Types of Propane Fireplaces
If your home doesn’t already have natural gas, and you want a gas fueled fireplace, you may want to consider propane fireplaces. They are one of the many fireplace options available to you.
Propane is a reliable source of heat. If you experience a power outage, you can be assured that your fireplace will still work, and provide you with some heat. A propane fireplace heats very quickly. Another benefits of propane as a fuel is that it is cleaner burning that a wood burning fire. This can be especially important if you are trying to be more environmentally conscious.
So you are sold on propane, there are still a few types of propane fireplaces you may choose to install in your home. The type you choose depends on what already exists in your home and your other needs. If you have an existing wood burning fireplace, but you want to convert it to gas you have two options. You may choose to have a professional install a propane gas log to burning in the existing masonry, you or may choose a propane insert.
Propane fireplace inserts are designed to be place in your existing fireplace. The insert is a shell surrounding a firebox, which contains the propane log. Of course you will need to make sure the fireplace has a source of propane to function properly. Some models also require electricity, for convenience, only for the starter on the unit. These also have a manual option, so you won’t ever be stuck without a fire.
There is a way to have a propane gas fireplace without having a chimney, or even any ducting. A vent free propane fireplace doesn’t require venting. This means it can be installed anywhere in your home, as long as there is propane to fuel the unit. The vent free option will use air from the room and the propane to produce a flame. This is a very heat efficient option as there is no chimney to lose heat. When buying a fireplace like this, the mantel and cabinetry can be included in the purchase. You can find various styles to suit your taste.
Maybe you aren’t looking to install a fireplace inside your home. An outdoor propane fireplace can provide a lot of fun to a backyard or other outdoor area. It gives a warm place for people to congregate for socializing or relaxing. Many of these fireplaces are designed more like fire pits. This allows for more people to gather around the fire. It is usually the least expensive of the outdoor varieties. Consider how you will get the propane to the fire. You may have to pipe from a large propane tank a distance away from the unit, or some model have small propane tanks dedicated only to fuel the fireplace.