How do I know if my house has natural gas or propane?
Around Mars Hill, it depends which Mars Hill you're in. Rentals near the university may sit on a gas main, but the rural Spring Creek and Gabriels Creek valleys largely run propane or wood. Assume propane out in the valleys until a meter proves otherwise, and look for the tank. It's one of the colder spots we serve, so confirm before winter.
Campus edge versus the valleys
Mars Hill splits cleanly. The university-area rentals cluster near town, where a natural-gas meter is more plausible, while homes out in the Spring Creek and Gabriels Creek valleys and toward Forks of Ivy sit well beyond any main — propane tanks and wood heat are the rule there. If you're in a valley home, look for a horizontal cylinder on a pad or a buried tank's green dome; that's your fuel. A meter on the wall with a utility bill means natural gas from the street.
Cold country leans on the hearth
This is one of the colder pockets in our service area, and the academic-year rhythm pushes demand toward easy-use gas fireplaces that light on a switch. Whichever fuel you're on, the fireplace has to be built for it — a propane unit over-fires on a natural-gas main and vice versa, sooting either way. If the yard doesn't answer it, the rating plate behind the louver reads NG or LP. Homes converting from wood heat to gas still need the fuel pinned down first, before anything is spec'd.
Licensed for the gas, 30 minutes out
Mars Hill sits 30 minutes north of our Emma Road showroom, and the gas line — propane or natural — is licensed work a showroom or mason can't legally connect. As a licensed gas contractor we permit with the county, pressure-test the line, meet the inspector, and coordinate the tank with your propane supplier when it's LP. If you've rented or bought and no one can tell you the fuel, photograph the tank or meter and call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Mars Hill
We install and service fireplaces throughout Mars Hill and the rest of Madison County — just 30 minutes north from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- How can I tell if a gas fireplace or log set is set up for natural gas or propane?
- How do I find out if natural gas is available on my street?
- What are my options for a gas fireplace if my neighborhood doesn't have natural gas?
- Who supplies natural gas in the Asheville area, and how do I ask them about getting service to my home?
- Is LP gas the same thing as propane?