Propane gas logs good source of heat

The Railroad Commission of Texas offers the following safety tips for Texans enjoying the cozy warmth of a propane gas log set this winter.

As the state's chief energy agency, the commission has been in charge of propane safety in Texas for more than 50 years.

"More and more Texans are fueling their fireplaces with clean-burning propane gas," Chairman Michael L. Williams said. "And it's easy to see why. Gas logs don't smoke up the neighborhood and they turn on at the flip of a switch. But they don't turn off by themselves like a wood fire, so remember to switch off your gas log when you leave the room for an extended period and before you go to sleep."

Even though gas log owners no longer have to split and stack firewood or haul ashes out of the fireplace, gas-fired logs do require some maintenance.

"Have a trained technician install the units and schedule a regular maintenance checkup at the start of the heating season," Commissioner Victor Carrillo said. "The checkup should include cleaning the control compartments and burner and checking all of the components for proper operation."

Gas logs may be vented or unvented. Unvented units do not have a chimney or flue. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, unvented gas heaters are gaining in popularity because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and efficient.

"Consumers should know whether their gas logs are vented or unvented," Commissioner Elizabeth Jones said. "If they're vented, make sure the fireplace where the logs are installed is designed for actual use, not just for decoration."