Have you always dreamed of cooking with gas? There’s indeed nothing better than a gas stove for precision temperatures. Perhaps you’re considering a new gas fitting to reduce your water heating costs, or for the outdoor kitchen renovation you’re planning. It’s true that gas was the gold standard for economical cooking and water heating for a long time. But it’s important to ensure that this is still the right choice for your household.

Couple cooking food on gas stove in kitchen

Generally, gas fitting in Brisbane comes down to a choice between LPG and natural gas. Both offer reliable gas supply but have their pros and cons. It’s useful to chat to the experts. Salmon Plumbing provides the residential gas fitting service Brisbane households rely on for professional gas connection, fitting, conversions, appliance installations and maintenance services. We’re also on the road 24/7 should the need for an emergency gas plumber arise. So, let’s talk about the right gas fitting for your needs.

What’s the difference between Natural Gas and LPG?

The chemical composition of the two types of gas is vastly different.

Natural gas is methane gas. It forms underground over millions of years, a by-product of heat and pressure on decomposing plant and animal matter.

LPG (liquid petroleum gas) is a hydrocarbon made up of propane and butane particles.

Natural Gas vs LPG

Another difference between LPG and natural gas is how it’s delivered to your home.

LPG comes in a cylinder or tank that you connect to your gas appliances. Once empty, it must be replaced.

Natural gas requires a mains connection to the gas network. Brisbane’s natural gas supply is limited to the inner city and some outer suburbs. You will need to check whether your home has access to natural gas. Check if your property is eligible for natural gas installation here.

Those households without access to mains natural gas will need to choose LPG. For those who do have access, that’s a great start, but there’s more to consider before you decide on one type of gas over the other. The pros and cons of natural gas vs LPG come down to a few key factors.

Cost: Natural Gas vs LPG

Natural gas is cheaper per megajoule, but LPG is cheaper than natural gas in terms of domestic gas fitting. This is because you’ll pay between 50c and a dollar a day for connection to the gas network. In addition, natural gas is a non-renewable resource, so the cost is predicted to rise significantly in the next decade as supplies decline.

The cost of fitting LPG gas is generally (but not always) cheaper as the supply only needs to be run from the area where you plan to store the tanks to your kitchen or gas hot water system.

You can compare Brisbane gas supply prices here.

Convenience: Natural Gas vs LPG

Natural gas is supplied via a mains connection (just like your water supply), so it’s there whenever you turn on the stove or take a hot shower. It provides continuous, easy access.

LPG requires gas delivery. You’ll need to keep an eye on your tanks to make sure you don’t run out. LPG tank supply is a fairly competitive industry, so you can expect simple re-ordering from most Brisbane suppliers.

LPG is the only option for households without access to the mains gas network.

Safety: Natural Gas vs LPG

Natural gas is lighter than LPG, so it dissipates faster, making it lower risk in the case of a gas leak. Both gasses are very dangerous if improperly fitted, so it’s vital to invest in the plumber Brisbane trusts for installation and maintenance (that’s us!)

Some parents worry about the combination of curious children and LPG canisters on their property, but they’re generally very secure.

Natural gas is more eco-friendly than LPG as it produces less C02 when burned and requires fewer resources for extraction than for petrochemical manufacturing. However, we are quickly draining our natural gas supply which is likely to pose problems at some point in the future.

Performance: Natural Gas vs LPG

LPG is more efficient than natural gas, providing more “burn for your buck.” However, large households may find the uninterrupted supply of natural gas far more convenient than having to replace tanks frequently. For smaller households with significantly lower gas consumption needs, LPG could be preferable.

Professional Gas Fitting is Non-Negotiable!

No matter which gas supply you choose, gas fitting is not a DIY job. You’ll need a professional plumber with gas fitting capabilities to connect your gas supply. Salmon Plumbing offers gas fitting services across Brisbane.

Just get in touch – you’ll be “cooking with gas” in no time!