The Homeowner’s Guide to Propane Fueled Fireplaces

Some people love wood burning fireplaces, usually because of the nostalgia factor. Something about throwing a log on the fire reminds them of days gone by. Of course, wood burning fireplaces can also be a maintenance nightmare. Not only do you have to clean out ashes, keep the flue cleared of creosote accumulation, and worry about jumping sparks and ashes, but traditional chimneys are a magnet for spiders, bats, and all manner of creepy crawlies.

For many of the same reasons, 95% of chefs prefer to cook with gas. In fact, more and more homeowners are discovering the many benefits of gas fireplaces and propane fueled fireplaces because it’s such a cost efficient fuel.

Why Propane? What Are the Benefits of Gas Fireplaces? 

Numbers don’t lie. Today, 8.1 million homes use propane, with 4.6% of them relying on propane for all their heating needs. On top of that, more than 1 million restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments use propane. Like natural gas, propane can exist in both liquid and gaseous states. When propane is at atmospheric pressure and temperatures higher than -44 F, it’s both non-toxic and colorless. Although it’s naturally odorless, an easily identifiable odorant, ethyl mercaptin is added to propane to make leaks easy to detect with that rotten egg smell

Even better, fully 90% of America’s propane supply is produced right here in the U.S.A., while the majority of the rest comes from Mexico and Canada.

Gas Fireplaces: The Ultimate Propane Accessory 

Propane services have gone mainstream over the past few decades, and this gas is now used for so much more than cooking and heating. You’ll find pools and home spa heaters powered by this fuel, and of course, propane fueled fireplaces.

Not only do gas fireplaces avoid the maintenance, mess, and fire risks that come with wood burning, gas fireplaces spread heat more evenly around a room. Gas fires are both easier to light (literally with the flick of a switch!) and easier to keep lit, all at a low cost. And while wood burning fireplaces must be connected to a pre-existing chimney, some model propane fueled fireplaces can be installed anywhere in your home.

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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Using Propane as a Home Fuel

Propane is both a versatile and clean energy source used to power many things within a home. Used by more than 60 million people in the United States, the clean energy source has many uses. To help you learn more, here are five things about using propane in the home you probably didn’t already know.

Propane Powers Many Appliances
Propane can be used to power appliances that are commonly used for cooking, laundry, water heating, generators and fireplaces. In fact, more than nine million homes use the versatile energy source for this purpose. It is not only used indoors, but outdoors as well. Things like heating spas, pools, outdoor grills, and even lighting are all fueled by propane.

Propane Is a Popular Fuel Source
In the U.S., 8.1 million households use propane, with 4.6% using it as a main heating source. One reason propane is so popular is because it serves so many purposes. In the event that a power outage occurs, propane allows people in the household to continue to shower, cook, and stay warm.

It is Odorless
Propane has no color or smell when in its natural state. However, manufacturers tend to add a strong scent similar to that of a skunk or rotten eggs to help consumers detect it. The chemical used to achieve this is called mercaptan.

It Can Help Save Money
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save close to 30% annually by using propane in place of electricity. They can save more than half if using it for most or all appliances within their homes. When used in a water heater tank, reheating takes only 20 minutes. This is compared to the hour it takes with electricity.

Propane Appliances Last Longer and Require Less Maintenance
One of the many benefits for residential propane customers is that appliances requiring it last longer than electric ones. For example, a propane gas furnace will last an average of 20 years, while an electric heat pump may only last around 14 years. Propane boilers also require less maintenance than other appliances, saving even more money.

Whether you’re cooking with gas or heating your home with propane, the benefits for residential use are vast with filtered propane. Get the most out of gas products, and save money while you’re doing it.

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