Every time you fire up the central heating, soak in a steamy bath or turn on the hob, do you stop to think about the LPG that’s making it all happen? Maybe you should – LPG is an interesting fuel with a lot more going on than meets the eye.
So here are 10 facts about LPG you can appreciate next time you run the hot tap.
First things first – what is LPG?
LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon atoms, and primarily consists of propane and butane.
LPG comes from natural gas processing and oil refining. As natural gas comes out of the ground, it contains a number of other gas liquids which include, amongst others, propane, isobutane, and butane, also known as LPG. The other gases are separated out and account for approximately 60% of the LPG produced worldwide.
LPG as a by-product of oil refining accounts for approximately 40% of the LPG produced worldwide. And more recently, renewable gases such as BioLPG and rDME are being produced from renewable sources and have identical properties to traditional LPG.
Due to its versatility, LPG has uses across many different sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, industry, and the care industry, to name just a few, as well as being the ideal choice for heating, cooking and firing appliances in off-grid households across the UK.
1. LPG has multiple names
LPG is commonly referred to as propane or butane. It’s also known as autogas when used in vehicles, and bottled or cylinder gas, but whether it’s stored in a bulk LPG storage tank in your garden, either above ground or in an underground tank, or in cylinders, it’s all the same reliable and versatile energy source.
Looking to the future, exciting renewable gases such as BioLPG and rDME are on the way. We’re looking forward to supplying them soon.
2. A century-long history
LPG has been used safely for rural domestic heating purposes since the early 1900s. It was discovered in 1910 by Walter. O. Snelling, an American chemist.
Over time, its use has evolved into the versatile fuel we know today. In the 1930’s, it was used for cooking and heating water; in fact, it was used to power cooking and water heating appliances in the Olympic Village at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. In the1940’s, LPG was introduced as an alternative to petrol, and by the mid-20th Century, it was used in residential heating. Its popularity has grown ever since, and over time, it’s evolved into one of the most popular off-grid energy solutions, trusted and valued by homeowners and businesses around the world for its performance and reliability.
3. Over 4 million households across Great Britain are off-grid
It was estimated in 2021 that 4.4 million households across Great Britain were not connected to the mains gas grid. Meaning no access to mains gas and having to rely on alternative fuels sources such as LPG for anyone living from Dumfries and Galloway to Northumberland, from County Durham to Cumbria, from Lancashire to Merseyside, and anywhere else in the UK.
Source: ONS 2021 Census
4. It burns cleaner than many other fossil fuels
When you live in the great British countryside, you want your heating to be warm, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
According to Liquid Gas UK, the Trade Association for LPG in the UK, LPG is the lowest carbon conventional fuel available for rural homes without access to the mains gas grid throughout the UK.
As a clean-burning fuel, LPG produces 33% less CO2 than coal and up to 20% less than oil. It also emits significantly lower levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and Particulate Matter (PM), while virtually eliminating black carbon emissions altogether.
Looking ahead, the future is even more promising. Renewable gases are on the way, offering the same dependable performance with even lower emissions. These renewable gases will be a key part of the UK’s journey to decarbonise heat, supporting a transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy for rural communities.
At Northern Energy, we’re proud to support homes with an energy source that’s not only dependable, but also aligned with a lower-carbon future.
5. LPG: powerful, efficient and built for off-grid living
When it comes to heating off-grid homes, LPG stands out as one of the most efficient and reliable fuel choices available.
LPG burns at a hotter temperature than most commonly used fuels and with excellent combustion efficiency, so more of the energy you’re paying for goes directly into heating your home or powering your appliances.
Plus, modern LPG boilers and heating systems are designed with efficiency in mind, often achieving efficiencies of over 90%. making iLPG a cost-effective fuel choice that's currently cheaper than heating oil.
6. Easily stored, highly versatile
Bulk LPG is not only a clean and efficient energy source, it’s also easy to store and incredibly versatile. Stored in pressurised tanks that are built and installed to strict industry standards and bulk LPG storage tank regulations, LPG systems are designed with safety at their core. Features such as pressure relief valves and regular inspections provide on-going peace of mind.
When it comes to storage, every home is different, and so are LPG storage options. With a choice of an above-ground tank, installed on a concrete hard-standing base, or an underground tank, the most discreet bulk LPG storage option, they also come in a variety of sizes, giving you ultimate flexibility for what’s right for you.
LPG is incredibly versatile. In rural homes, it’s the ideal fuel for heating, cooking, hot water, and powering appliances such as gas fires, providing comfort and reliability where mains gas isn’t available. Its versatility also extends across multiple commercial sectors.
7. It’s odourless – but not to you
In its natural state, LPG is completely odourless, but without a smell, detecting a gas leak would be extremely difficult.
As a safety measure, a strong-smelling chemical called ethyl mercaptan is added to the LPG at the refinery, so that it’s easier to detect leaks.
This substance has a distinct, unpleasant, sulphur-like odour, often described as rotten eggs or rotting cabbage. Not pleasant, but very effective, ensuring that even a small leak becomes quickly noticeable thanks to the unmistakable smell. If you do detect this smell around your LPG storage tank, pipework, or appliances, it’s important to act quickly.
8. It’s safe when handled properly
When stored and used correctly, LPG is a very safe and reliable energy source for your home. However, like any fuel system, regular maintenance is essential to keep your boiler and system in good working order – and safe.
We’d recommend arranging a gas safety check once a year, as well as an annual boiler service. Both should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer who will check your system is operating efficiently and safely.
Not only will your boiler service ensure its running at its peak performance, it can also identify small issues that may later become major problems, prevent costly breakdowns, and your engineer will check for carbon monoxide leaks, giving you added peace of mind that your home is protected.
To help stay on track, you can set a reminder to ensure you get your appliances checked every year by signing up for the Gas Safe Register’s free reminder service.
Other small actions to keep your family safe include fitting an audible carbon monoxide alarm and keeping the areas surrounding your boiler and appliances well-ventilated and clear of clutter. By taking these small steps, you can enjoy all the benefits of LPG with complete confidence.
9. Supporting the transition to renewable energy
The LPG industry is committed to transitioning to renewable gases by 2040. Liquid Gas UK is powering progress with sustainability at heart for UK energy, and for the many homes and businesses in rural areas beyond the reach of the mains gas grid.
Significant investment is underway in renewable ‘drop-in’ gases such as bioLPG and rDME, which will be instrumental in the decarbonisation of heat and the transition to renewable liquid gases by 2040, providing a long-term, reliable, and affordable solution for rural communities throughout the UK.
10. It’s available all year round
When it comes to heating your home, reliability is key.
LPG is available all year round, making it a consistent and dependable energy source. Delivered by road in a tanker and stored in bulk LPG tanks, LPG ensures a steady and uninterrupted supply, whenever you need it.
Customers of Northern Energy Gas can be sure of a constant supply with our automatic refilling service which ensures you receive deliveries when you need them. So no risk of running out of fuel!
LPG – Powering Comfortable Homes Off the Grid
At Northern Energy, we’re proud to supply LPG to homes across the UK with a level of service that goes above and beyond. Whether you're already using LPG, or considering a switch from heating oil, we’re here to support you with expert advice, seamless tank installation, and reliable delivery.
Want to learn more about switching to LPG or upgrading your current system?
Contact our friendly team today – we’ll help you make the switch confidently and smoothly.
Call us on 01423 772 789. We’re here to help.