Butane cylinder or natural gas: which is better for your home?

Differences between butane gas and natural gas

Although both are fossil fuels, they differ in several important ways:

Composition and state

• Natural gas is composed mainly of methane and is supplied in gaseous form through a piped distribution network.
• Butane, a petroleum-derived gas, is stored as a liquid in cylinders and turns into gas when released from the container.

Distribution

• Natural gas is delivered through pipelines, ensuring a continuous supply with no need for storage.
• Butane requires purchasing and replacing cylinders, which involves storage space and manual handling.

Calorific value

• Butane has a higher calorific value (26.2 kWh/Nm³ compared to 10.8 kWh/Nm³ for natural gas), meaning it generates more heat per unit of volume.

Cold resistance

• Natural gas can withstand temperatures down to -5°C, while butane can freeze at 0°C, affecting gas flow in very cold climates.

Full comparison: butane vs. natural gas

Price and savings

Natural gas is usually more economical in the long run. Its regulated price is around €0.0439/kWh, compared to €0.1048/kWh for regulated butane. In the free market, the difference is also significant: €0.0699/kWh for natural gas and €0.1377/kWh for butane.

In addition, natural gas offers stable rates and eliminates the need to buy cylinders, reducing logistical costs. Butane may seem more affordable for low consumption, but in homes with continuous heating and hot water use, natural gas is more cost-effective.

Check out our gas solutions catalogue and find the option that best suits your home.

Convenience and availability

Natural gas wins in convenience: continuous supply, no replacements and no storage space required.

Butane is ideal for rural areas or homes without access to the gas grid, as it doesn’t rely on piped infrastructure. However, it does require managing cylinders and planning ahead to avoid running out of gas.

Efficiency and performance

Although butane has a higher calorific value, natural gas provides cleaner and more stable combustion, with lower pollutant emissions. As it is piped, there are no transport losses or risks associated with storage.

In practical terms, for central heating and intensive use, natural gas is more efficient thanks to its constant supply and the ability to integrate advanced systems such as condensing boilers.

Safety

Both gases are safe when regulations are followed, but natural gas has clear advantages: it is lighter than air, so in the event of a leak it disperses quickly, reducing the risk of explosion. On the other hand, butane is heavier than air and tends to accumulate in low areas, increasing the danger in case of leaks.

In addition, natural gas installations usually include detection and automatic shut-off systems, while butane relies more on proper handling of the cylinders.

Installation and maintenance

Natural gas requires connection to the grid and a higher initial installation cost, but this is offset over time by lower consumption costs. Inspections are periodic and must always be carried out by qualified professionals.

By contrast, butane installations are simple and inexpensive, making them ideal for second homes or occasional use. However, they involve frequent handling and inspections every five years.

Which is better depending on the type of home?

Choosing between butane and natural gas doesn’t depend on price alone. Location, usage and your home’s characteristics are key factors.

If your home is in a city and you use gas for multiple purposes, natural gas is the most convenient and cost-effective option. As it is piped, it guarantees a continuous supply with no need to worry about replacements. It also allows you to automate heating and schedule usage, resulting in greater comfort and efficiency. In the long term, the savings are significant compared to the cost of butane cylinders, especially in winter when consumption increases.

In areas where the natural gas network is not available, butane remains a practical solution. It is easy to install and requires no construction work, making it the best choice for second homes or properties with occasional use. You only pay for what you consume, while you can store multiple cylinders to avoid running out of supply. That said, it does involve some logistics: monitoring stock levels and managing the purchase and transport of cylinders.

In cold climates, the difference is especially important. Natural gas performs better at low temperatures, while butane may experience gasification issues near 0°C, affecting flow and pressure. If you live in an area with very cold winters, natural gas offers greater reliability and helps prevent heating interruptions. On the contrary, butane may require additional solutions, such as keeping cylinders in spaces protected from extreme cold.