of the lowest carbon emissions per million BTUs (British Thermal Units), which measures the heat content of different fuels and energy sources. In this sense, propane outperforms gasoline, diesel and electricity. For these reasons, propane was listed as an approved clean alternative fuel in the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

When you use propane to power your appliances or heat your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint:

  • Propane dryers save more than 2,000 pounds of carbon emissions compared to electrical models throughout their life span.
  • Propane fireplaces are more eco-friendly than electric fireplaces. They also produce less particulate emissions and carbon monoxide than fireplaces using wood.

An additional environmental advantage of propane comes from its physical characteristics. Though stored as a liquid, propane turns back into a gas when depressurized. As a result, propane evaporates into the air rather than spilling and pooling — it won’t contaminate groundwater, drinking water or soil. Once evaporated, propane does not harm the environment as it is not a greenhouse gas when it is not combusted.

What Is the Difference Between Propane and Butane?

Even though propane and butane are similar in many ways, they have distinct differences:

  • Boiling point: Butane and propane’s boiling points are the primary factors to consider. Propane’s boiling point of minus 44 degrees Fahrenheit is lower than butane’s, which is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this difference, propane stores better and will still turn from liquid to gas in significantly colder temperatures than butane. If you plan on storing your gas outside, propane is the better choice.
  • Cylinder size: Residential propane can be bought in tanks ranging from 120 to 1,000 gallons, whereas the largest residential butane cylinder is typically just under 25 gallons. If you want to power more than one appliance, power furnaces or heat your entire home, opting for propane will allow you to purchase the volume you need.
  • Use: Propane is a popular energy source in residential settings, and homeowners use it daily. Butane consumption is occasional — people use it on vacation, camping or during an RV trip. Propane is best if you plan to use an alternative energy source each day.
  • Cost: While fuel prices fluctuate, propane tends to be slightly cheaper than butane.

Let Foster Fuels Fulfill Your Propane Needs

Whether you’re looking to buy a propane-powered appliance, such as a dryer or stove, or are considering purchasing an entire house run by propane, Foster Fuels is here for all your fuel-related needs. We have been a leading provider of residential fuel services to homes in Virginia and the surrounding states for more than 100 years.

We deliver propane tanks right to your doorstep and offer full-service capabilities, such as our auto-fill program and propane system inspection and maintenance. We also provide a tank rental program, making switching to propane more convenient, manageable and cost-effective.

To learn more about how we can fulfill your home’s fueling requirements, contact Foster Fuels today.

Let Foster Fuels Fulfill Your Propane Needs