Insulated Glass Vs. Heat From Propane Stoves

Insulated Glass

• Insulated glass, or double-paned glass, is considered to be more energy efficient than traditional glass. It is commonly used for windows and doors in homes. It reduces draftiness and conserves energy by reducing the amount of hot or cool air that can dissipate through the glass. Some insulated glasses are coated in additional protective substances that further prevent heat from transmitting through the glass and also block a certain amount of UV light from entering the home, protecting furniture and carpeting from fading.

Insulated Glass and Heating

• While insulated glass is useful for keeping the heat in your home once the heat is already present, it is not so useful when it comes to initially warming your house. Insulated glass does not help to create heat or warmth in any way. Insulated glass often blocks UV light, preventing natural heat from coming into the home. This is great in the summer, because it keeps cooling costs down, but not so useful in the winter because the sun's natural heat is less likely to get through the barrier. Some insulated glass, called Low-E glass, is designed to allow for some solar heat transmission to help bring in natural heat. It is most commonly used in areas where the average homeowner's heating needs exceed their cooling needs. Once your home is warm, the insulated glass will help prevent the heat from dissipating out.

Propane Stoves

• A propane stove is designed as a cooking device, not a heating device. While propane stoves do generate heat, it is inadvisable to use them as a heat source in your home. A propane heater is designed specifically to generate heat in your home, and is a safe way to heat your home when used appropriately. Due to the inherit flammability of propane gas, anyone who plans on using any kind of propane gas device for heat must know how to work it properly.

Heat from Propane Stoves

• Using your propane stove will generate a certain amount of heat, as propane stoves do generate heat while cooking. If you have insulated windows, this heat is more likely to last and provide a very mild amount of warmth. However, propane stoves should not be used as heat sources and cooking stoves in general are not appropriate heat sources due to the high risk of accidental fires. Some models of propane heaters may be referred to as stoves, and these are fine to use for heat as long as the manufacturer's instructions specify that the device is intended for use as a heater. A propane stove-style heater can be used to generate heat in your home to keep you warm.