Gas fireplaces - are they really that economical?

Question

Hi!

We're looking to build a home, and one of the options is a propane gas fireplace for about four thousand dollars extra. I've chatted with the neighbors, and the cost of filling the propane tank every winter has gone up quite a bit in our area, so I'm trying to cut heating costs, as the heat pump is the only appliance in the house that uses gas. Do people typically save much money with a gas fireplace? Are they really all that economical?

For the record, energy savings are what I'm most interested in, not the aesthetics, so any answers related to the economical value would be most appreciated :)

Answer 1

They aren't economical at all, especially for $4K installed! I mean, perhaps if you were going to turn the heat way down in the rest of the house and just live in that one room it might work out, but you probably don't want to do that. You don't mention where you live, but heat pumps can be very economical.

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

They are not at all economical. I know propane prices vary and here (Northern Ireland) they are ridiculously high as there are very few suppliers. I had a gas fire installed 3 years ago and the first year I used it regularly through the winter. My gas bill was more than $200 a month. Before I got the gas fire I was paying about $80 a month. Now it just gathers dust and I only use it at Christmas.

Answer 4

The propane gas fire place would be well worth the extra money because you will save in the long run.
My Daughter has a gas fire place and i have a small wall type propane heater and we both have noticed saveing's and convienance!

Answer 5

I can't see it being economical at all. And they really don't throw out that much heat.

I recommend the Marvin 5460 electric heater. You will save tons of money with this by not using gas. I have one right next to my fireplace at home :)

You can buy them at andersons or www.northerntools.com for around 60 $
http://www.amazon.com/Marvin-Steam-Heater-Humidifier-Model/dp/B0006NKC3G

This heater saved me a few hundred dollars last winter. Plus its a humidifier as well. 5100 btu's !!!!!

Answer 6

why fire one fire up to heat a room when for the same gas used you could fire a boiler up and heat a whole house