I'm solidly on record as being a proponent of gas in new homes, but I'm often asked what the difference is between natural and propane gas. Well the first difference is that natural gas must be delivered to the home through underground utility pipes, but unlike water, electric, phone and cable, not every home has been piped for natural gas. To get a natural gas line extended to your home is often not cost efficient (and that's a slight understatement). For those homes without natural gas, propane gas is typically stored in underground tanks which are refilled by local propane companies. The tank is only noticeable by the cover where it is refilled (see photo below). The differences have more to do with their chemical properties. Propane is heavier than air and natural gas is lighter than air. Propane provides more energy per unit than natural gas, but natural gas can be less expensive per unit (more on cost below).
So if that's how they are different - how are they the same? Fortunately, there's really no difference in the performance in appliances between the two types of gas. They both ignite at the same temperature and it's very doubtful that you'll notice any difference on a cooktop, grill, water heater, dryer or other appliance. I've used propane and natural in different homes for my family and haven't been able to tell any difference. The same is true for our customers. So what's the cost difference? The cost to install either type is the same. When it comes to ongoing costs, my experience in Tampa is that there isn't a noticeable cost difference in the monthly utility bills. I can only guess that the higher performance per unit of propane is offset out by the lower cost per unit of natural gas, but that's my unscientific mind at work.
If you are considering a new home in Tampa or St. Petersburg, go with gas - natural or propane. When it comes to what matters - cost and performance - there's really no difference.
Jon Solomon
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