Propane vs. Kerosene

Fuel plays a crucial role in everyday life, allowing you to do everything from cooking food for your family to driving to work. During the cold winter months, you also need fuel to keep your home warm and welcoming. Propane is a common energy source for heating, with 6.3 million households in the United States using it to heat their homes. However, propane is not the only option available — kerosene is another choice.

Both fuels can power small space heaters, which are a great alternative when a central heating system is unavailable, inadequate or too expensive to install and operate. Smaller heaters are also ideal for warming up outdoor spaces or your garage. Understanding their differences is key to making an informed decision about whether propane or kerosene is the right solution for you.

What Is Propane?

Propane is typically a by-product of natural gas processing but can also made via crude oil refinement. Also referred to as liquified petroleum gas (LPG), it is a nontoxic gas that is compressed into a liquid for convenient storage and transportation in tanks. Though propane is naturally colorless and odorless, manufacturers add an odorant so that leaks can be easily detected — this chemical is what gives the fuel its distinct smell.

You can use propane to heat your entire home or specific appliances, such as stoves, water heaters and fireplaces. It also has many other uses, including outdoor grilling, supplying RVs with hot water and powering vehicles such as forklifts.

In addition to being highly versatile, propane offers the following benefits:

• It’s clean burning: Propane has been recognized as an approved clean fuel in the 1990 Clean Air Act. When you use propane, you produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.
• It’s dependable: Millions of Americans choose propane because it is reliable. You can still use it to heat and power your home, even in extreme weather conditions or in the event of a natural disaster.
• It’s domestically produced: The U.S. is one of the biggest propane producers, and the supply far exceeds the demand. Propane is readily available throughout the country as it is abundant — you will likely be able to purchase this fuel easily.

What Is Kerosene?

Kerosene is a light petroleum distillate made by partially refining crude oil. It is a liquid that ranges from clear and colorless to light amber. Kerosene also has a petroleum-like smell.

While kerosene is often associated with powering old-timey lamps, this fuel has various applications. While it is still used as a light source in wick-fed lamps, kerosene is a common heating choice for homeowners. You can use it for portable heaters, water heaters and camping stoves.

The benefits of kerosene include:

• It has a long shelf life: Kerosene can be stored for many years without corroding fuel tanks or degrading in quality. Due to its stability, this fuel is ideal for households in rural areas who don’t receive regular services from fuel delivery trucks.
• It’s safer than other fuels: While kerosene still releases air pollutants, it produces fewer hazardous fumes than other heating sources. There is also less smoke when you burn kerosene, so it is perfect for heaters and lamps.

What Is the Difference Between Kerosene and Propane?

Although kerosene and propane are both fossil fuels, they differ in many ways. For homeowners, a significant difference to consider is availability. Because there is an abundant propane supply in the U.S., it is an easily accessible fuel source. On the other hand, kerosene is usually limited in availability, making it challenging to find. As a result of its relative scarcity, kerosene this fuel can also be more expensive.

Finding skilled technicians with the necessary qualifications to properly maintain and service your kerosene equipment may also be tricky. Finding a reliable supplier, such as Foster Fuels, is essential before using kerosene to heat your home.

Propane and kerosene also differ in their heat content, price and environmental impact.

Is Kerosene or Propane Cheaper?

As mentioned earlier, kerosene is more expensive — it costs $2.20 per gallon. Propane is the cheaper option at $1.80 per gallon.

When choosing a fuel type, a deciding factor may be the difference in the price per unit of kerosene vs. propane. However, you should evaluate these prices in the context of energy efficiency before making a selection.

Is Kerosene or Propane More Energy-Efficient?

Kerosene is the more efficient fuel, with a rating of 135,000 British thermal units (BTU) per gallon, while propane has a rating of 91,600 BTU per gallon. BTU is a measure of an energy source’s heat content. Kerosene has a higher BTU rating, which means that it generates more heat than propane.

So, even though kerosene is pricier than propane, it may cost less to heat your home when you take energy efficiency into account.

Is Kerosene or Propane More Sustainable?

If you are after a more eco-friendly fuel, propane is ideal. It is completely free of dangerous chemicals such as nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, creating minimal air pollution. In fact, this fuel is one of the cleanest available, with the lowest carbon emissions per million BTUs.

Though kerosene is relatively clean-burning, it still releases pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter when combusted. In the context of sustainability, propane is the clear winner.

Kerosene Heaters vs. Propane: Which Is Best?

While your fuel choice can depend on your priorities, you should also consider what you plan on using it for. When deciding between a kerosene or propane heater, keep the following factors in mind:

• Location: If you want to place the heater outside, such as on your patio, kerosene heaters will perform better than propane because it has a higher heat output and burns more powerfully. If you are considering whether a propane vs. kerosene indoor heater would be best, understand that kerosene releases more fumes, so propane heaters are ideal for indoor use. Even though propane is safer for heating inside spaces, you should always ensure the room is well-ventilated.
• Cost: While propane is often more expensive than kerosene, kerosene heaters usually use more fuel than their propane-powered counterparts. Models using propane are also often cheaper. So, even though kerosene has a higher heat output, it comes at a higher price tag in the context of small space heaters.
• Running time: You should also consider how long you’d want to run the heater. Propane models may be able to run for longer. A kerosene heater may be sufficient when you need warmth for a short period, such as when working in your garage. If you need heat for an extended period, propane options will likely be more suitable.
• Convenience: During winter storms and extreme weather conditions, power outages may occur regularly. If your home runs on electricity, you can be left without heat. Small space heaters can be a temporary solution to keep your home warm. As propane heaters need electricity to ignite and function, you may need a generator. Meanwhile, kerosene heaters don’t rely on electricity — they are a simpler option, and all you need to do is light the wick.

In the debate of kerosene heaters vs. propane, the right solution is determined by your heating requirements, how much you are willing to spend and the level of convenience you’d prefer. However, propane heaters are much cleaner, and kerosene models may be more efficient.

Choose the Right Fuel With Foster Fuels

Whether you choose propane or kerosene to heat your home, Foster Fuels is here for all your fuelling needs. For over 100 years, we have supplied homeowners in Virginia and beyond with fuel. Our drivers can deliver tanks straight to your doorstep, wherever you are. We also offer auto-fill services, so you have peace of mind and are always fully stocked with your fuel of choice.

If you still need help deciding which solution is best, we’d be glad to assist. To speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members, contact us today!