Fireplaces aren’t just pretty faces in your home; these installations are a great way to add heat to your home. Fireplaces are efficient heating sources that light and warm up any room. If you want to keep a space toasty, light up your fireplace and cozy up. On top of that, most fireplaces are more economical and have cleaner burns due to the latest technology.
All of these qualities apply to propane gas-powered fireplace units. A propane fireplace or stove is a great alternative to a regular electric or wood fireplace. Plus, propane is a great fuel source that lights and burns clean. Imagine enjoying a roaring fire at your home with just the flick of a switch or the push of a button.
What is a Propane Fireplace?
Propane fireplaces have become acceptable heating alternatives for homeowners who seek cozy heating but aren’t big fans of the soot that comes with traditional fireplaces. A propane fireplace installed in any indoor space can come as an insert into traditional masonry fireplaces, a wall unit or a freestanding unit (the last two are applicable to outdoor propane fireplaces).
Propane gas offers gas efficiency that can’t be found in other wood-burning units. You’ll also enjoy cleaner air since there is no ash or soot escaping the fireplace. You can turn the flame down or up with a twist of a knob. Also, most propane fireplaces come with a starter button so you can easily light it up.
As mentioned above, there are three types of propane fireplaces:
- Propane fireplace insert. This indoor fireplace option is popular for homeowners who already have a masonry fireplace installed. These units easily slide into holes that would’ve otherwise burned wood. The unit is often connected to a gas line from the outside. Two tubes also go up the chimney: one to expel the harmful exhaust and another one for the fresh air needed for the combustion process.
- Freestanding propane fireplace. This unit can be installed anywhere in your home. In general, these units don’t have a vent, which is why they’re often called “ventless” propane fireplaces. Since they are freestanding installations, their placements restrict them. Homeowners who choose to install a freestanding propane fireplace must buy carbon monoxide monitoring kits.
- Wall unit propane fireplace. This fireplace type can easily fit into any opening cut in the wall. Plaster or drywall is often cut according to the measurements of the fireplace. Its gas line runs from a tank outside of the house. Once the unit is installed, you can build a mantel around the hole.
Why Choose Propane Over Other Fuel Sources
Propane gas is abundant in the United States (in fact, most of the propane produced is from the US), so a shortage isn’t a recurring problem. Also, as mentioned above, propane lights and burns cleanly, as well as provide cost-effective and efficient energy for homes outside the service areas of natural gas companies.
Any propane fireplace (whether installed in any indoor or outdoor setting) also reduces the use of greenhouse gases, which is a perk over other wood-burning units. Avoid the sooty mess while caring for Mother Earth when you make the switch to propane fireplaces. You’ll also enjoy more years of minimal maintenance.
What are the Advantages of Installing a Propane Fireplace?
Are you considering making the switch to a propane fireplace for your indoor or outdoor space? Here are some benefits of doing so.
Budget-Friendly
Although the initial price of the propane fireplace unit might be higher compared to traditional or electric units, the price of use during its lifetime makes up for it. Propane is one of the most efficient heating sources available; you can burn more without spending too much.
Minimal Maintenance Needed
Unlike traditional fireplaces, propane-fueled fireplaces don’t need the constant addition of logs to keep the fire burning. Once the fire has gone out, you need not worry about the soot either since there isn’t any soot to clean. No need to keep hauling wood and worrying about the mess that it will leave behind. A propane fireplace guarantees instant warmth and comfort.
You might say, “Well, an electric fireplace can do that.” True, but an electric fireplace doesn’t have real flames (which contributes to the ambiance).
Safe for the Family
Propane fireplaces don’t have an open flame, plus there is a glass wall that prevents people from sticking their hands in the fireplace. This means you need not always monitor the fireplace or your kids, which gives you more freedom.
Also, wood fireplaces emit fine particles that can cause allergies, asthma and other health issues. This isn’t the case for propane fireplaces.
Best Practices for Propane Fireplaces
Like any heating appliance, operating a propane fireplace (whether outdoors or indoors) requires the best practices to ensure you’re staying safe. Here are some to keep in mind:
- After the fireplace turns off, let it sit for at least thirty minutes before touching it. Its surface can retain heat; if you touch it immediately, you might burn yourself.
- While the glass piece of the fireplace prevents burns (from direct contact), it can still get hot. To ensure nobody burns their hands, use a fireplace screen.
- Always read the manufacturer’s manual to ensure that your fireplace is properly and safely maintained. This prevents any problems with an inefficient fireplace.
- If you smell gas, shut off the fireplace and immediately leave the area. Extinguish any source of spark or flame. Refrain from entering the building until professionals have arrived to address the issue.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in your home.
- Keep furniture, paper and other objects away from the propane fireplace to minimize fire hazards and prevent damage.
- Have your fireplace regularly inspected for water damage. If its electrical components get wet, you are at risk for a fire.
A propane-fueled fireplace is one of the best ways to make sure you have easy access to home heating. It’s an affordable and efficient way to keep you and the family warm and cozy. So, if you’re thinking about installing a fireplace or changing up your current heating material, make the switch to propane!
