Examines the differences between gas logs.

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Propane vs. Natural Gas Logs

How Are These Gas Logs Different?
One of the first things you may notice about gas logs when you begin shopping for the right one is that they are available in both natural gas - and liquid propane-fueled versions. Natural gas is more common and frequently used in urban areas, which makes it a popular choice for gas logs. Other gases burn hotter than natural gas does, but natural gas is cheaper.

Liquid propane contains more carbon than natural gas, and it burns much hotter. That does not mean that liquid propane-fueled gas logs are warmer than natural gas-fueled gas logs. Heat outputs of various gas logs can be accurately compared using BTU measurements. Liquid propane is most commonly used in areas where natural gas is not available.

Which Gas Log Should You Choose?
Typically, deciding which gas log type to purchase is easy. In many cases, you can simply choose a gas log that will work with the fuel source that is already available in your home. If you have a natural gas heater, dryer, stove, or other gas appliance, then natural gas logs are the obvious choice. Conversely, if you heat your home with propane, a liquid propane gas log is the way to go.

If your home is not plumbed for either of these fuels, check with your local fuel provider to help you choose between gas log types.

The Details on Natural Gas
Natural gas is lighter than air, which means natural gas appliances, including gas logs, can be used without a safety pilot in many areas (again, check with your local fuel provider to be sure). Natural gas must be hand-piped to a gas log from existing service lines that are buried in your area.

If you already have natural gas in your home, but do not have it plumbed to your fireplace, a certified plumber should be able to run the lines for a gas log. Your plumber will use the BTU output to determine the proper line diameter that your gas log requires.

The Details on Liquid Propane
Unlike natural gas, liquid propane is heavier than air. It is stored in a reinforced tank positioned outside the home. A certified plumber or liquid propane professional would install the line that runs from this tank to your gas log.

All gas logs that use liquid propane require a safety pilot. The safety pilot on liquid propane gas logs prevents propane gas from accumulating inside the home if someone were to turn on the gas without lighting a flame on the gas log.