The High Country of North Carolina is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, during any of our four distinct beautiful seasons. Combined with the magnificent views, outdoor living and friendly locals we have seen a significant rise in popularity for visitors. Many seasonal homeowners have decided to tap into their vacant home potential and started utilizing their spaces as vacation and short term rentals. While this is a boost for the local economy, if not handled correctly, it can be a very expensive and potentially dangerous endeavor for the owner of a short term rental.

As a premier propane provider, whose primary focus is always SAFETY, we want to caution yourself and renters before tampering with any propane equipment. ALL propane equipment should be serviced by a licensed professional. The most common theme we see concerns gas logs.

• GAS LOG appliances:

  • The actual logs should NEVER be moved from the configuration that the service technician placed them. Moving the logs can cause issues with ignition, sooting, and a general safety issue.

  • DO NOT use them like a wood fire. You cannot burn real wood on top of your gas logs, or melt marshmallows for s'mores, or any other cooking application.

  • DO NOT burn the logs 24/7 and never leave an open flame running if you (or renter) is not present.

Consider leaving an instruction sheet in the rental explaining how to utilize each appliance, and to contact you if there is any issue so that you can alert Blue Ridge Propane. We are not responsible for any damage that a renter sustains to your equipment. Another consideration would be automated home thermostats that can be controlled remotely, for climate control. Timers on gas logs are also effective at controlling usage. Please give us a call if you would like to have more information about any of these protective measures for your short term rental.