Depending on the type of burner and logs, the propane gas that a fireplace will use is around a gallon per 100,000 BTUs. Many folks will install a 50,000 BTU burner with logs so therefore, it will equal 1 gallon for every 2 hours of use.
The typical outside propane tank of most homes is 500 gallons. Propane is used for stoves, clothes dryers and hot water on top of the fireplace. This means the tank will last around 6 to 7 months with average use.
How much propane gas does a fireplace use?
Propane does not have as much energy as natural gas. Therefore, it takes different orifices to burn propane. When you buy a stove or instantaneous water heater, be sure to specify propane. The two different gases do not use the same orifices.
Another common service issue we see is the size of the gas line from the propane tank. Often, changes over time will have different pipe sizes inside the house. This can starve the gas leading to the fireplace. The amount of heat a propane fireplace provides depends on the right amount of gas.
We will provide a free estimate on the installation of the log set. If you do not have a propane tank or natural gas, we will help coordinate the installation from the suppliers. Clear Chimney is able to install the black pipe necessary to get the gas logs working quickly.
For your health, sit down when you see the spot price of propane in Knoxville TN now. Everyone that pays attention knew it was going up from last year. We didn’t think it would really go up 50%.
We won’t get into the why it is going up. Anyone paying attention to energy these days understands what is driving this unnecessary price increase. For the “official” measurement of propane, check out the government energy site here.
Most Americans will cut back other spending to heat their home with propane. In the back areas of Tennessee and other rural spaces, propane is the only alternative to all electric. Try heating the home with all electric for another surprise. Plus, propane keeps you off the grid if you are looking for a possible upside.
As you see in the above picture of our bill, the price of propane in Knoxville TN is $3.70 per gallon. This was filling up a 500 gallon tank. They will fill to 80% to allow for expansion. The maximum fill amount then is 400 gallons at 80% of the propane tank.
This tank was down to 23%. If it was completely empty, then the bill would be around $1,500 with taxes and fees. OUCH! So, when we have to make decisions on “leaders” make sure they understand your pain.
We often ask ourselves is my gas log ignitor working when we try to turn on the fireplace logs. There are several critical areas to check if the gas log ignitor is not working correctly.
There are 2 different ways gas ignitors work. The first way is a standing pilot. Gas is constantly burning a tiny flame that on the side of the burner. When you want to turn on the gas logs, this pilot light keeps the thermocouple (safety for the gas valve) energized. If the flame is working, the gas valve will open. The gas will go across the flame and ignite.
The second type of ignitor uses an ignition voltage spark that will light the gas and provide the safety when you call for heating in the logs. This is a more modern way and uses less gas as there is no standing pilot light burning 24/7.
Don't forget the simple cleaning part of gas logs
Another often overlooked issue with gas logs not working is sand, dirt or debris clogging up the orifice or smothering the flame area. We have said this many times, do not burn other materials in the gas log fireplace. They put off ashes and soot that will clog up the small hole for the pilot light.
This is the main reason gas log manufacturers design in oxygen sensors (O2) for the safety side. If the right amount of oxygen is not available for the blue combustion flame, the system will not operate. It might light for a few moments but the safety will trip it off shortly.
If you are not completely comfortable with working on gas lines and ignitors, stop and call a honest reliable chimney services company. They know exactly what to look for and will most likely have the parts in their vehicles. You can be back up to working gas logs within an hour or so.
