A gas fireplace on (bio)propane

Enjoying the warmth and atmosphere of the gas fireplace without being connected to the gas network? The gas fireplace on (bio)propane is becoming increasingly popular! This fireplace makes it possible for people who are not (or do not want to be) connected to the gas network or are looking for a greener alternative to heat the house with a gas fireplace. Despite the fact that this fireplace is on the rise, there are still many questions about using the propane fireplace. We answer those questions in this blog.

In this blog, we are going to talk about:

Propane gas fireplace: enjoying the fire, without a gas connection
How much propane gas does a propane gas fireplace consume?
What does it cost to fire a propane fireplace?
Switching to a propane gas fireplace?

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Propane gas fireplace: enjoying a gas fireplace, without a gas connection

You have probably heard of it; the propane fireplace. Yet, not many people know how a propane gas fireplace works and what the difference is between natural gas and propane gas. We are happy to explain it to you.

Don't have a fixed gas connection or don't want to depend on one, but still want an atmospheric gas fireplace in your home? Then a propane gas fireplace is right for you! The propane gas fireplace is almost no different from the traditional gas fireplace. The main difference is that the traditional gas fireplace is connected to the natural gas network, while propane gas is stored in gas cylinders. The gas for the fireplace then comes not from the network but from your own propane storage. In addition, with bottled gas, a variety of more sustainable variants are available such as methane and propane.

The combustion of both gases is the same, so in use you will not notice any difference between burning propane gas or natural gas. A propane gas fireplace is therefore very suitable for people who enjoy a gas fireplace but do not (want to) have a fixed gas connection. You manage your own supply and stay in control of your consumption and costs!

How much propane gas does a propane gas fireplace consume?

The consumption of the propane gas fireplace not only differs per model, but also depends on the intensity of use. When burning at full power, a propane gas fireplace uses an average of 0.5 kilograms of gas per hour. In practice, however, the fireplace is only used at full power for a short time. As soon as a comfortable temperature is reached in the house, the stove is turned down. The fireplace's average consumption then decreases to about 0.3 kilograms per hour. Do you use Eco Wave? Then it will be even slightly lower.

With this system, you will never run out of gas

An average gas fireplace consumes 60 kilos of gas per year, which means you will have to change the gas bottle during the year. To make using propane cylinders even easier, we recommend buying a starter set. These sets usually contain two separate gas cylinders, a conversion system and a cabinet. You buy them from various companies, such as Emgas BV. Ask your dealer about the possibilities. In most cases, they have a partner they work with and can completely unburden you.

The system of the starter set consists of several switched propane bottles of 10.5 kg each, linked together. If the starter bottle is empty, the system automatically switches to a spare bottle. At that point, you can order a new bottle to replace the empty one. With this system, you continue to enjoy your gas fireplace carefree and never forget to order a new gas bottle.

Storage of propane bottles

You can own a maximum of 4 switched bottles in and around the house. However, storing gas cylinders is subject to rules. Gas is and always will be dangerous, so you need to handle it with care. Propane is heavier than air and flows to the lowest place. Therefore, make sure the room in which you keep the bottles is well ventilated and do not place the bottles near manhole covers or cellar windows.

For safety reasons, gas cylinders should preferably be kept outside. For example, in a ventilated shed or a special storage cabinet. Propane suppliers often have great solutions for this. Do you have questions about propane fire consumption?

What does it cost to fire a propane fireplace?

Propane gas is a cheaper gas than natural gas, but that does not make firing it free of charge. The costs of a propane gas fireplace differ from those of a natural gas fire. The consumption of your fire, and therefore the costs, depend on the capacity of the chosen fireplace and the way you use it. For convenience's sake, we calculate your heating costs based on two usage profiles, both assuming a well-insulated home. So check carefully what kind of user you are to get an estimate of the costs.

The Atmosphere user

You have a well-insulated new-build home containing a gas fireplace with an output of 7 kW on the highest setting. Your modern fire is probably equipped with gas-saving options like smart burner shutdown or modulating ECO mode that reduce your consumption.

In practice, your fireplace will not always burn at high power. We will therefore assume an average power of 4 to 5 kW. Your fire will then use about 300 to 500 grams of propane per hour. An average consumer stokes the fire 20 weeks a year, about 2 evenings a week and 2.5 hours per evening.

Consumption costs of the Atmosphere user
With average use, 4 to 6 gas cylinders of 16 litres of gas per year are sufficient. This means (depending on the gas price) around €300 heating costs per year. The running costs are then around €6 per evening (for 2.5 hours of heating).

The atmosphere PLUS user

You have a well-insulated new-build home with a gas fireplace with an output of 9 kW on the highest setting. Your fireplace is also equipped with gas-saving options such as smart burner shutdown or modulating Eco mode.

In practice, your fireplace does not always burn at high power. That is why we assume an average capacity of 6 to 7 kW. Your fireplace then consumes about 600 grams of propane per hour. The average atmosphere PLUS user fires the fireplace for about 25 weeks a year, two evenings a week and an average of 2.5 hours per evening.

The consumption costs of the atmosphere PLUS user
With average use, 8 to 10 gas cylinders of 16 litres of gas per year are sufficient. This means (depending on the gas price) around €400 per year. Your running costs per evening will then be around €8.30 (for 2.5 hours of heating).

Switching to a propane fireplace?

This can be done in two ways. It is possible to convert the existing gas fireplace to propane, or to purchase a new propane gas fireplace. We are happy to explain the options to you.

Converting your gas fire to a propane fireplace

Do you still enjoy your gas fireplace, but would rather not depend on the gas network anymore? Then we have good news! These days, it is in fact fairly easy to convert your existing gas fire to a propane gas fireplace. Many gas fireplaces are also suitable for conversion to propane. Want to know whether your gas fireplace is suitable for a conversion to propane and how this conversion works? We previously wrote the blog 'converting a gas fireplace to propane' in which we tell you all about converting a gas fireplace to a propane appliance.

Buying a propane gas fireplace

No gas connection or want to control your own consumption? Then a propane gas fireplace is a good choice for you. Almost all our gas fireplaces also burn on propane.

Even if you are not yet ready to completely abandon the gas network, our fireplaces are suitable for you. Besides being immediately available as a propane gas fireplace, our gas fires are also very easy to convert to propane or another type of bottled gas at a later date. A flexible choice, then. And with DRU's gas conversion guarantee you are assured of a carefree conversion from gas to propane for five years!