How Much Propane Does A Fireplace Use?

Anyone with a fireplace or other appliance in their home knows the stress of calculating how much energy it uses. We all want our homes to become more efficient, not just to save us money but to keep Greta and the looming threat climate change poses off our backs.

We are all seeking more affordable options to fuel our homes and find ourselves turning to propane. Not only are propane fireplaces efficient, but they can be more cost-effective than other types of fireplaces on the market. 

But how much propane do they use? Whether you currently have a propane fireplace or are contemplating opting for one (or even converting your fireplace into a propane one), the usage and cost of it weigh heavy on your head. 

It can be tricky, too; navigating the size of your fireplace, different factors, and the cost of propane, you can be left with a headache and no answers. Well, that ends today! 

We are here to get you the answers you need! So keep reading to find out how much propane a fireplace uses and what you need to consider when purchasing or using a propane fireplace. 

How much propane does a fireplace use?

Let’s get straight into it and get you the answer to the question: how much propane does a fireplace use? 

While every fireplace is different, on average, fireplaces use one gallon of propane for every 100,000 BTU. So if we look at the average propane fireplace being rated at 50,000 BTU, you can expect to use one gallon of propane every two hours to use the fireplace. 

Of course, this figure will vary from fireplace to fireplace and depend on a range of factors, but it's always nice to have a  number in your head, isn’t it? When we look at this figure, it's no wonder why countless households are switching to propane to cut down on their bills! 

Not only can propane run your fire, but it can also fuel other appliances in your home. It is your fireplace where we see the most efficiency and benefits from using propane. Not only can it save you money,  but it adds an ambiance to your room that will make everyone envious. 

But as we mentioned, not everyone can expect to use such little propane. Several factors can impact how much propane your fireplace uses. When assessing how much propane your fireplace will use, you must consider these. Don’t worry, we will explain them all now to help you on your way! 

Factors to consider

Let’s take a look at those factors now to help you determine your fireplace’s propane usage. 

Size Matters

First, you need to consider the size of your fireplace. Larger fireplaces will take more fuel and require more propane in the long run, but they will heat larger rooms better than smaller fireplaces. 

Fireplaces are rated using British Thermal Units (BTUs), indicating how much heat a fireplace can produce with the maximum amount of fuel. If you don’t know your BTU rating, check in the manual or speak with your propane repair technician as they can help you. 

Understanding your rating will help track your propane usage and hopefully help you get the most out of it! 

Outdoor Weather 

While it might seem silly to mention it, the weather outdoors can impact how much fuel your indoor fireplace burns. When the weather drops during the colder months, you will find yourself using your fireplace more and burning more propane. Alternatively, in the summer months, you will use your fireplace less frequently, using less propane. 

It's worth considering when you use your fireplace and monitoring your levels of use. Think about if it needs to be on or not and how you can reduce its usage. Watching your usage can help you spot patterns and find ways to rescue your usage and save money. 

Is your System in tune?

To ensure that your fireplace is as efficient as possible, have your system tuned at least once a year. In addition, a propane repair technician can inspect your fireplace for signs of wear and tear as well as checking your tank for any damage. 

It's best to do this towards the end of summer before you start to fire up your fireplace to warm your house. They will also inspect to ensure there is no debris clogging your fireplace and reducing its efficiency. Your technician will repair any issues, and you should see that you need less fuel to achieve the same levels of heat!

Any Leaks?

Most fireplaces will have a chimney or vent in place; there’s no getting away from it. Some gas fireplaces come ventless, but with propane, you are unlikely to have this! These chimneys and vents pull smoke and fumes out of your room but can also be a source of heat loss, meaning you are using your fireplace more to make up for this loss of heat. 

To prevent having your fire from burning more and using more propane, we recommend that you check for any leaks in your vent and chimney. You can also install a liner that will trap heat without impacting your air circulation. Once you have a vent in place, you should notice an increase in the heat output from your fire without an increase in propane use! 

What about coverings?

Generally, fireplaces are open to the room. While it might seem like a good way to get heat around your room, it can impact your fireplace’s efficiency! To ensure that your fireplace is efficient and produces plenty of heat, consider installing a glass door over the fireplace. 

Glass doors will transform your fireplace! Similar to how they work on a wood stove, you will get more heat while using less fuel to produce it! Of course, you can also open the glass doors if you wish to create a traditional fireplace in your room; the choice is yours. 

Those who add glass doors to their fireplaces noted that they were saving money on propane and found that their fireplace was far more efficient.

Final Thoughts 

And there you have it; how much propane a  fireplace uses will depend on several factors! You can use the average rating we have provided to help you understand your fireplace better and see the usage. Be sure to follow the tips we gave you to improve the efficiency of your fireplace too!

Remember that every fireplace and home is different, and your propane usage might differ from what is included today. Still, there is always room for improving the efficiency of your fire!