The wood burning fireplace industry has been getting nudges from the emerging propane fireplaces in the market. New fireplace owners swear by the convenience of propane fireplaces. However, many people are still skeptical on how propane fireplaces measure up to the trusted wood burning fireplace. Skeptics are mostly the traditional wood burning fireplace owners, who favor the classical fireplace ambience over the modern practicality of propane fireplaces.

If you were to ask, “Could propane fireplaces replace the wood burning fireplace?” the answers are yes and no, depending on which perspective you advocate. Propane fireplaces were invented to eliminate the problem of excessive smoke, which is existent in the old wood burning fireplace models. Because propane fireplaces use propane to heat homes, there is no particulate matter being released into the air. They, however, release carbon monoxide in regulated amounts. In this regard, propane fireplaces are on the same level with the wood burning fireplace, which emits a regulated maximum of 7.5 grams of particulate matter per hour into the surroundings.

Propane fireplaces have numerous advantages over the wood burning fireplace.

1. There are different models of propane fireplaces: direct vent, natural vent and vent-free. These types ensure that there is the perfect model for your home, basing on budget and space constraints. All wood burning fireplace models require venting – a chimney and a flue – for proper air circulation.

2. The wood burning fireplace calls for effort to manage a fire: set up the kindling, ignite the logs and regulate the fire. Whereas, propane fireplaces require only a flick of a switch, the turn of a knob. Homes are heated quickly through radiant or convective processes. Propane fireplaces can also be remotely controlled for easy regulation of fire and heat.

3. Propane fireplaces are a lot easier to clean and maintain because there are no ashes and log debris, compared with the wood burning fireplace.

However, there are also areas where propane fireplaces do not stand up to the traditional wood burning fireplace.

1. The propane used in propane fireplaces is sourced from precious fossil fuels, which are non-renewable sources of energy. Because propane is non-renewable, it is regulated, causing the prices to fluctuate from time to time. Wood for the wood burning fireplace is relatively cheap and renewable. As long as chopped trees are being replaced with new ones, wood for heat will always be available.

2. Propane fireplaces use artistic brick logs to radiate heat and to give the aesthetic vibe of a traditional fire. Unfortunately, that doesn’t do the trick for propane fireplaces. They lack the authenticity of the aromatic smoke and the crackling of the logs. However, the dancing of the flames is just as beautiful as that of the wood burning fireplace. When it comes to ambience, nothing beats the loved wood burning fireplace. The propane-ignited flames may be as much eye candy as the flames from the wood burning fireplace, but the vibe is just really different. Fires inside the wood burning fireplace evoke an aura of romance, warmth and coziness that modern fireplaces could not give.

Author Bio: Alex Keaton is an expert on propane fireplaces and wood burning fireplace. He thinks all homes should have fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and hottubs.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: propane fireplaces, wood burning fireplace