By Carla Johns

The major difference between propane fireplaces and wood burning fireplaces is the material they use to produce heat. As their names imply, propane fireplaces utilize propane and wood burning fireplaces make use of wood. Propane fireplaces are best for fast and intense heating, while wood burning fireplaces are perfect for slow and sustained fires. If you have trouble deciding between propane fireplaces and wood burning fireplaces, you have to consider your ease of access to propane or wood. Both may be efficient in performance, but your accessibility to fuel source plays a big part in your fireplace’s sustainability. You should also think of your home’s storage capacity. Wood must be stored in a dry area so that it doesn’t invite moisture. Propane can be stored in sheds, garages and basements, away from flammable materials.

Propane fireplaces and wood burning fireplaces have differences in aesthetics, performance and maintenance. Since propane fireplaces have less complex mechanism, fireplace manufacturers have more freedom in playing with the appearance. Most fireplaces and stoves have bulky fireboxes that it may be hard to think of fireplaces that come in compact enclosures that may be fitted into walls and shelves. Modern wood burning fireplaces already have sleek models, but a detailed venting system is still required. Propane fireplaces may come in gorgeous designs, but as stylish as they are, nothing beats the beauty of the fires that only wood burning fireplaces create. Traditional homeowners would not trade the old world allure of wood burning fireplaces. However, wood burning fireplaces cannot compete with the hassle-free operations of propane fireplaces. During chilly mornings, a flick of a switch is all you have to do to operate your propane fireplace and fight the draft in your home. Remote control also allows you to switch from one setting to another, as per necessity. With wood burning fireplaces, you’d have to go through the whole process of building a fire, from kindling to regulating the flames.

Ease of maintenance is also a deciding factor in choosing between propane fireplaces and wood burning fireplaces. With propane fireplaces, all you have to do to clean it is to get a damp, clean washcloth and wipe the surfaces since they do not produce soot and ashes. Wood used in wood burning fireplaces tends to accumulate creosote in the walls of the fireplace, which has to be cleaned regularly. Neglect of creosote deposits may lead to chimney fires, which is one of the biggest fire hazards faced by fireplace users. Aside from getting rid of creosote buildup, ashes and wood debris must be removed regularly as they reduce the efficiency of your fireplace. Wood burning fireplaces also require annual checkups from fireplace specialists, preferably before the cold season starts. During the warm season, animals tend to sneak into chimneys and establish their nests. Of course, it would be sad to suffocate animals with smoke, but what’s worse is that they may even deteriorate your fireplace’s performance by not trapping the smoke inside and letting it out of the fireplace opening, instead of out the chimney.

About the Author: Carla Johns is an expert in propane fireplaces and wood burning fireplaces. She is fond of using her outdoor kitchen during the warm season.

Source: isnare.com

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