(NAPSA)—If you harbor a warm feeling for a cozy fireplace but don’t want the hassle and mess of burning wood, a propane-fueled fireplace might be your answer. Gasfireplaces are rising in popularity as homeownersrealize the versatility and convenience they offer. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 70 percent of the hearth products in homestoday are gas. Because gas fireplaces use direct-vent technology, they don’t require chimneys. This means you can put them almost anywhere in the home—versatility unheard of with wood-burningfireplaces. “Homeowners often think installing a propane or gas-fueled fireplace is a time-consuming and costly renovation project,” says Roy Willis, president of the Propane Education & Research Council. “The reality is that it is a relatively inexpensive project that can be accomplished in a matter of hours even if you don’t already have a fireplace.” Gasfireplaces also are more convenient than traditional woodburning fireplaces. Simply flip a switch and you have a warm cozyfire in seconds. You also have morecontrol over the amount of heat given off with a gas unit. Many even come with a remote control to adjust the fire from anywhere in the room. Finally, there is no wood to chop or have delivered to your home. And, with no bugs, sap, or dirt dragged in with the wood, gasfireplaces are muchcleaner. Propane-fueled fireplaces can add warmth and ambience to almost any room in your home. Most importantly, gas fireplaces are safe to use. When you’re finished enjoying the fire, you simply switch it off. Gas fireplaces cool down in minutes and many come with automatic shut-off capabilities. Since there’s no soot or ash, direct-vent gas fireplaces maintain indoor air quality. All combustion air is drawn from outside the home and 100 percent of the combustion by-products are sent outside. Since no room air is used for combustion, direct-vent gas fireplaces are also efficient (up to 70 percent). For more information on the benefits of using propane as a home energy source, visit www.usepropane.com. For infor- mation on finding fireplace or hearth products, visit the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association web site at www.hpba.org.
