How Much Gas Does a Propane Fireplace Use?
If you are considering investing in a propane fireplace, there are a few things you should know before you purchase. First, the amount of gas you need is based on the fireplace model you choose. The size of your room, the type of fuel you use, and the climate in your area are all factors that can affect your fireplace’s efficiency. Also, there are some simple measures you can take to ensure that you will get the most out of your investment.
(Searching in Google “All Valley Fireplace Repair AZ“? Contact us today!)
One of the first things you will want to do is measure the dimensions of your fireplace. A larger room requires a larger BTU rating. This means you will need more gas to heat the same space. Additionally, you will need more gas if you are going to operate your fireplace on a regular basis. For example, a 50,000 BTU propane fireplace requires one gallon of propane every two hours.
Gas prices are quite variable throughout North America. You will find that prices are usually higher in the summer months than in the winter. Furthermore, the cost of natural gas is often higher during the warmer parts of the year. During the winter, there is a much higher demand for gas fireplaces. Depending on where you live, the price of natural gas may be even higher. Luckily, you can check the current cost online or by calling your local gas service provider.
In the context of your fireplace, you will also need to determine the AFUE rating of your unit. Using a calculator or the Energy Star website can help you determine the actual efficiency of your fireplace. A higher AFUE rating indicates a more efficient fireplace. However, there is not an exact mathematical formula for this calculation. While a higher AFUE does not necessarily mean you will have a more efficient unit, it does indicate that the model you are choosing will be more energy-efficient than a lower rated unit.
In addition to the BTUs of your fireplace, you will need to measure the length and diameter of the hoses you plan to use to connect your fireplace to the cylinder. These hoses will be very important for ensuring the proper flow of gas. Typically, the diameter of the hoses will be about 6 inches in diameter. When measuring these diameters, you should be sure to use a metric or imperial measurement.
Finally, it is important to understand the difference between a vented and direct vent gas fireplace. A vented fireplace will draw air from outside your home for combustion. Ventless fireplaces will not require this. However, you will need to install a chimney to release byproducts of the combustion. Because of this, the rate of gas consumption for vented and direct vent fireplaces is typically different.
It is not uncommon for a 100 pound propane bottle to last 84 hours when used at 26,000 BTUs. That is more than enough for three weeks of constant use, or four hours per day.