Natural Gas vs. Propane Unit Heaters: What Fuel Source Is Best for You?

Savvy homeowners looking to choose between natural gas and propane models for their Modine Hot Dawg garage heater.

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🔍 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:

• Operating cost 💰

• Installation logistics 🧰

• Maintenance 🔧

• Environmental impact 🌍

• Long-term availability ⛽

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.

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🛠️ 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.

📎 Modine Conversion Kit Manual 

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💸 Cost Comparison: Which Fuel Is Cheaper to Run?

Assumptions: Heating a 3-car garage 5 hrs/day, 4 months/year
📎 EIA Natural Gas & Propane Price Data

💡 Verdict: Natural gas is typically 40–60% cheaper per BTU delivered.

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📍 Availability & Hookup

✅ Natural Gas

• Requires a utility line connection

• Common in urban/suburban homes

• No need to monitor fuel levels

• Typically requires professional hookup & permit

✅ Propane

• Delivered in bulk tanks (typically 100–250 gal)

• Great for rural or off-grid locations

• Tank can be above or underground

• Requires ongoing delivery and monitoring

💡 Use this if NG isn’t available or the home is already using LP.

📎 AmeriGas Propane Tank Sizes & Delivery Info

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⚙️ Installation Requirements

📎 SupplyHouse LP Conversion Kits for Modine

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🌡️ Performance in Cold Weather

Both fuels perform well in winter, but propane has a slight edge when tanks are properly installed:

• Propane tanks can lose pressure below -20°F—use a larger tank or insulate if in Alaska or northern states

• Natural gas is pipeline-delivered, so it’s unaffected by outdoor temps

📎 Propane Tank Sizing Guide – Suburban Propane

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🧪 Energy Content & Burn Efficiency

🔥 Propane burns hotter, but both fuels deliver similar performance when used in Modine’s combustion chambers.

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🌎 Environmental Impact

🌿 Natural Gas

• Clean-burning fossil fuel

• Lower CO₂ emissions per BTU

• Leaks can release methane (a potent GHG)

🔋 Propane

• Considered a cleaner-burning LPG

• Produces more CO₂ per gallon but less methane

• Non-toxic if spilled

📎 EPA Comparison of NG vs. Propane Emissions

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🧰 Maintenance Differences

📎 NFPA 58 – LP Gas Code Requirements

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✅ Which Fuel Should You Choose?

 

🔚 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?