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.
When the gas fireplace is not working, it is due to several possible conditions. The most obvious is the fuel source. Is the natural gas or propane reaching the gas fireplace?
During the very cold winter periods, it is not uncommon for the natural gas pressure from the utility to drop. Large commercial users of natural gas may not cut back from their usage. This creates a lower overall pressure in the natural gas system. This results in low pressure and the ignitors for gas logs may keep the system off.
Also, if the gas fireplace not working is fed by propane, the tank levels could be low. Check the levels of the tank and if they are less than 10%, call the propane tank supplier immediately. The propane suppliers may be four to seven days backordered on delivery. Do not wait until the tank is completely gone. The supplier of propane may not be able to service your home quickly.
Another common cause of gas fireplaces not working is the ignitor. The ignitor verifies that the gas source is good before the power is applied to start the logs. Over time when a gas fireplace not working call comes in, we fine the corrosion or soot and dirt is preventing the igniter from doing its job.
Another cause of gas fireplace not working calls is the remote control. We have seen several folks with the batteries simply installed backwards. Check out the gas log remote control batteries if someone changed them recently.
Finally, the gas logs need air to work. Make sure no birds or debris have clogged the chimney piping. If you are not comfortable with this task, reach out our ClearChimney service page here.
