Is a propane fireplace the preferred option for your home this winter? It’s the season when an indoor fireplace provides both ambience as well as contributing indoor warmth to the house. A home fireplace is also a social centerpiece where family and guests naturally tend to gather on chilly winter days and nights.
Since the familiar wood fireplace is the more traditional option, how does propane stack up by comparison? Here are some pros and cons of a propane fireplace versus the standard wood fire.
Efficiency Matters
Propane fireplaces have an average 80% efficiency rating. This means 80% of the fuel is converted directly to useable heat. By comparison, wood fuel is significantly less efficient. Typically, the efficiency rating of firewood is no more than 10% to 20%.
Convenience Counts
Starting a propane fireplace is not demanding: Visually check the fireplace to make sure it’s clean and no debris is present, then turn on the ignition switch and the fire ignites. Storing and moving firewood is a manual task that requires time and effort. Getting the fire lit sometimes requires patience too.
Safety Issues
Sparks from wood fires increase the fire hazard. Wood fires also emit airborne particulates that may present a health issue for individuals prone to respiratory illness. A wood-fireplace chimney accumulates highly flammable creosote if not cleaned annually. Chimney fires due to creosote can spread into the house.
A propane fire is enclosed within a glass casing, containing the flames and preventing contact. However, propane fuel produces low levels of carbon monoxide, typically safely vented through the vent pipe. Installing a carbon monoxide detector — as well as an annual safety check by a qualified professional — are recommended.
Cost Comparison
Depending on annual usage and the current cost of propane, utilizing a propane fireplace will cost between $105 and $175 per year. A wood-burning fireplace will cost between $190 and $375 per year, depending on the price and availability of firewood.
For more information about the pros and cons of a propane fireplace versus the standard wood-burning option, contact the experts at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area