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If you are in the market to include a gas fireplace into your new or existing home, one of the most important choices is propane or natural gas. Although some individuals are limited to one fuel source or another due to availability in their area, most individuals have a choice between the two. There are many pros and cons to choosing either one of these fantastic fuel sources, so make the best choice for your specific needs. Although both propane and natural gas are similar types of fuel, you will need to purchase a gas fireplace that is meant for a specific type of fuel due to compatibility issues.
The choice of propane or natural gas fireplace will probably depend on what fuel source is available in your area. Typically, this information can be found by calling your utility company to determine whether or not you are eligible for a natural gas or propane hookup. Often, natural gas is a service much like electricity, where your home is hooked to a meter that determines the amount of gas you use from a larger supply. Propane on the other hand is often handled in a different manner, with a tank housed or buried on your property that serves as your source of propane. In this instance, your tank will need to be refilled on a periodic basis and you pay per filling instead of per month. Regardless of the type of service you choose, there is a gas fireplace available for your needs. When it comes to efficiently, any type of gas fireplace will beat out that of a wood burning fireplace or stove. Additionally, a fireplace fueled by either propane or natural gas runs a great deal cleaner and will not aggravate allergies, asthma, or any bronchial problems you or anyone else in your family may have. Furthermore, you will not have to clean soot, ashes, or embers from your fireplace, since a gas fueled fireplace is clean burning and does not produce any by products. Finally, a gas fireplace is a great deal easier to light and maintain than a traditional wood burning fireplace and is often lit by a simple flick of a light switch. A gas fireplace that runs on propane tends to reach hotter temperatures. This allows you to turn the heating mechanism to a lower setting in order to make the fireplace as efficient as possible. However, many individuals find they do not have the appropriate space on their property for a propane tank. Although these tanks are available in a number of sizes and capacities, they may not be appropriate for smaller properties. Also, many individuals find they do not want a freestanding propane tank on their property, so they elect to choose a model that can be buried in order to fuel their gas fireplace. When it comes to a natural gas fireplace, you may find that your area is best fitted to this type of fuel. However, rising natural gas prices have scared many homeowners away from this fuel source. Keep in mind that a natural gas fireplace is highly efficient, so the rising fuel prices are counteracted by the need to use less of the fuel. |
