A Guide on Selecting Fireplace Fuel

fireplace fuel

In recent years, the cost of most kinds of common fireplace fuel has gone way up. In fact, since 1986, the cost of firewood, kerosene, and similar fuels increased multiplied by a factor of more than four! That means fireplace fuel that used to cost $10 now costs more than $40.

That is one reason why it is so important to make the right choice when it comes to choosing fireplace fuel. Some people never think about this, so they end up using whichever option is easiest. In some cases, that can cost them money or cause other disadvantages that they never think about.

So how can you know which kind of fireplace fuel is right for your own situation? Read on to learn all about the most vital things to keep in mind when it comes to fireplace fuel choices!

Which Enclosed Fireplace Fuel Is Best?

With energy costs on the rise, many people want to know which kind of fireplace fuel is best. However, that demonstrates a misunderstanding about fireplace fuel. There is no one type of fireplace fuel that is better than all the others.

The truth is that there are a variety of kinds of fireplace fuel for good reason. Each of these kinds of fuel comes with its own pros and cons. The right choice in one situation may not be the right choice in another.

As we review what each kind of fuel has to offer, think about how well each option fits your own situation. Of course, depending on the kind of fuel you like the best, you might need to alter your fireplace or install a new one to use it. So which kind of fuel is the right choice for your fireplace?

Some Types of Fireplaces Only Burn Natural Gas

Some kinds of fireplaces can handle multiple different kinds of fuel. However, natural gas fireplaces are usually only able to burn natural gas. However, many people are okay with that because of the advantages that come with using natural gas as a fuel.

Using natural gas for your fireplace will help you avoid spending time on excessive maintenance. When natural gas burns, it produces almost no smoke. The byproducts that it does produce do not tend to leave thick layers of soot on surfaces like some other kinds of fuel do.

That means that you won’t have to spend much time cleaning your fireplace if you choose natural gas for your fuel source. On top of that, natural gas fireplaces are much easier to light than fireplaces that use wood.

Consider a Wood Burning Fireplace

Since the price of wood has been getting higher, a wood-burning fireplace may not be the right choice for everyone. However, they are a fantastic choice for people who have a great source of wood.

On top of that, wood-burning fireplaces have a lot to offer regardless of how cheap or expensive your source of wood is. First, using wood as a fuel source allows you to heat larger spaces.

On top of that, burning wood for your fireplace provides an ambiance that no other fuel can match. For some people, the best fuel source is the most traditional one.

The Pros and Cons of Propane Gas Fireplaces

Many people who choose propane gas fireplaces pick them because they are safe for families. Propane fireplaces are easy to use and difficult to hurt yourself with.

On top of that, they are similar to natural gas alternatives in that they require very little maintenance. They also create very little smoke, so your fireplace will stay cleaner when you use propane.

Another reason that people like propane fireplaces is that they do not cost as much as many alternatives. However, one thing to keep in mind about both propane and natural gas fireplaces is that they tend to heat spaces of around 400 square feet.

Depending on the layout of your home and the way you intend to use your fireplace, you might want to pick something with more intense heating power. However, propane fireplaces also provide the advantage of steady and reliable heat. They do not fluctuate in their heat output like wood fireplaces.

Electric Fireplace Options

Electric fireplaces are amazingly versatile. It can be difficult to speak about them in generalities because they come in so many different forms.

You can find tiny fireplaces that can only heat a small room. On the other hand, you can invest in huge electric fireplaces that can keep a large home warm at all times.

Depending on the kind of electric fireplace you get, it may cost more than some of your other alternatives. However, in return for your investment, electric fireplaces are easy to install and require even less maintenance than propane or natural gas options.

They are also extremely safe, making them another acceptable and reliable choice for a home with children and pets.

Understand How to Choose the Right Fireplace Fuel for You

With all of the different kinds of fireplace fuel out there, we hope that this article has helped you think about which kind of might be right for you. Many people rush through this decision and then later end up regretting it. You will live with the results of your selection for many years, so it is worth understanding the pros and cons of each of your options.

To learn more about how to get the right fireplace for you, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!

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