Gas suppliers: a buyer's guide to bottled gas

Why would I need bottled gas from a gas supplier?

• Not everyone has natural gas piped into their home. A lot of rural areas have to rely on bottled or liquefied petroleum gas, known as LPG, which is available from a gas supplier.
• Natural gas isn't always suitable for your needs either—if, for example, you're using a gas-fired barbecue.

What is LPG?

• Liquefied petroleum gas is a colourless liquid stored in a pressurised cylinder to keep it in liquid form. The liquid turns into gas when the pressure is reduced. It makes bottled gas easy to transport for gas suppliers and easy for you to store.

Are there different types of bottled gas?

• Gas suppliers sell two main types of LPG for domestic use: propane and butane. They have similar properties but are generally used for different purposes.

Tell me more about propane

• Propane will convert from liquid to gas even in very cold conditions and so can be bought from gas suppliers in large quantities and stored outside in tanks or in cylinders.
• Propane is widely used for central heating, hot water, gas fires, convector heaters and for cooking.
• Gas suppliers also sell propane for all-year-round outside use, as fuel for patio heaters and caravans in winter.

Tell me more about butane

• Butane is available from gas suppliers mainly in cylinders and is more appropriate for use in the summer.
• Butane is ideal for portable items, including mobile heaters for the home, and for leisure activities such as use in boats, caravans and for barbecues. However, it won't work effectively in very cold conditions.

Are the different type of gas interchangeable?

• Appliances should state in the manufacturer's guidelines which gas is compatible. If in doubt, ask your gas supplier for advice.
• You will also need to make sure you have the right regulator from your gas supplier as the valves and fittings are different for propane and butane.

Where can I buy gas?

• You can buy gas at specialist gas suppliers, petrol stations, DIY stores and garden centres. Most gas suppliers offer a home delivery service.
• Gas suppliers sell LPG in containers of different sizes, ranging from large tanks stored in the garden to easy-to-carry portable cylinders or bottles.
• Gas bottles can be hired for a one-off fee from gas suppliers. Then you just take the empty bottle back to the gas supplier and exchange it for a full bottle.