Some people love wood burning fireplaces, usually because of the nostalgia factor. Something about throwing a log on the fire reminds them of days gone by. Of course, wood burning fireplaces can also be a maintenance nightmare. Not only do you have to clean out ashes, keep the flue cleared, and worry about jumping sparks and ashes, but traditional chimneys are a magnet for spiders, bats, and all manner of creepy crawlies.

For many of the same reasons, 95% of chefs prefer to cook with gas. In fact, more and more homeowners are discovering the many benefits of gas fireplaces and propane fueled fireplaces because it’s such a cost efficient fuel.

Why Propane? What Are the Benefits of Gas Fireplaces?
Numbers don’t lie. Today, 8.1 million homes use propane, with 4.6% of them relying on propane for all their heating needs. On top of that, more than 1 million restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments use propane. Like natural gas, propane can exist in both liquid and gaseous states. When propane is at atmospheric pressure and temperatures higher than -44 F, it’s both non-toxic and colorless. Although it’s naturally odorless, an easily identifiable odorant is added to propane to make leaks easy to detect.

Even better, fully 90% of America’s propane supply is produced right here in the U.S.A., while the majority of the rest comes from Mexico and Canada.

Gas Fireplaces: The Ultimate Propane Accessory
Propane services have gone mainstream over the past few decades, and this gas is now used for so much more than cooking and heating. You’ll find pools and home spa heaters powered by this fuel, and of course, propane fueled fireplaces.

Not only do gas fireplaces avoid the maintenance, mess, and fire risks that come with traditional alternatives, but gas fireplaces spread heat more evenly around a room. Gas fires are both easier to light (literally with the flick of a switch!) and easier to keep lit, all at a low cost. And while traditional fireplaces must be connected to a pre-existing chimney, propane fueled fireplaces can be installed anywhere in your home.

There are two popular types of gas fireplaces: direct vent and — for lack of a better term — normal gas fireplaces. Traditional fireplaces use indoor air for combustion, then vent heated air through a flue and vent to the exterior of the home. On the other hand, direct vent fireplaces use outdoor air for combustion, creating a convention loop. Some home improvement pros think direct vent fireplaces are safer and more efficient, although it’s mostly a matter of preference.

No matter what you choose, there’s no denying that propane fueled fireplaces have a number of benefits over the alternatives.

After you’ve replaced your propane tank, what do you do with the empty one? Propane fuels over 8.1 million homes and serves almost 60 million people in the U.S. alone. Recycling propane tanks and propane accessories is not like normal recycling and should be taken very seriously. For those of you who find yourself with an empty propane tank and are uncertain of what to do with it, consider these options:

1. It is important to keep the tank in its original form, in an upright position outdoors where it cannot be tampered with.
2. Propane tanks and many propane accessories cannot be reused and many recycling centers do not accept empty tanks. For this reason, there are other ways to burn off the remaining fuel and make them safer to dispose of.
3. For those who are not fond of the idea of buying and throwing away tanks, it may be a good idea to look into purchasing camp stoves such as wood-burning stoves as an alternative to propane. It is important to note that this option does not burn as hot as propane.
4. Many retailers offer take-backs of small, five-pound tanks free of charge. These tanks are either put back to use by painting and replacing nonworking and outdated parts, or taken apart and recycled by professionals.
5. Many local waste districts and local businesses also take empty propane tanks. In Milford, CT, for example, the fire department hosted an event to collect propane tanks from locals with proof of residency at no extra cost. Check with your local organizations to confirm any collection events or locations in your area.
6. Some creative types like to re-purpose propane tanks, using them to create works of art with other natural materials. This is only recommended to those who are or know professionals to handle the tanks.

Propane services and propane accessories are used by more than 1 million commercial establishments all over the United States. Not only does the cost efficient fuel have benefits for residential and commercial use, but it can also coordinate with other materials to create works of art. Once you have reached the point of needing to dispose of your empty propane tank, consider the options you have above and do so in the safest way possible.