What are the primary types of gas used in residential heating applications?

The primary types of gas used in residential heating applications are natural gas and propane. Natural gas is sourced from vast underground deposits and is widely used due to its availability, efficiency, and relatively low cost. It is primarily composed of methane, a gas that burns cleanly and efficiently, making it an ideal choice for heating and cooking applications in homes.

Propane, on the other hand, is a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It is often used in areas where natural gas pipelines are not available, providing flexibility for residential heating and cooking needs. Propane is also an efficient fuel source, known for its relatively high energy content and clean-burning properties.

While options containing butane, hydrogen, ethane, and wood gas do exist in some contexts, they are not the primary choices for residential heating. Butane is less common in heating applications, hydrogen is still largely in the experimental phase for heating purposes, ethane is typically used as an industrial feedstock rather than a heating fuel, and wood gas is generally associated more with biomass heating rather than conventional gas heating systems. Therefore, the use of natural gas and propane remains the standard for residential heating applications, making this the correct choice.