Most people in the UK are aware of natural gas, as it’s the most commonly used fossil fuel to heat homes. Liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, is not as well-known but has several benefits compared to natural gas and other fuel sources.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website LPG Solution supplier.
This guide will take a close look at both LPG and natural gas. We’ll examine exactly what they are and how they work, and compare the pros and cons of each to get you up to speed.
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What kind of fuel does your boiler use?
Liquefied petroleum gas, also known as liquid petroleum gas or LPG, is a fuel that’s used for vehicles, barbecues, cookers, and heating homes. It’s a colourless hydrocarbon gas that is pressurized into a liquid.
Three or four carbon atom hydrocarbons make up the majority of LPG. Therefore, the primary chemical composition of LPG (C4H10) is propane (C3H8) and butane. Other hydrocarbons may also be present in trace amounts.
LPG boilers are a popular choice for homes that aren’t connected to the mains gas network, as LPG is a more efficient fuel than a fossil fuels, such as oil.
LPG can be extracted from petroleum and natural gas processing streams but is usually a byproduct of refining crude oil. Its high efficiency is because it holds more energy when in a liquid form than it does as a gas.
So, how does an LPG central heating system work?
LPG heating is often what’s referred to as a wet heating system. Hot water flows to taps, and radiators are heated by an LPG boiler which warms the water in the system.
Many gas boilers, such as a combi boiler, are built to use mains gas that can be converted to LPG boilers.
LPG has a very low boiling point, so it must be stored outside the home in either a storage tank or LPG gas bottles. This is so that the LPG doesn’t evaporate back into gas once it reaches room temperature.
Unlike compressed natural gas (CNG), LPG can be made from two different gas types: propane and butane which is more suitable for certain situations depending on which gas LPG is made fans.
The boiling point of propane is -42˚c, which makes it suitable for lower temperatures, and it’s usually used for appliances and heating in caravans.
The boiling point of butane is much higher at -2˚c, making it best used for indoor settings. Butane supplies more energy per cubic metre than propane, making it a more efficient fossil fuel.
If your home has LPG central heating, you’ll have gas bottles delivered regularly. You may also have a storage tank outside your home where you can store LPG, which is cheaper than buying an individual gas bottle each time you run out.
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It’s estimated that the average cost of heating your home with an LPG boiler is about £800 per year. That’s if your home uses roughly 12,000kWh during the year for hot water and heating.
However, the cost of heating your home will vary widely depending on several factors, such as:
Natural gas is a hydrocarbon that is both non-toxic and colourless. It’s supplied to homes through main gas pipelines and is used to provide heat. Most homes in the UK use natural gas as it’s very efficient, widely available, and burns cleanly.
Natural gas is much more eco-friendly than coal and produces about 50% of the carbon dioxide as coal does. When it’s burnt, it also produces around 10% of the number of air pollutants that coal does.
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What kind of fuel does your boiler use?
It would be criminal if you didn’t choose the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000. This is a sure fan favourite for boiler fans and engineers. With the option for it to run on LPG or Natural Gas, the skills are limitless.
The advantages of the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 are:
Read more about the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 here.
LPG and natural gas, have very different important aspects, which is their main distinction. Propane is an LPG (C3H8), whereas methane is found in natural gas (CH4). The processing of natural gas and the refinement of petroleum results in the production of LPG.
Unlike natural gas, which is typically stored and delivered in pipes or gas mains, LPG is purified and kept as a liquid under pressure in gas bottles or tanks. By being separated from natural gas or by refining crude oil as opposed to natural gas that has just had NGLs* and impurities removed, LPG is kept separate from the hydrocarbon mixes.
Unlike natural gas, which is lighter than air, LPG is heavier than air. Both gases exist at regular pressure and temperature (STP)*.
*Natural gas liquids (NGL) are parts of natural gas that have been liquidised after being separated from the gaseous condition.
*STP, or standard temperature and pressure, stands for the nominal atmospheric conditions at sea level.
It is a portable, clean, and efficient energy source that is widely available to consumers worldwide. LPG is also a byproduct of natural gas and crude oil production; its unique properties make it a versatile energy source with over 1,000 applications.
Natural gas is abundant and versatile, allowing us to meet the world’s growing energy demand while also collaborating with renewable energy sources. We cool natural gas to liquid so that it can be shipped to energy-starved areas, and we convert it into lower-emission fuels and other products.
Average values for 2014 to 2019
LPG is propane, but natural gas is methane, therefore they are not the same thing. Processing of natural gas and refining of crude oil results in the production of LPG. LPG is processed and then stored in gas cans or storage tanks under pressure as a liquid.
Natural gas is no longer the assumed low-cost alternative because of the way that times have changed. Natural gas is frequently more expensive to deliver than LPG.
Between 1% and 10% of the natural gas flow is made up of natural gas liquids (NGL).
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LPG is a good option for powering your car. LPG is cleaner-burning than petrol or diesel, producing less residue. This means that less damage is caused to the engine, which in turn prolongs the life of the machine. This should save money on maintenance costs and repairs.
As part of the UK government’s 2050 net-zero target, gas-powered boilers will be banned for new homes from 2025 onwards. So, if you move into a new-build property after 2025, you won’t be able to have an LPG boiler installed in your home.
