Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

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!

Check Out Our Propane Alternatives

Propane has long been considered a clean burning and cheap way to heat your home in fireplaces, grills, and more. However, many of our customers have noticed the serious shortage of propane in Michigan – and across the Midwest. Lowering the thermostat or using the fireplace less frequently can help conserve propane. However, having a cold home during harsh winter conditions is not a long term solution.

If you use propane as a primary heating source in your home, it may be time to switch to another fuel source. At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we have a wide variety of fireplaces, stoves, and inserts to meet your family’s heating needs. Whether you prefer wood, pellets, or even a different variety of gas, we have the perfect appliance to heat your home this winter!

Wood fireplaces and stoves.

There is nothing quite like the smell, sight, and warmth of a crackling, wood burning fire. Modern wood burning fireplaces and stoves have come a long way from their inefficient masonry counterparts; new wood burning heating appliances are more efficient than ever before. In addition, they can be used to heat everything from a room to an entire home.

Along with their improving efficiency, many homeowners choose wood because of its low cost, environmental impact, and availability. Buying firewood is often an inexpensive endeavor; enterprising homeowners can even cut, chop, stack, and season their own wood for pennies. Likewise, as a renewable resource there is little risk of ever running out of firewood. Finally, firewood is readily available and can be bought almost anywhere from private dealers to at local home improvement stores.

Pellet stoves and inserts.

Pellet stoves and inserts are an excellent alternative for homeowners who like the look and feel of wood fires but want an easier to use, more efficient alternative. Pellets are created from compressed, recycled wood parts and pieces; they burn hotter, create less smoke, and less behind less ash and residue than traditional wood logs. Likewise, they are considered to be carbon neutral by many. This is since they are made from recycled parts of an already renewable energy source.

Pellet stoves and inserts are easy to operate. Depending on the size of the hopper, it may only need to be reloaded once per day. Bags of pellets are relatively inexpensive and typically resemble bags of mulch. This makes them easy to stack and store.

Gas fireplaces and inserts.

Many homeowners who already use a propane heating appliance prefer the benefits of gas to other fuel sources. We offer a variety of natural gas fireplaces, inserts, and stoves to match your home’s décor and style. Whether you prefer sleek and contemporary or rustic and traditional, we have a variety of gas heating appliances to meet your needs.

Don’t let Michigan’s propane shortage leave you out in the cold this winter. Instead, consider switching to an alternate heat source. Contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today for more information on finding the right wood, pellet, or natural gas heating appliance for your home!