A gas fire on (bio)propane

Enjoying the warmth and atmosphere of the gas fire without being connected to the gas network? The gas fire on (bio)propane is becoming increasingly popular! This fire 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 fire. Despite the fact that this fire is on the rise, there are still many questions about using the propane fire. We answer those questions in this blog.

In this blog, we are going to talk about:

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

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

You have probably heard of it; the propane fire. Yet, not many people know how a propane gas fire 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 fire in your home? Then a propane gas fire is right for you! The propane gas fire is almost no different from the traditional gas fire. The main difference is that the traditional gas fire is connected to the natural gas network, while propane gas is stored in gas cylinders. The gas for the fire 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 fire is therefore very suitable for people who enjoy a gas fire 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 fire consume?

The consumption of the propane gas fire not only differs per model, but also depends on the intensity of use. When burning at full power, a propane gas fire uses an average of 0.5 kilograms of gas per hour. In practice, however, the fire 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 fire'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 fire 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 fire 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 fire?

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 fire differ from those of a natural gas fire. The consumption of your fire, and therefore the costs, depend on the capacity of the chosen fire 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 fire 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 fire 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 Sfeergebruiker 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 fire with an output of 9 kW on the highest setting. Your fire is also equipped with gas-saving options such as smart burner shutdown or modulating Eco mode.

In practice, your fire does not always burn at high power. That is why we assume an average capacity of 6 to 7 kW. Your fire then consumes about 600 grams of propane per hour. The average atmosphere PLUS user fires the fire 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).

Is your situation not listed here? Use the gas consumption calculator! It calculates your consumption and the expected costs.

Gas consumption calculator

Switching to a propane fire?

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

Converting your gas fire to a propane fire

Do you still enjoy your gas fire, 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 fires are also suitable for conversion to propane. Want to know whether your gas fire is suitable for a conversion to propane and how this conversion works? We previously wrote the blog 'converting a gas fire to propane' in which we tell you all about converting a gas fire to a propane appliance.

Buying a propane gas fire

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

Even if you are not yet ready to completely abandon the gas network, our fires are suitable for you. Besides being immediately available as a propane gas fire, 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!