Rajan Wilcox
Gas fireplaces are an excellent way to add warmth and ambiance to your home. They are easy to use and cost-effective, but how much fuel does a gas fireplace use? The answer depends on the type of gas fireplace you have, the type of gas you are burning, and the BTU rating of the fireplace. Decorative gas log sets, for example, use more fuel than gas inserts or fireplaces, and natural gas is cheaper to run than propane.
How much fuel does a gas fireplace use?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of running a gas fireplace | Depends on the type of gas fireplace (decorative or heat-producing), the type of gas (natural gas or propane/LP gas), and the BTU rating of the fireplace |
| Natural gas price | Around $1.00/therm in 2018; $11 per thousand cubic feet ($1.06 per therm) on average in the US in 2020 |
| Propane price | Around $3.00/gallon in 2018 |
| BTU rating of gas fireplaces | Varies widely depending on make and model; a 70,000 BTU/hour decorative gas log set and a 40,000 BTU/hour gas insert or fireplace are mentioned as examples |
| Efficiency of gas fireplaces | Varies depending on the type of fireplace; ventless models are close to 100% efficient, while other models can be as low as 60% efficient; gas fireplaces are generally less efficient than furnaces or boilers |
| Safety concerns | Ventless gas fireplaces deplete oxygen in the room and can emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, benzene, and NOx |
| Heat output | Gas fireplaces are typically not designed to be used as a primary heat source; a significant portion of the heat produced is lost through the exhaust or flue |
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What You'll Learn
Cost comparison of natural gas vs propane
The cost of running a gas fireplace depends on the type of gas fireplace you have (decorative or heat-producing) and the type of gas you are burning (natural gas or propane/LP gas).
Natural gas is usually cheaper than propane. One source gives the price of natural gas as $1.00 per therm, compared to $3.00 per gallon for propane. However, these prices are not necessarily standard and can vary quite a bit over a short time span. For example, natural gas might cost $6.00 per MMBtu (MCF) or $0.60 per therm, while propane might cost $2.50 per gallon.
Natural gas is typically piped right into the house from the street, whereas propane usually requires a tank located outside the home that needs to be filled regularly by a propane company.
Propane delivers more BTUs for your dollars. One cubic foot of propane equals 2,516 BTUs, compared to one cubic foot of natural gas, which equals 1,030 BTUs. Propane contains more than twice the energy of natural gas. In one hour, a 100,000 BTU natural gas furnace burns around 97 cubic feet, while a propane furnace burns only 40 cubic feet in an hour. As a rule of thumb, each 100,000 BTUs of propane uses approximately one gallon of propane.
However, natural gas is lighter than propane and therefore dissipates more quickly when released into the atmosphere, so it could be considered safer.
Example calculations
To operate a 70,000 BTU/hour decorative gas log set, it would cost you roughly $0.70 per hour for natural gas and about $2.30 per hour for propane. A large gas insert or gas fireplace might use about 40,000 BTU/hour and would cost about $0.40 per hour to operate with natural gas and about $1.31 per hour for propane.
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BTU ratings and calculations
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of energy that measures how much space an appliance can heat or cool. In the context of fireplaces, the BTU rating indicates the amount of heat produced by the unit in one hour. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat an appliance generates. The BTU rating is also used to measure the energy efficiency of a fireplace, taking into account not just the amount of heat produced but also how effectively that heat warms a space.
When it comes to calculating BTU ratings, it's important to consider both BTU input and BTU output. The BTU input refers to the amount of fuel energy that is consumed by the appliance, while the BTU output is the amount of useful heat generated. The efficiency of a fireplace is determined by the ratio of BTU input to BTU output. For example, a fireplace with a BTU input of 80,000 and an efficiency rating of 65% will have a BTU output of 52,000.
The BTU rating required for a fireplace depends on the size of the space that needs to be heated. A common guideline is to allocate approximately 40 BTUs per square foot of space. However, this can vary depending on factors such as ceiling height, insulation, and local climate.
To determine the BTU rating of a gas fireplace, you can refer to the manufacturer's specifications or look for a tag on the appliance that indicates its BTU output. This information, along with the type of gas being used (natural gas or propane), can help calculate the fuel consumption and cost of operating the fireplace.
As an example, a 70,000 BTU/hour decorative gas log set would cost approximately $0.70/hour for natural gas and $2.30/hour for propane. In contrast, a gas insert or fireplace with a 40,000 BTU/hour rating would cost about $0.40/hour for natural gas and $1.31/hour for propane. These prices may vary based on the current rates for natural gas and propane.
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Efficiency of gas vs wood fireplaces
The efficiency of a fireplace depends on how well it can convert fuel into usable heat. The fuel type, the fireplace design, and the heat output all play a role in determining the efficiency of a fireplace.
Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces burn natural gas or propane to generate heat. They are designed to be used indoors or outdoors and can be customised in terms of frame finishing, grids, and handles. Gas fireplaces do not produce actual combustion, allowing for a zero-clearance installation. They can be installed virtually anywhere in the house and exposed on three or four sides. Gas fireplaces are generally more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces, with efficiency ratings ranging from 60% to 90%. This means that most of the heat generated by the gas flames is transferred into the room, rather than being lost up the chimney. Gas fireplaces with higher efficiency can produce more heat, with ratings ranging from 8 to 11 kW per hour or more. The cost of operating a gas fireplace depends on the type of gas and the fireplace's BTU rating. For example, a natural gas fireplace operating at 40,000 BTUs per hour might cost around $0.40 to $0.48 per hour, while a propane fireplace with the same output would cost around $1.10 to $1.31 per hour.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces use firewood as fuel, which can be more challenging and expensive to source than natural gas. The quality of the wood also impacts the fireplace's efficiency, with damp or poor-quality wood reducing performance. Wood fireplaces do not have straightforward kW ratings because their output depends on the type and amount of wood burned, as well as the efficiency of the fireplace. A well-stocked wood fireplace can produce between 5 to 18 kW per hour. Open wood fireplaces are typically less efficient, with efficiency ratings between 10% and 30%, as a significant amount of heat escapes up the chimney. Newer wood stoves and inserts can be more efficient, with ratings of 60% or higher, which helps reduce energy wastage.
Gas fireplaces are generally more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces due to their higher efficiency ratings and more consistent heat output. They are also more convenient, as they do not require the same level of maintenance, preparation, and cleanup as wood-burning fireplaces. However, gas fireplaces may be more expensive to run due to the cost of fuel. Wood-burning fireplaces can be more cost-effective, especially if the wood is sourced sustainably, but they may not be as efficient in converting fuel into usable heat.
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Ventless gas fireplaces
The amount of fuel consumed by a ventless gas fireplace depends on several factors, including the type and model of the fireplace, as well as the maximum heat output. The heat output of a gas fireplace is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), and a standard gas fireplace produces around 30,000-40,000 BTUs. A 40,000 BTU gas fireplace will consume 40,000 BTUs worth of gas every hour. An average 40,000 BTU gas fireplace on full heat will use approximately 10 Therms of energy per day. 1 Therm is equal to 100,000 BTUs or 100 cubic feet of natural gas.
It is important to note that ventless gas fireplaces are banned in California and some U.S. cities due to air quality concerns. They can be unsafe as they burn oxygen in the room, and manufacturers recommend keeping a window open during operation. However, modern ventless fireplaces are equipped with oxygen depletion sensors and carbon monoxide detectors, which automatically shut off the gas supply when low oxygen levels or carbon monoxide are detected.
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Gas fireplace vs gas furnace
The fuel consumption of a gas fireplace depends on the type of gas fireplace and the type of gas being used. Gas fireplaces can be decorative or heat-producing, and the type of gas used can be natural gas or propane/LP gas. Natural gas is typically piped right into the house, while propane is supplied via a tank located outside the home.
Decorative gas log sets, designed to fit into an existing masonry fireplace, produce a large flame that looks like a real wood fire. However, most of the heat they generate escapes up the flue, similar to a wood-burning fireplace. In contrast, gas inserts or gas fireplaces are more efficient, with ratings of up to 80% efficiency, and can help offset the cost of heating your home.
As a rule of thumb, each 100,000 BTUs of a gas fireplace consumes approximately one gallon of propane. For example, a 50,000 BTU fireplace will use one gallon every two hours. The cost of running a gas fireplace depends on the fuel type and the fireplace's BTU rating. For natural gas, the cost is around $0.40/hour for a large 40,000 BTU fireplace and $0.70/hour for a 70,000 BTU decorative gas log set. For propane, the respective costs are $1.31/hour and $2.30/hour.
Now, comparing a gas fireplace to a gas furnace, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, gas furnaces are rated to have a seasonal efficiency of 80%, while a gas fireplace may reach 75% efficiency when adjusted for seasonal variations. Secondly, a gas furnace distributes heat throughout the house, making it ideal for warming the entire house. In contrast, a gas fireplace delivers heat directly into a room and is better suited for supplemental heating or when everyone is gathered in one room.
While a gas fireplace may be cheaper to run per hour, a gas furnace is more efficient at heating an entire house. Running a gas fireplace as the primary heat source for the whole house can become costly. However, combining a gas furnace with a gas fireplace can be beneficial. The gas furnace can ensure a comfortable temperature throughout the home, while the gas fireplace provides supplemental heating and creates a cosy atmosphere in the room you are occupying. Additionally, a gas fireplace can be a good backup during power outages or furnace failures.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel a gas fireplace uses depends on the type of gas fireplace and the type of gas being used. Decorative gas fireplaces use more fuel as most of the heat they produce goes up the flue. Gas fireplaces that are designed to produce heat tend to be more fuel-efficient. The type of gas being used also affects fuel consumption, with natural gas being cheaper than propane.
A natural gas fireplace with a 38,000 BTU/h rating uses 0.38 therms an hour, which equates to approximately $0.40 an hour to run. A 70,000 BTU/hour decorative gas fireplace costs around $0.70 an hour to run, while a 40,000 BTU/hour gas insert or fireplace costs about $0.40 an hour.
As a rule of thumb, every 100,000 BTUs uses approximately one gallon of propane. For example, a 50,000 BTU propane fireplace will use one gallon every two hours. A 70,000 BTU/hour decorative gas fireplace costs about $2.30 an hour to run, while a 40,000 BTU/hour gas insert or fireplace costs about $1.31 an hour.