Instead, you’ll have to consider more eco-friendly options such as solar panels and heat pumps. These will reduce your carbon footprint and also make your home more appealing to buyers in the future.
If you’re planning to install an LPG boiler in your home, you may also want to install a storage tank. You don’t usually need to get planning permission for this, but there are some restrictions on the tank that you must follow:
If you live in a protected area, you should speak to your local council before installing a storage tank.
LPG is a superior option for persons who aren’t linked to the main gas supply because it is significantly more efficient and emits fewer CO2 emissions than heating oil or coal for off-grid homes.
Natural gas, on the other hand, is far more practical and frequently less expensive, making it the ideal option for the majority of households in the UK for central heating.
Are you considering installing an LPG gas boiler?
One of the most important decisions you'll make for your home is investing in a gas boiler. If you’ve done your research, you will know that there are many different makes, models and manufacturers producing boilers for the UK market, and each has its own pros and cons. If you choose to install an LPG boiler, it's important to understand the benefits and limitations first before deciding.
Gas and oil boilers are still popular choices with homeowners, so don't worry about being left high and dry in 2025, when restrictions on gas boilers come into force. There are no plans to phase out these heat sources during the transition period!
In this guide, we'll look at the pros and cons of using LPG boilers so that you can determine if they are right for you.
LPG is a versatile fuel for heating and cooking and is widely used in industry. It consists primarily of hydrophobic hydrocarbons from natural resources such as oil extraction or refining.
An LPG boiler works by burning to create energy to heat the water needed for central heating and domestic needs, i.e., bathing, cooking etc. The main difference between an LPG boiler and a regular boiler is that an LPG boiler uses Liquefied Petroleum Gas instead of natural gas or oil. This means that an LPG boiler is not connected to mains gas and will require a separate storage tank (safely sited) for the fuel. Although it may seem an inconvenience, it does have several benefits.
Hopefully, we will be able to explain the advantages of LPG boilers (and drawbacks), so anyone is able to make an informed decision between LPG and natural gas.
Pros - Gas boilers
When looking for a cheaper alternative to oil or natural gas, LPG does tend to be cheaper.
• Low operating costs.
We all want cheaper energy and low operating costs to combat volatile fuel prices. Unlike other energy sources, such as coal or imported gas, which are subject to significant price instabilities on a regular basis, LPG can be the alternative.
• Reduce your carbon footprint.
LPG boilers are a route to reducing your home's carbon footprint as you will be using cleaner energy. The government is looking to incentivise households with tax breaks and other measures in the coming years!
The Eco-friendly community might be happy to learn that LPG has a global warming potential of zero (according to the IPCC). Climate gurus say that LPG, in particular, doesn’t contribute to global warming! Far better for the environment than natural gas.
Another advantage of LPG gas is that it is cheaper than using an electrical heating system. It’s plentiful and burns with low emissions. This means that it is much better for the environment than traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil.
• Highly efficient.
In addition, LPG boilers are highly efficient, using less fuel and producing fewer carbon emissions than other types of fuel. Consequently, these have become an excellent choice for those who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Non-toxic.
Finally, LPG spillages are not toxic, making them safe fuels to use. LPG boilers are generally more eco-friendly than natural gas boiler because they produce 20% fewer greenhouse gases as it doesn’t need fossil fuels like coal or natural gas. Plus, LPG boilers tend to be more compact (in size), a big advantage if space is at a premium!
Cons - LPG boilers
LPG is an excellent alternative to traditional fossil fuels but has its drawbacks.
It is only recommended for homes that are ‘off grid’ (more remote/secluded properties) and is more expensive than natural gas but the payoff is it’s more environmentally friendly than natural gas! It has to be delivered, and you will need to have a storage facility (tank) on your property. Plus, you will need to calculate how long a full LPG storage tank lasts to avoid running out. Usually, to prevent running out completely, they come fitted with a tank sensor or as an optional extra
• Safe storage.
The main disadvantage of LPG is that you must keep the tank pressurised and stored securely on your property. To maintain the tank pressure a sturdy pipeline that complies with regulations is required.
• Price.
The cost of LPG, like many other commodities, has steadily increased over the years, making it less competitive from a price perspective. This trend will likely continue, making LPG increasingly more expensive for many consumers.
• Delivery.
Delivery of LPG can sometimes cause problems as it relies on transportation by road, which means that there may be occasions when you run out of fuel before the next delivery. However, with technological advancement (sensors etc.), the supplier is automatically notified if fuel levels are low. Hopefully, your fuel stock will be replenished before it is completely exhausted.
• Installation cost.
LPG storage tanks are usually rented, with an annual rental fee between £60 - £90.
• Regular servicing.
Like all boilers, regular servicing will ensure the longevity of a boiler and ensure it’s running economically and safely. This is why regular servicing of LPG boilers is essential for peak performance!
• UK Gas boiler ban in 2025.
You probably know that the UK has made it a legal requirement to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Under current plans, there's no need to ditch your existing oil or gas boiler by 2025. It only applies to ‘new builds. Any future upgrades to a gas boiler beyond 2025 should be made with low/zero emissions in mind!When you need to install a gas boiler, make sure the installer is a certified and qualified gas-safe registered company. Call serviceteam anytime if you need to install a new boiler or upgrade (subject to conditions) an existing one at home or the office today!