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Purchasing Gas Lights

Whether you are looking for a decorative way to light your front porch or would like to add a romantic glow to your garden patio, gas lights have the ability to provide it for you. Gas lights and gas torches are available in a wide array of styles that make it easy to find the perfect gas light product for your personal style. When choosing gas lights, however, it is important to plan ahead before you make your purchase. The following tips will help make the purchasing of gas lights much easier and more enjoyable:

  1. Plan a Budget – When purchasing gas lights, you will want to think of it as more of an investment than an attractive accessory. Gas lights are available in a variety of styles, with many metals, including copper or brass, being hand-crafted which provides the utmost attention to even the smallest details. For these reasons it is important to remember that gas lights are expensive - especially the larger models. Understanding that installing gas lights on your home is going to cost money and setting a budget will make purchasing gas lights for your home a much simpler process.
  2. Gas Light Installation – Unless you are a licensed plumber and have a good understanding of how gas lines are connected you may want to consider hiring a professional for installation. Many gas light manufacturers offer excellent warranties on their gas lights but require that all gas lights be installed by a licensed plumber and that they meet local building codes. In addition, if the gas light you purchase features an electronic ignition, the wiring will need to be installed and connected by a licensed electrician. Decide who will handle the installation of your gas lights before you purchase them and get an estimate that should be included in your budget.
  3. Gas Light Fuels – Propane and natural gas offer very similar levels of performance for powering gas lights. There are several differences, however, that you may want to consider before deciding on natural gas or propane gas lights for your home. It is important to remember that you need to decide on a fuel source before you purchase your gas lights. Hooking your gas lights to the improper fuel will normally void your warranty and returning the gas lights to the manufacturer
    • Weigh your options. Propane is a naturally heavier fuel than natural gas. When propane is released it will fall to the earth and pool. Natural gas, however, is lighter than air and will normally dissipate when released, making natural gas less of a combustible risk than propane for consumers.
    • Propane burns more efficiently than natural gas. In fact, propane burns about 2.5 times better. Propane will produce about 2500 BTUs as opposed to the 1000 BTUs produced by natural gas for an equal volume of the gas light fuels.
    • Natural gas is cheaper than propane. The cost of natural gas is about 80% less than propane. Though propane burns more efficiently than natural gas, natural gas is still a cheaper alternative for fueling your gas lights. It is important to remember, however, that natural gas is not always available to consumers- especially those that live outside major cities or towns, such as farm owners.

    4. Gas Light America GL101 Paige Street Series Copper Natural Gas Light With Open Flame Burner On Wall Scroll Mount
  4. Styles and Finishes – Modern gas lights are available in a variety of styles to meet the ever-increasing demands of consumers. Aluminum and copper gas lights are the most popular metals used for gas lights and they provide consumers with the appearances they desire and are easily crafted. The style of gas light that you choose will ultimately depend upon your personal taste and the style of your home.
  5. Gas Light Mounts –Gas lights can basically be mounted anywhere you wish around the outside of your home. Modern gas lights offer a variety of mounting options, including wall mounts, ceiling mounts and post mounts. Whether you would like your gas lights to adorn your patio or to light the path to your front door, the wide array of available gas light mounts make placing your gas lights easier than ever.
  6. Open Flames and Mantles – One of the most important things to consider when purchasing gas lights is the type of light you want your gas light to emit. Gas lights have the ability of being equipped with gas light mantles or a natural open flame. Open flame gas lights offer less radiant light than gas lights with mantles but many people consider the pleasant light that open flames provide to be better for the ambiance of their outdoor living area.
  7. Electronic Ignition Gas Lights – Electronic ignition are the best option for people who want ease of use with their gas lights. Available for open flame burner designs only, electronic ignition gas lights give the consumer the ability to turn them on and off with the flip of a light switch. Electronic ignition will also not allow gas to flow freely if the flame of the gas light is extinguished. This is because electronic ignition gas lights automatically reignite the flame if it is extinguished for more than a few seconds.

Understanding what to look for when purchasing gas lights will help make the process of buying and installation much easier. Gas lights can be a beautiful and valuable addition for any home. When properly installed, gas lights can provide you and your family with years of maintenance-free outdoor lighting.