In rural areas where fuel for fireplace choices may be limited, a propane fireplace represents a significant value over a wood burning fireplace.

It is more convenient than a wood burning fireplace and provides fuel and cost efficiencies far beyond those of a traditional unit. The variety of ways in which a propane fireplace can be vented also make it suitable for homes which cannot accommodate a chimney.

Wood burning fireplaces require buying, hauling and carting massive quantities of wood over the course of a fire burning season. The fuel for propane fireplaces is delivered to the site by professionals. In addition, conventional fireplaces require kindling and other fire starters; even with these materials, starting a wood fire can be a time consuming and dirty process. A propane fireplace can be started with the flick of a switch.

While burning a standard fireplace produces smoke and ash. A propane fireplace burns cleaner both in the home and for the environment. Fires burned in wood burning fireplaces are difficult to extinguish and may not be fully out when a person is ready to leave the room. They also require clean up which can be both messy and unsafe. The fire in a propane fireplace goes out as soon as the fuel supply is turned off. The gas logs require no post fire cleaning. Long term maintenance of a propane fireplace is also less burdensome than that of a wood burning fireplace.

A wood burning fireplace necessitates a chimney. Propane fireplaces can use chimneys for their exhausts but they can also be direct vented. Direct venting allows a propane fireplace to be installed in virtually any type of construction. Use of a gas insert propane fireplace even allows for vent free set up.

Much of the heat from a wood burning fireplace is dissipated up the chimney. In fact, a conventional fireplace is a notoriously ineffective method of warming a home. Propane fireplaces are can be up to 99% heat efficient. A large top of the line propane fireplace generates up to 40,000 BTU. Properly operated and maintained a propane fireplace of this side can heat an entire home. In addition, the cost of propane versus wood as a fuel is considerably less.

Thus, any homeowner would be wise to consider installing a propane fireplace in his/her home over one which consumes wood. Propane fireplaces consume less fuel and burn more cleanly than their wood counterparts. The initial installation of a propane fireplace is easier as are ongoing cleaning and maintenance. Finally, a home can be more efficiently and more cheaply heated by a propane fireplace when compared to a wood burning fireplace.