 alkizmo
join:2007-06-25
Pierrefonds, QC
kudos:1
1 edit | Check my math - Propane vs. NG cost comparison for BBQ Im trying to check what I would save with a NG line for my BBQ instead of using propane.
445,000 BTU per 20lbs propane tank
1 CF NG = 1012 BTU
445,000 BTU / 1012 BTU = 440 CF required (rounding numbers)
1 CF NG = 0.01367$ (Locally I know)
440 CF x 0.01367$ = 6.00$ (Rounding down 1 cent)
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6.00$ 1 propane tank equivalent in NG
18$ = 1 refill of propane tank
6$ = Equivalent in NG
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12$ per propane tank refill more than NG
By my calculations, it would take me a couple of years to amortize the cost of installing a NG line for my BBQ, even if I'd empty 12 tanks a year. |
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| Cost will not factor in the convenient of not swapping tanks or going to the store. If you don't pick up your propane while you are already making another trip you would also have to factor in the mileage cost. |
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alkizmo
join:2007-06-25
Pierrefonds, QC
kudos:1 | said by Automate:Cost will not factor in the convenient of not swapping tanks or going to the store. If you don't pick up your propane while you are already making another trip you would also have to factor in the mileage cost.
Well I didn't include the cost of a second propane tank to swap as those are about 25$. The propane refill place is 5 minutes away from my house 
But ya, convenience. |
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 billaustinthey call me Mr. BillPremium,MVM
join:2001-10-13
North Las Vegas, NV
kudos:3 | reply to alkizmo
What about time and convenience? With NG, you don't have to worry about running out of gas, or spending your time to get the tank filled.
There is the cost of the BBQ. Is it NG ready, or will you have to buy another one?
Mine is connected to NG, and I'm very happy with it. |
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ViperCertified Home Inspector
join:2012-03-22
Toronto | reply to alkizmo
I am a charcoal guy, by the time I am done eating, cleaning, I am hungry again 
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Certified Home Inspector
Certified Level 1 Thermographer |
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| reply to alkizmo
said by alkizmo:The propane refill place is 5 minutes away from my house So about 2.5 miles each way? At $0.50 a mile that could cost you another $2.50 per tank. |
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alkizmo
join:2007-06-25
Pierrefonds, QC
kudos:1 | reply to billaustin
said by billaustin:What about time and convenience? With NG, you don't have to worry about running out of gas, or spending your time to get the tank filled.
There is the cost of the BBQ. Is it NG ready, or will you have to buy another one?
It's less convenient if I ever want to relocate my BBQ on my deck
But ya refilling the tank is mostly a reason I want to go through the expense, but I'm the type of guy who has to account for it financially
said by Viper:I am a charcoal guy, by the time I am done eating, cleaning, I am hungry again
I'm so tired of cleaning dishes at home. I'd hate BBQ if I have to clean it as well.
said by Automate:So about 2.5 miles each way? At $0.50 a mile that could cost you another $2.50 per tank.
More like 1 mile or less away. 5 minutes = getting in the car, driving outside my residential area, turning one corner on a boulevard, doing 1 block and parking |
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iknowPremium
join:2012-03-25 | reply to alkizmo
what was the estimate for the NG line? |
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ViperCertified Home Inspector
join:2012-03-22
Toronto | reply to alkizmo
said by Viper:I am a charcoal guy, by the time I am done eating, cleaning, I am hungry again
said by alkizmo:I'm so tired of cleaning dishes at home. I'd hate BBQ if I have to clean it as well.
Ever heard of the invention called 'dishwasher'? (just kidding)
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Certified Home Inspector
Certified Level 1 Thermographer |
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Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL
kudos:1 Reviews:
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| reply to alkizmo
Do not forget the cost of replacement tanks. If you have your own tank refilled you have to remember that DOT propane tanks must be hydro tested every 5 years or replaced. If you use a distributor that uses an exchange program that is not normally an issue. But many distributors with an exchange program require that you purchase the tank you exchange, from them. |
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 FronkmanAn Apple a day keeps the doctor awayPremium
join:2003-06-23
Saint Louis, MO | reply to alkizmo
said by alkizmo:By my calculations, it would take me a couple of years to amortize the cost of installing a NG line for my BBQ, even if I'd empty 12 tanks a year.
12 tanks a year!! That is a lot of BBQ action! Seems like a really expensive proposition with a long payoff time. Personally, I would buy a pressure gauge for the LP tank and swap it when it starts running low.
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Everyone should own a Mac! Go Bucks! |
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 rjackalPremium
join:2002-07-09
Plymouth, MI | said by Fronkman: Personally, I would buy a pressure gauge for the LP tank and swap it when it starts running low.
Part of the problem in dealing with propane tanks is there's no easy way to tell how much propane is left.
