How efficient and economical are gas fireplaces compared to gas furnaces? Do they use a lot of gas to operate

Question

I have huge power bills in the winter due to gas consumption and have recently added a gas fireplace to our house. I was wondering if it will help if I turn our furnace down and use it for a heat source alot of the time. I am tired of paying so much and am hoping for some details on gas consumption of fireplaces.

Answer 1

Unless the fireplace is heater rated to heat the whole house you are stuck with using your heater--BUT--even decorative fireplaces are great chill chasers and will warm up the room it is in quite nicely and cost much less to run than your heater. this is a great energy saver when you consider that the living room/kitchen are the most used areas during the day.Sweaters and blankets also allow you to turn down that thermostat and create a cozy atmosphere to snuggle with the family .--GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

A lot of heat is lost up the chimney in a fireplace. Your gas furnace, even if it's an older model, is much more efficient than a fireplace. Also, the fireplace will not distribute heat throughout the house.

If you burn wood in your fireplace, you won't need nearly as much gas and you might actually save money on your gas bill. But now you have to consider the cost of the firewood, and the bother of tending to the fire.

Nowadays, fireplaces are mostly ornamental. Instead of using it for heating, why don't you turn down your thermostat and wear warmer clothing? You can also reduce your heating bill by closing vents in rooms that are not used. In the long term, you should install double pane windows if you don't already have them, and insulate your walls and ceiling.

Answer 3

You are going to end up freezing all your water pipes and having a big insurance claim. The furnace will only keep the room with the thermostat at 58 degrees. If the temperature in that room is higher due to the gas fireplace all other rooms will drop well below 58. Plus, gas fireplaces are not nearly as efficient as furnaces for moving air through the house so unless you want to huddle around the fireplace 24/7, you are going to have to turn up the furnace to make the other rooms liveable. Just use the furnace and set it at 68 and wear a sweater, that is what it is intended for, you will create too many problems just running the gas fireplace.

Answer 4

Gas fireplaces are not economical at all. Most of the heat goes up the chimney. They look good and put out some heat, but most of the heat goes up the chimney.