Our Alternatives to Propane Heating
Propane is one of the most popular choices for gas-powered fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. Although it is clean-burning, an increase in demand – coupled with a decrease in availability – have made propane more expensive. Because of this, many homeowners are looking for alternatives to propane.
The Clean Sweeps of Michigan fireplace store features a number of propane alternatives. Our staff can help you find the perfect fuel source for your home – and help you get it installed before winter officially arrives!
Why make the switch
While propane is efficient, there are a number of more convenient fuel sources. Natural gas, electricity, pellets, and wood are all alternates to propane; the following are just a few reasons to make the switch.
- Propane runs out. Containers either need to be refilled, or homeowners must go and refill containers themselves.
- Storage in unsightly containers. Propane storage containers are unsightly and take up space on your property. Safety concerns and the need to refill the tank can make hiding or concealing propane tanks difficult.
Alternatives to propane
There are four main alternatives to propane: natural gas, electricity, pellets, and wood.
- Natural gas. If your fireplace already burns propane, switching to natural gas is an easy transition. Natural gas is inexpensive, efficient, and clean-burning; it can provide heat at the push of a
button, making natural gas easy to use. The Clean Sweeps of Michigan fireplace store has a wide variety of natural gas stoves, fireplaces, and inserts, making it easy to find an appliance that meets your family’s heating needs. - Electricity. Electric fireplaces are perfect for small spaces; homeowners can use as much – or as little – fuel as they want with this “unlimited” fuel source. Likewise, electric fireplaces are ideal for homes with limited space as no fuel storage is required.
- Pellets. Pellets combine the look and feel of wood fires with the efficiency of natural gas. Pellets fireplaces and stoves are fed using a hopper; while hoppers need to be occasionally refilled, these fires do not require constant tending or stoking. The price of pellets is comparable to burning wood, and pellets can be purchased at most major home improvement stores. Pellets are made by compacting otherwise unusable wood components such as small fragments and sawdust, making them an environmentally-friendly choice.
- Wood. Few things are as comforting as sitting in front of a wood-burning fire on a cold winter night. While wood fireplaces require more care and maintenance than their gas-burning counterparts, wood-burning stoves and inserts are more efficient and environmentally friendly than ever before. In fact, many modern wood fireplaces are considered carbon-neutral, impacting the environment no more than decaying wood.
Propane prices are going up; switch fuel sources to avoid paying too much to heat your home this winter. For more information on the fuel source of your fireplace or stove, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!