Choosing Natural Gas or Propane for Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas Logs are either made to burn natural gas or liquid propane. There is a difference between the ways these two gases burn, so the burner systems must be made for the type of gas you want to burn. The biggest differences are in the burner orifices and safety pilot options. For example, a burner for liquid propane gas cannot be lit with a match. Liquid propane is heavier than the air so it must be closed tightly with a manual valve or else a gas puddle inside the fireplace may flow into a room and create a fire hazard.
As natural gas is lighter than air, if the manual valve is left slightly open, most of the leaked gas goes up the chimney, without causing a fire risk. However, liquid propane gas must have a safety pilot, which prevents a valve from being left open. Also, to get the correct air-to-fuel mixture and prevent the gas from puddling, the density of the material that covers the burner pan matters. Propane gas logs usually use vermiculite in the burner pan whereas natural gas logs use a special grade of silica sand.
You may be wondering what kind of gas to use in your fireplace. If your home is already equipped with gas, it makes sense to run a line from your gas main to your fireplace and use the same type of gas. If that’s not possible for some reason, you may want to install a propane tank right outside the fireplace. For information about adding or changing out gas inserts in Baltimore, MD, contact Complete Chimneys. We service customers throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Basic Difference Between Natural Gas or Propane – Pros & Cons
While deciding upon fireplace insert type, a lot of people are usually super confused. The reason behind this confusion is the availability of so many options for fireplace inserts. But let’s stick to the most popular ones like natural gas and propane. These two are the most popular choice for fireplace inserts.
To help you decide which one is best for you, here are some pros and cons for both of them.
Natural gas is cheaper and is said to be relatively safer than propane. It is the natural source of hydrocarbon gas and a mixture of multiple other gasses. Natural gas is also lighter than air and its burner system would never require a safety pilot like a propane one. It allows the gas to flow up and out of the chimney rather than flowing in the whole house.
However, propane is much more environmentally friendly and efficient with the heat output. If you opt for propane then you may have to take more professional security measures to keep your home safe. The fuel is compressed into a liquid form known as LPG and can be stored in multiple tanks. But this needs to keep in mind that LPG is a severe fire hazard and can cause fundamental health issues.
Natural Gas Fireplace Inserts
Natural gas fireplace inserts are a much safer option than real fireplaces. If you have a real fireplace, it could cost you money, and you might not even be aware of it. Complete Chimney provides natural gas fireplace inserts. Book your appointment today.
6 Benefits of Natural Gas Fireplace Insert
Here are the 6 benefits of getting a natural gas fireplace insert at your home:
- Incredibly aesthetic
- Highly energy efficient
- Extremely easy to use
- Requires very low maintenance
- Keeps working during a power outage
- Produce no smoke or embers
Getting a natural gas fireplace insert at your home is all worth it due to the above-mentioned benefits. Whether you want to revamp your living room or looking forward to low-maintenance fireplace options, a natural gas fireplace insert is an incredible choice.
Complete Chimneys LLC can help you install a new gas fireplace at home at an affordable price. We have been providing the services of installing and sweeping chimneys, stoves, ducts, vents, and fireplaces for more than 30 years. We take pride in having thousands of satisfied customers across the regions of Maryland, Pasadena, and nearby areas.
Natural gas fireplace inserts are a much safer option than real fireplaces. If you have a real fireplace, it could cost you money, and you might not even be aware of it. Complete Chimneys provides natural gas fireplace inserts. Book your appointment today.
