LPG vs Natural Gas for Home Heating
LPG and natural gas both fuel a boiler the same way, but natural gas comes through the mains while LPG is stored in a tank or bottles on site — so LPG suits homes off the gas grid, and the boiler must be set up for whichever gas it burns.
LPG and natural gas both fuel a boiler the same way, but natural gas comes through the mains while LPG is stored in a tank or bottles on site — so LPG suits homes off the gas grid, and the boiler must be set up for whichever gas it burns. Where a property sits relative to the gas grid decides most of this comparison — LPG serves homes the mains network hasn't reached, with different delivery and storage arrangements to match.
The case for natural gas
Any property with an existing mains gas connection benefits from not needing tank storage, deliveries or the associated outdoor space.
The case for LPG
Off-grid properties where a mains connection isn't available or practical are well served by LPG, using boiler appliances that work in a very similar way.
Which wins when
This usually isn't a real choice but a fact of location — if mains gas has reached the property boundary, few off-grid homes would choose to stay on LPG storage and deliveries instead.
Can a boiler switch between them?
Some boilers can be converted from natural gas to LPG with a manufacturer's kit, and others are sold as LPG-specific models. The conversion is Gas Safe work, and the appliance has to be commissioned for the new gas. If a mains supply arrives later, converting back is possible on boilers the manufacturer allows it on.
What changes with LPG specifically
- Tank or cylinder siting distances and storage arrangements
- LPG-specific appliance components and injectors
- Regulator and outdoor pipework condition
Who does the work
- Gas Safe registered engineers — registration 554328
- Worcester Bosch accredited installer
- John The Plumb Ltd, company registration 10026483
Get LPG or mains gas heating sorted
Tell us whether mains gas is available at your property and we'll confirm which route applies to you.
Questions we get asked
Can a natural gas boiler be converted to LPG?
Only with the manufacturer's specific conversion kit and a full recommissioning and combustion check afterwards.
Does LPG heating work differently day to day?
The heating and hot water experience is essentially the same; the difference is in fuel storage, delivery and the supply-side components.
What happens if mains gas reaches an LPG property later?
A conversion to natural gas is possible with the appropriate kit, and the tank or cylinders can then be removed.
Do LPG boilers need a different Gas Safe qualification?
Engineers must hold the right competence for LPG work on their Gas Safe registration. It is worth checking the card before any LPG job.