How Much Propane Does a Fireplace Use?

Consider the BTU of Your Hearth Product

Have you ever thought about converting your old, seldom-used wood fireplace into an efficient, clean-burning and safe propane fireplace?

One question that always comes up is: how much propane does a propane fireplace use? As a general rule, a propane fireplace uses about one gallon of propane for each 100,000 BTU. So. if you install a propane fireplace that is rated 50,000 BTU, you’ll be using about one gallon of propane for every two hours that it’s in use.

Now, compare the expense and all of the work you have to put into operating a wood burning fireplace. You’ll probably be delighted by how much easier and inexpensive it is to have a cozy and reliable propane fireplace in your Iowa home.

Converting a Wood Fireplace to Propane

Today’s propane hearths are available as freestanding stoves, built-in fireplaces, and sealed fireplace inserts that can be installed directly in your existing mantle. And they give you all the warmth and comfort of a wood fireplace without the drawbacks, and with some great benefits that you just can’t get from a wood-burning hearth.

Whether or not you have an existing fireplace, you can enjoy the benefits of a propane hearth in your home with these advantages.

• Convenience: A propane hearth gives you warmth and a beautiful glow whenever you want it. And most of today’s propane hearths come with thermostats and remote controls. You’ll be able to control the heat and the flame intensity from the comfort of your sofa.
• Versatility: A propane fireplace or freestanding stove is not only charming, it’s also a heat source that will keep your living space warm even when the power is out. No black-outs with propane!
• Efficiency: A propane fireplace runs at around 80% efficiency. That makes it four to five times more efficient than a wood fireplace.
• Health impact: You may think that wood smoke smells good, but it’s really not that good for your body. Fine particles, also known as fine particulate matter, are the greatest health threat from a wood fire. These microscopic particles can create respiratory problems and other issues. You don’t get these health risks with propane.
• Environmentally-friendly:  A wood-burning fireplace emits up to 4,000% more emissions than a propane-fueled fireplace!

Reduce Heat Loss with Propane Fireplaces

Today’s propane fireplace inserts have efficiencies that can go well into the 80% range. That’s so much more efficient than a wood fire. As much as 90% of the heat produced by a wood-burning fireplace goes straight up the chimney! Did you ever notice how cold a room becomes when a wood fire begins to burn out? It’s because all the heat in the room is being drawn out the chimney!

Recent Trends in Propane Fireplaces

• Fireplace inserts with blowers: If you have an open-concept kitchen-living dining area, or any other large space to heat, the multispeed blowers push warm air to the far corners of a room, providing better and more even heating.
• Masonry fireplace refinishing: With a propane fireplace insert, you can update the style of your existing fireplace without a lot of expense.
• More realistic flames: Improved gas burner technology means more realistic flames that flicker and dance, just like a wood fire.

Once you get your new propane fireplace installed, count on your propane provider to keep you well-supplied so you can always keep your home fires burning.

Please reach out to your Iowa propane provider for more advice about propane gas fireplaces. Interested in expanding your use of propane further? Read about propane appliances.