Fireplaces are often categorized according to their fuel type. In addition to wood fireplaces, there are gas and propane fireplaces. If you’re tired of hauling firewood into your home, you may want to switch to a gas or propane fireplace. They don’t require firewood. Instead, gas and propane fireplaces only require their respective fuel type.
Overview of Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces burn natural gas. Natural gas this a type of gas consisting of methane, along with smaller concentrations of alkanes, that occurs naturally beneath the Earth’s surface. It’s a colorless, odorless and nontoxic substance.
Companies extract natural gas for use in homes and businesses. Appliances such as furnaces, ovens, water heaters and fireplaces may burn natural gas.
Overview of Propane Fireplaces
Propane fireplaces, on the other hand, burn propane. More specifically, they run on liquified propane gas (LPG). Propane isn’t an entirely different substance. Rather, it’s a mixture of natural gas and petroleum.
Companies make propane by combining natural gas and petroleum and then pressurizing it. As the pressure increases, propane turns into a liquid. Propane fireplaces burn the vapors from this liquid.
Differences Between Gas and Propane Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are more convenient and easier to use than propane fireplaces. As long as your home is connected to a gas line, you won’t have to worry about refilling any tanks. You can connect your gas fireplace to the gas line, at which point you’ll be able to start fires.
Propane fireplaces use a different type of fuel. If you have a propane fireplace, you’ll need a propane tank to supply it with fuel. Propane tanks can only store a limited amount of propane fuel. Once you’ve depleted the tank, you’ll have to get it refilled.
You’ll also have to choose an appropriate storage area for the propane tank. Propane tanks aren’t necessarily a safety hazard. Because they contain pressurized, flammable propane, though, you can’t store them indoors. You should store them in an open, well-ventilated outdoor space.
Another advantage of choosing a gas fireplace is the cost. Gas fireplaces typically cost less than propane fireplaces. And because they are more common, gas fireplaces cost less to maintain. You can get them serviced for less than the cost of a propane fireplace.
Gas and propane fireplaces have similar efficiency ratings, and they both burn cleanly. Gas fireplaces, however, are preferred by many homeowners. They don’t require any tanks, and they typically cost less to install and maintain than propane fireplaces.