Natural Gas vs Propane: Which is Right for Your Minnesota Home?
Most Minnesota homes in cities and suburbs use natural gas, but hundreds of thousands of rural and semi-rural properties — especially in outstate Minnesota — rely on propane (LP gas). Understanding the differences between these fuel types helps you choose the right furnace, manage operating costs, and plan for the future.
Key Differences: Natural Gas vs Propane
- Energy content: Propane contains about 2,500 BTU per cubic foot versus 1,020 BTU for natural gas. Propane is roughly 2.5x more energy-dense, which is why propane furnaces need different orifices and gas pressure settings than natural gas models.
- Cost: Natural gas prices in Minnesota are generally lower per BTU than propane. Propane is a commodity with volatile pricing — prices spike in cold winters when demand surges. Many Minnesota propane users "lock in" prices in summer to avoid winter price spikes.
- Availability: Natural gas is only available where utility lines exist — primarily in cities, suburbs, and larger towns. Propane can be delivered anywhere, making it the dominant fuel in rural Minnesota, lake country, and areas not served by gas mains.
- Conversion: Converting from propane to natural gas (or vice versa) requires changing the gas valve orifice and adjusting manifold pressure. Goodman furnaces can be factory-ordered as propane or converted with a conversion kit. Always specify your fuel type when ordering from Furnace Direct.
Ordering the Right Furnace for Your Fuel Type
Goodman furnaces ship configured for natural gas by default. Propane operation requires either ordering a propane-ready unit or installing a factory LP conversion kit. The conversion is straightforward but must be done correctly — an improperly converted furnace is dangerous and will not operate efficiently. When you order from Furnace Direct, specify your fuel type and we'll ensure you receive the correct configuration.
Efficiency is Critical for Propane Users
Because propane costs more per BTU than natural gas, the efficiency difference between an 80% and 96% AFUE furnace has an even larger financial impact for propane users. A 96% AFUE unit wastes 4 cents of every propane dollar versus 20 cents for an 80% unit — in a high-usage Minnesota home, that's a significant annual difference. See our AFUE efficiency guide for full cost comparisons.
Rural Minnesota Propane Considerations
Many rural Minnesota properties — farms, lake cabins converted to year-round homes, outstate communities — use propane exclusively. These properties often have larger BTU requirements due to older construction and more extreme exposure. Proper sizing is critical: use our buying guide for sizing guidance. Order at Furnace Direct for factory-direct Goodman pricing on both natural gas and propane-configured furnaces.
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