Butane: an affordable choice of heating in your home this winter

With the days beginning to get colder and darker, it’s the perfect time to look for affordable ways to keep your home warm and cosy during the winter months.

Why not chose butane-powered portable gas heaters to keep you toasty?

What is the difference between propane and butane?

Butane and propane both are fuel sources to power gas appliances, their main differences are simply their freezing and boiling points.

Propane freezes at -180ᵒC and burns at -42ᵒC whilst butane freezes at -140ᵒC and has a higher boiling point of -2ᵒC.

These differences mean propane and butane are used best for distinct functions. As propane works better in lower temperatures, it is perfect for outside use. Meaning, butane is ideal used indoors.

Our butane gas bottles are easily identifiable by their yellow colour!

What is butane used for?

Butane is the ideal fuel for use in portable gas heaters.

How long does 11.34kg butane gas last?

This depends on usage but use our estimation guide below*

Butane contains 13.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per Kilogram, therefore, a 11.34kg butane cylinder contains 155kWh.

A typical 3 bar cabinet heater has 3 heat settings:

• Low (1 bar) – 1.4kW – A 11.34kg butane cylinder will last approximately 111 hours (155kWh/1.4kW.)
• Medium (2 bars) – 2.8kW - A 11.34kg butane cylinder will last approximately 55 hours (155kWh/2.8kW.)
• High (3 bars) – 4.2kW – A 11.34kg butane cylinder will last approximately 37 hours (155kWh/4.2kW.)

Where to buy butane gas?

You can buy butane gas refills or new bottles, directly from an authorised Calor retailer, find your local one here www.calorgas.ie/retailers

*Please note that these are approximate figures based on a Calor 11.34kg butane gas cylinder. Times may differ depending on the kW of your gas appliance.