Comparing Your Tankless Water Heater Choice: Propane vs. Natural Gas

When considering tankless water heaters, you’ll encounter several options, beginning with the choice of energy source. You can select from gas-powered, electric, or heat-pump water heaters. Within the gas-powered category, there are natural gas and propane variants. Toshack weighs the differences between propane tankless water heaters and their natural gas counterparts.

Comparing Propane Tankless Water Heaters with Natural Gas

With an understanding of propane and natural gas, it’s time to delve into the question of whether a propane tankless water heater or a natural gas tankless water heater makes more sense for your needs. To aid in your decision-making process, let’s explore several key factors that should be considered when choosing between these two options for your water heating system.

Natural Gas is the More Affordable Option 

Propane tankless water heaters are more efficient but can have higher operational costs than natural gas models because natural gas is generally more affordable. While propane’s efficiency is an advantage, it’s balanced by the lower cost of natural gas, potentially reducing the energy savings gained from propane’s efficiency.

Propane is the More Efficient Option 

Propane stands out as a more efficient fuel compared to natural gas, offering a superior heat output per unit consumed. This fundamental difference implies that propane tankless water heaters would require significantly less fuel than their natural gas counterparts. However, does this necessarily translate into lower operating costs? Not exactly.

Propane is Environmentally Friendly

Both natural gas and propane are greener energy options, but propane is the more environmentally friendly choice. While natural gas has lower carbon dioxide emissions during combustion, propane emits fewer greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle, as natural gas can release methane during refining.

Comparing Installation and Sources 

Choosing between a natural gas or propane tankless water heater depends on fuel availability. Using your existing fuel supply is practical. Areas with natural gas access usually have gas lines for water heaters, but installation is costly without one. In areas lacking natural gas, propane tankless heaters are a suitable option, although they require periodic tank refills, which can be inconvenient. This choice depends on fuel access, installation costs, and your willingness to manage propane refills and potential delivery delays.

Which Option is Better? 

Choosing between a propane and natural gas tankless water heater hinges on fuel availability. If your property already has a natural gas connection, it’s cost-effective and efficient to opt for natural gas. However, without a gas line, a propane tankless water heater avoids installation expenses. If environmental concerns weigh on your decision, propane’s slightly better eco-friendliness might make it more appealing. Ultimately, the choice depends on fuel access, cost considerations, and environmental priorities.

Contact Toshack for Questions About Our Tankless Water Heaters!

Toshack offers quality tankless water heater installation in Kingston and Brockville. We’ll do an evaluation of your home and help you decide between a propane or natural gas system. Contact us today to get started!