»www.ehow.com/about_5428024_propa···ges.html |
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gordom
join:2006-06-14
Antelope, CA | reply to Viper
said by Viper:said by Viper:I am a charcoal guy, by the time I am done eating, cleaning, I am hungry again
said by alkizmo:I'm so tired of cleaning dishes at home. I'd hate BBQ if I have to clean it as well.
Ever heard of the invention called 'dishwasher'? (just kidding) that's woman's work (sorry, couldn't help my self)
but really, you can also run other things with the propane tank (heater, smoker, ect..) as well as take it camping |
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ViperCertified Home Inspector
join:2012-03-22
Toronto | said by gordom:that's woman's work (sorry, couldn't help my self)
but really, you can also run other things with the propane tank (heater, smoker, ect..) as well as take it camping
I go for the taste. You cant beat the taste of charcoal BBQ.
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Certified Home Inspector
Certified Level 1 Thermographer |
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 LazManPremium
join:2003-03-26
canada | reply to alkizmo
Must have been an expensive quote for the BBQ line... What was it?
My BBQ line was $110 to install - that was the flat rate from the gas company, so by your math, about a year's payback (although 12 tanks a year is a LOT of propane.)
I liked having the natural gas hookup; never worried about running out of propane, which as we know, always happens when you're 1/2 done cooking, with company over...  |
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alkizmo
join:2007-06-25
Pierrefonds, QC
kudos:1 | reply to Viper
said by Viper:Ever heard of the invention called 'dishwasher'? (just kidding)
Yes, and ever since we got one, my wife has been using some many dishes that I have to empty and refill the thing every single day!
said by Mr Matt:Do not forget the cost of replacement tanks. If you have your own tank refilled you have to remember that DOT propane tanks must be hydro tested every 5 years or replaced. If you use a distributor that uses an exchange program that is not normally an issue. But many distributors with an exchange program require that you purchase the tank you exchange, from them.
My tank is exchangeable. What I do is refill the exchangeable tank most of the time and when it starts getting "old" I go exchange it for 28$ instead of 18$ refill.
said by Fronkman:12 tanks a year!! That is a lot of BBQ action! Seems like a really expensive proposition with a long payoff time. Personally, I would buy a pressure gauge for the LP tank and swap it when it starts running low.
12 tanks a year is extreme, hence my example, that EVEN with 12 tanks a year, it would take a couple of years. I don't have a quote yet but I don't anticipate anything under 300$ because hey, labor is freaking expensive
said by Viper:I go for the taste. You cant beat the taste of charcoal BBQ.
There are a lot of things that take a lot more time for a better result, but we can't do that for everything, every time
said by LazMan:My BBQ line was $110 to install - that was the flat rate from the gas company, so by your math, about a year's payback (although 12 tanks a year is a LOT of propane.)
My gaz company doesn't offer services like that. They refer you to contractors 
edit - my bad, they actually have a division for installations. They don't quote anything on their website, but I'll give them a call. If it's less than 300$ then I'm going for it. |
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DiskDriveGoin' In CirclesPremium
join:2004-11-03
Farmington, MI | I had a relatively easy run from a line in my basement. It was so simple, the guy only charged me $35 on top of the delivery and setup of my NG BBQ. |
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alkizmo
join:2007-06-25
Pierrefonds, QC
kudos:1 | said by DiskDrive:I had a relatively easy run from a line in my basement. It was so simple, the guy only charged me $35 on top of the delivery and setup of my NG BBQ.
Yeah well here, they're anal about anything gas/electric.
I just found a provincial consumer magazine article about setup cost for gas appliances and were talking about 600$-800$ hookup for a NG range (And they said BBQ would be similar). |
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 SwedishRiderRider on the StormPremium
join:2006-01-11
Connecticut
kudos:1 | said by alkizmo:said by DiskDrive:I had a relatively easy run from a line in my basement. It was so simple, the guy only charged me $35 on top of the delivery and setup of my NG BBQ.
Yeah well here, they're anal about anything gas/electric. I just found a provincial consumer magazine article about setup cost for gas appliances and were talking about 600$-800$ hookup for a NG range (And they said BBQ would be similar). That's ridiculous! I have a propane quick disconnect on my deck that services both my grill and portable generator (though I've expanded my deck and I'm not sure the hose will reach anymore).
But it was about $75 for the quick disconnect box and maybe another $75 for the labor. I already had a T-fitting on my regulator pipe after the regulator, so no major overhaul to install it.
It's an awesome convenience, and saves me a lot of money. If you figure about 4 gallons of propane in a 20# container and about $20ish dollars to do a tank exchange, that's about 5 bucks a gallon.
My last propane fillup price was $2.12/gal. The math works, and the convenience is priceless. |
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scooper
join:2000-07-11
Youngsville, NC
kudos:2 Reviews:
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| reply to alkizmo
When we got the propane put in, the wife surprised me (pleasantly so) by having the propane company put in a line for my propane grill. There is nothing like the convience of never running out of gas while grilling |
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