Long Island homeowners face a crucial energy choice that could save or cost them hundreds of dollars annually – should you heat with propane or natural gas in 2024?
As energy costs continue to fluctuate across Long Island, New York homeowners are increasingly evaluating their heating options to optimize both comfort and budget. The choice between residential propane and natural gas has become more complex in 2024, with various factors affecting the true cost of each fuel type.
Understanding the Fuel Fundamentals
Propane delivers significantly more energy per unit than natural gas, with propane containing 2,516 BTUs per cubic foot compared to natural gas’s 1,030 BTUs. This energy density difference is crucial when calculating real heating costs, as natural gas burns at a rate of two to one compared to propane, meaning you’ll use twice as much natural gas to heat the same space.
2024 Long Island Pricing Reality
Current propane prices in New York reflect regional market conditions. The current price of propane in New York is $3.54 per gallon as of July 2025, while New York propane delivery prices are $3.47 per gallon. For Long Island specifically, Nassau and Suffolk counties are included in NYSERDA’s Long Island pricing region, which tracks residential propane costs.
Home heating with propane costs $90 to $200 per month on average, while heating with natural gas costs about $30 to $60 per month. However, these figures don’t tell the complete story when energy efficiency is considered.
The True Cost Calculation
When comparing fuel costs, homeowners must look beyond per-unit pricing. Natural gas contains approximately 1,030 BTU per cubic foot while propane contains 2,490 BTU per cubic foot, making direct price comparisons misleading without BTU adjustments.
In one hour, a 100,000 BTU natural gas furnace burns around 97 cubic feet while a propane furnace burns only 40 cubic feet. This efficiency difference can significantly impact your monthly heating bills, especially during Long Island’s cold winter months.
Installation and Infrastructure Considerations
For Long Island homeowners without existing natural gas lines, installation costs become a major factor. If your home does not already have a natural gas line, installing one will be much more expensive than having a propane tank installed. Propane tanks cost $300 to $3,000 for above-ground installation or $1,500 to $5,000 for a buried tank.
Many Suffolk County residents find propane particularly advantageous because if you live in a more rural area, you may not have the convenience of nearby gas lines to tap into, as piping natural gas to a home can be cost prohibitive.
Reliability and Convenience Factors
Natural gas provides convenient delivery through underground pipelines with a reliable fuel supply and no bulky tanks or supply disruptions. However, propane offers independence from utility infrastructure and can provide backup power during outages.
For professional Propane Services Suffolk County, NY, Liberty Gas Service has established itself as a trusted local provider. Liberty Gas Service has been a trusted propane company in Suffolk County since 2010, delivering high-quality, reliable propane services that the community depends on.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Natural gas, when discharged into the environment is a greenhouse gas whereas propane is not classified as such, and propane is not toxic or damaging and will not harm the environment if released into the atmosphere. Both fuels burn cleanly, but propane has environmental advantages in its unused state.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Natural gas is usually cheaper than propane on an energy basis, but if natural gas is not available, propane may be the least expensive heating fuel available – in the real world, a lot depends on what is available.
For Long Island homeowners, the decision often comes down to availability and existing infrastructure. Liberty Gas provides the best service and most competitive pricing on Long Island, valuing honesty and reliability as a cornerstone of their business. Their local expertise and 24-hour availability, 7 days a week ensures Liberty is always there for customers in their time of need.
2024 Market Outlook
Looking at the 2023-2024 season, the East Coast is expected to have milder winter temperatures and healthy national propane supply, with average propane prices at $3.33 and likely to be more stable with fewer big price swings.
The choice between propane and natural gas ultimately depends on your specific situation, existing infrastructure, and long-term energy goals. While natural gas may appear cheaper per unit, propane’s higher efficiency and availability make it an excellent choice for many Long Island homeowners, especially when partnered with a reliable local provider like Liberty Gas Service.