How To Choose A Propane Gas Log Set

How many times have you wanted to use your fireplace on a cold North Carolina night, but skipped that pleasure because of the hassle involved in making it happen?

If your answer is “more than once,” you ought to check out propane gas log sets.

Propane log sets are easy to maintain, come in a variety of styles and are easy to install. They’ll also give you much of the cozy experience you’ll get from a wood fire while reducing the risk of a house fire and putting out twice the heat of wood.

Not bad, right?

Of course the next logical question once you’re sold on propane gas logs is “how do I pick one that’s right for my home?”

Here are three thinks you’ll have to consider when choosing a propane gas log set.

Should I get a vented or vent-free model?

Choosing between a vented and vent-free log set should take four factors into account: how you want it to look, how efficient you want it to be, what local building codes allow, and where your fireplace is situated.

Overall, vented logs offer a large, realistic-looking flame that is meant to mimic a wood fire. They achieve this look at the cost of efficiency: vented logs require an open chimney flue or damper for exhaust fumes, and much of their generated heat escapes via that channel.

Vent-free logs, on the other hand, operate with the chimney flue closed. The flame isn’t as realistic or as high as you’ll find with vented logs or a wood fire, but vent-free log sets are extremely efficient (they are basically attractive space heaters).

Most vent-free log sets are controlled by a thermostat to help maintain a consistent room temperature, and most add moisture to the air when operating – which means that proper ventilation is needed to avoid mold and mildew problems.

Keep in mind that vent-free heaters do emit a small amount of exhaust gas into your indoor space, which is why they aren’t permitted in some locations – be sure to check local building codes before you make your purchase! They are also never allowed in bedrooms or in compact, closed spaces like bathrooms or RVs.

Lastly, you need to keep vent-free fireplaces at least three feet away from anything flammable, including curtains, furniture, and clothing…so be sure you have enough space.

How much power do I need?

Heating power – measured in British thermal units, or BTUs – is the second important consideration when choosing a propane gas log set. While a number of factors influence the heating power you’ll need to warm your space to comfortable temperatures (including the amount and type of insulation you have, the height of your ceilings, how many windows you have, and whether your floors are carpeted or hardwood, to name a few), a good starting point for the amount of heat needed for a home in North Carolina is about 40 to 45 Btu per square foot.

For a more accurate assessment of how much heat you’ll need to keep you comfort, ask a one of our heating experts.

Consideration #3: Aesthetics

Today’s propane log sets are little ceramic works of art – if you haven’t seen a propane log set recently, their beauty may surprise you! They come in a variety of “species” ranging from Oak and Birch to Driftwood and Cedar – pick the one that matches your living room and aesthetic and you’re ready to lounge!

Ready to shop for a propane gas log set? We can help. Contact the propane hearth pros at Williamson Gas today to discuss options that will make your next evening by the fire just a click away.