Savvy homeowners looking to choose between natural gas and propane models for their Modine Hot Dawg garage heater.
🔍 Introduction: The Fuel Question
The Modine Hot Dawg unit heater can run on either natural gas (NG) or propane (LP)—but picking the right fuel source is a key decision.
Your choice impacts:
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Operating cost đź’°
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Installation logistics 🧰
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Maintenance 🔧
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Environmental impact 🌍
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Long-term availability â›˝
This guide helps you compare natural gas vs. propane in the context of garage, shed, or workshop heating—especially if you’re installing a 75,000 BTU Hot Dawg unit.
🛠️ Modine Hot Dawg Fuel Flexibility
All Hot Dawg units come pre-configured for natural gas, but can be converted to propane using a Modine-approved LP conversion kit.
đź“Ž Modine Conversion Kit ManualÂ
đź’¸ Cost Comparison: Which Fuel Is Cheaper to Run?
| Factor | Natural Gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Average price per therm | $1.00–$1.50 | $2.00–$3.50 |
| BTUs per unit | 100,000/therm | 91,500/gallon |
| Efficiency | Slightly better in NG | Slightly hotter burn in LP |
| Annual operating cost* | $350–$650 | $550–$1,200 |
Assumptions: Heating a 3-car garage 5 hrs/day, 4 months/year
đź“Ž EIA Natural Gas & Propane Price Data
💡 Verdict: Natural gas is typically 40–60% cheaper per BTU delivered.
đź“Ť Availability & Hookup
âś… Natural Gas
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Requires a utility line connection
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Common in urban/suburban homes
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No need to monitor fuel levels
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Typically requires professional hookup & permit
âś… Propane
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Delivered in bulk tanks (typically 100–250 gal)
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Great for rural or off-grid locations
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Tank can be above or underground
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Requires ongoing delivery and monitoring
💡 Use this if NG isn’t available or the home is already using LP.
đź“Ž AmeriGas Propane Tank Sizes & Delivery Info
⚙️ Installation Requirements
| Requirement | Natural Gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Utility line | ✅ Required | ❌ Not needed |
| Tank | ❌ No tank | ✅ Required (rent/buy) |
| Pressure regulator | âś… Yes | âś… Yes (with different PSI) |
| Conversion kit | ❌ No | ✅ Needed for LP |
đź“Ž SupplyHouse LP Conversion Kits for Modine
🌡️ Performance in Cold Weather
Both fuels perform well in winter, but propane has a slight edge when tanks are properly installed:
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Propane tanks can lose pressure below -20°F—use a larger tank or insulate if in Alaska or northern states
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Natural gas is pipeline-delivered, so it’s unaffected by outdoor temps
📎 Propane Tank Sizing Guide – Suburban Propane
🧪 Energy Content & Burn Efficiency
| Property | Natural Gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| BTUs per unit | 1,030 BTU/cu. ft | 2,516 BTU/cu. ft |
| Burn temp | ~3,500°F | ~3,600°F |
| CO output (well-vented) | Low | Low |
| Storage | No | Yes (pressurized tank) |
🔥 Propane burns hotter, but both fuels deliver similar performance when used in Modine’s combustion chambers.
🌎 Environmental Impact
🌿 Natural Gas
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Clean-burning fossil fuel
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Lower COâ‚‚ emissions per BTU
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Leaks can release methane (a potent GHG)
🔋 Propane
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Considered a cleaner-burning LPG
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Produces more COâ‚‚ per gallon but less methane
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Non-toxic if spilled
đź“Ž EPA Comparison of NG vs. Propane Emissions
🧰 Maintenance Differences
| Maintenance Item | Natural Gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Orifice & nozzle | Less buildup | May require cleaning |
| Burner cleaning | Annual | Annual |
| Leak detection | Gas sniffer | Soap spray + sniffer |
| Tank inspection | N/A | Every 5–10 years (by law) |
📎 NFPA 58 – LP Gas Code Requirements
âś… Which Fuel Should You Choose?
| Situation | Best Fuel Source |
|---|---|
| You have NG access at home | Natural Gas |
| You’re off-grid or rural | Propane |
| You want the lowest operating cost | Natural Gas |
| You need flexibility or portable heat | Propane |
| You already use LP for stove or water heater | Propane |
| You prefer no tank refills or deliveries | Natural Gas |
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🔚 Conclusion: Go with What Works for You
If you already have natural gas, it’s typically the best choice—cleaner, cheaper, and more convenient. But propane is an excellent option if you’re in a rural area or prefer energy independence.
The good news? With the Modine Hot Dawg, you can choose either fuel type—and switch later with a simple conversion kit.
In the next topic we will read about: How Much Will It Cost to Run a 75,000 BTU Gas Heater?
