In Mills River, sizing depends on fuel and floor plan. Many homes out here run propane on large rural lots, often with open plans that let heat wander, so a room open to the rest of the house needs more than the flat 20-BTU-per-square-foot rule. A 600-square-foot open living space starts near 12,000 BTU and climbs from there.
Open plans and propane on the big lots
Mills River is rural large-lot country amid farmland and forest, and a lot of these homes are on propane rather than a gas main. Two things follow for sizing. First, propane burns hotter per unit and needs its own orifices and pressure, which we set up so the flame runs clean instead of sooting. Second, the open floor plans common in the newer developments here let warm air drift into adjoining rooms, so the fireplace has to heat more than the square footage on the floor plan claims.
We size to the connected space you actually feel, not just the room's four walls.
The outdoor side earns its keep here
The open Mills River valley is made for outdoor living, and cool mountain evenings stretch the season long enough that a gas fire pit or outdoor fireplace pays for itself. Those run on their own gas load — a fire pit can call for far more output than an indoor unit — so we plan the propane line for it. Late spring, before entertaining season, is the time to have it in.
Indoor or out, we permit gas work with Henderson County and pressure-test the line. Call (828) 545-0525 for a free assessment.
Fireplace help in Mills River
We install and service fireplaces throughout Mills River and the rest of Henderson County — just 25 minutes south from our Asheville-area showroom.