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When it comes to heating your home and running your appliances, propane is one of the most affordable fuel sources out there. The average homeowner spends about $57 on propane each month and also cuts down on their electric bill.

Though propane can fuel many appliances in your home, few add functionality and improve ambiance like a propane fireplace.

Of course, using that fireplace will mean you’re using more fuel anytime it’s on. So, how much propane does a fireplace use and how can you make sure it’s as efficient as possible?

Here’s what you need to know.

Think About How Big Your Fireplace Is

When trying to answer the question, “how much propane does a fireplace use?” you need to understand how large your fireplace is. The bigger it is, the more heat it can put out, but it will need more fuel to do that properly.

All modern propane fireplace manufacturers rate each fireplace in terms of British Thermal Units (BTUs). This tells you how much heat a fireplace is capable of producing anytime you turn it on with the maximum amount of fuel.

Higher BTU rated fireplaces use more fuel to put out as much heat as possible. Smaller fireplaces with lower BTU ratings use less fuel but also put out less heat when cranked to the highest setting.

If you’re not sure of your fireplace’s BTU number, ask your propane repair technician. They’ll be able to tell you what you need to know after a quick inspection.

Though the exact burn rate will vary from fireplace to fireplace, most use about one gallon of propane per hour for every 91,500 BTU. If you have a 100,000 BTU fireplace, you’ll end up going through about a gallon of propane for every hour that you run your fireplace.

Consider the Weather Outside

The weather outside your home can influence how much fuel you burn when you use your fireplace.

When the temperatures drop and you’re using your propane tank fireplace setup to actively heat your home, you’ll use more fuel. However, when the weather is warmer and you’re using the fireplace to add to the ambiance of your space, you’ll use less.

Think about the conditions you’re running your fireplace in and monitor your fuel levels with each use. Over time, you’ll be able to spot trends and identify ways to cut down on your propane use if needed.

Pay Attention to Your Setting

One of the biggest reasons people debating between a wood-burning vs gas fireplace end up choosing a gas model is the ability to control the output. With a wood-burning fireplace, you’re able to control the size of your fire, but keeping it at a certain temperature is tough.

With a gas-burning fireplace, you’re able to control the amount of heat it produces with the turn of a switch. If you want to enjoy the flames without putting out much heat, limiting the gas supply will do the trick. As an added bonus, you’ll use less fuel during the burn time.

However, if you need to rely on your system to heat your home, turning the gas supply on full-blast will let the fireplace operate at its maximum BTU rating. That said, you’ll use more fuel and will see a faster burn-rate.

Get Your System Tuned up Once a Year

The easiest way to make sure you have the most efficient fireplace is to get your system tuned up at least once a year. Have your experienced propane repair technician inspect your fireplace for signs of wear and tear toward the end of summer each year. It’s also a good idea to ask them to inspect your tank for damage so your home can get the fuel it needs.

During this inspection, they’ll be able to make sure your propane fireplace is free of clogs and debris that could keep it from operating at maximum efficiency.

If they notice anything out of place or see signs of damage, they’ll be able to take care of the necessary repairs. Once they do, your system will work properly and can use only the amount of fuel it needs to produce your desired amount of heat.

Look at the Coverings in Place

Most fireplaces are completely open to the room. This may seem like the best way to allow heat to radiate out into the room. However, it can make your fireplace less efficient.

The easiest way to help your propane fireplace produce more and use less fuel is to install glass doors over the fireplace.

Glass doors turn your fireplace into a powerhouse heater, much like a traditional wood stove. You’ll end up getting more heat out while using less fuel to produce the same result. Even better, you can always leave the doors open if you want to feel like you have a traditional fireplace in your home.

Get Rid of Chimney Leaks

Almost all fireplaces have some type of chimney or vent in place to help draw fumes and smoke away from your room. Unfortunately, that vent can be a major source of heat loss, especially if you turned a wood-burning fireplace into a propane model.

Much of the heat your fireplace produces gets pulled up through the vent where it leaves your home. Your room will stay cooler and you’ll need to burn more propane to counteract the heat loss.

The best thing you can do to make your fireplace more efficient is to get rid of those vent and chimney leaks. Install a liner to help trap heat without sacrificing air circulation. Once it’s in place, you’ll experience more heat output for every pound of propane your fireplace uses.

The Answer to, “How Much Propane Does a Fireplace Use?” Varies

The answer to the question, “how much propane does a fireplace use?” largely depends on your situation. If you’re using your fireplace on the lowest setting, you’ll use less propane. However, if you’re using it as a primary heat source and have a larger fireplace, you’ll use more.

The key to making your fireplace as efficient as possible lies in making sure your equipment is working properly.

If you’re worried about the condition of your Chester County, PA, propane tank and appliances or simply want to schedule a fuel delivery, don’t wait. Contact us today and book an appointment.