Q: Does a gas fireplace run up your bill?

• <div><p>Gas fireplaces use either natural gas or propane&mdash;both of which will increase your energy expenses. On average, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-run-gas-fireplace.htm">running a gas fireplace costs</a> <b>$400 to $640 per year</b>; however, these costs can vary significantly depending on the fuel price in your area and the frequency of fireplace use. If you&rsquo;re looking for a more energy-efficient option, consider switching to an electric fireplace.</p></div>

Q: What are the downsides of a gas fireplace?

• <div><p>Some people don&rsquo;t like the look of gas fireplaces since they don&rsquo;t offer the classic charm or appeal of a wood-burning fire. Plus, gas fireplace installation is more expensive than other types of fireplace installations due to the added complexity of working with gas lines. There&rsquo;s also a chance that gas could get into your home, which is a major health and safety risk.</p></div>

Question 1

Does a gas fireplace run up your bill?

Accepted Answer

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Gas fireplaces use either natural gas or propane—both of which will increase your energy expenses. On average, running a gas fireplace costs $400 to $640 per year; however, these costs can vary significantly depending on the fuel price in your area and the frequency of fireplace use. If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option, consider switching to an electric fireplace.

Question 2

Can you vent a gas water heater out the side of the house?

Accepted Answer

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You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides.

Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.

Question 3

What are the downsides of a gas fireplace?

Accepted Answer

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Some people don’t like the look of gas fireplaces since they don’t offer the classic charm or appeal of a wood-burning fire. Plus, gas fireplace installation is more expensive than other types of fireplace installations due to the added complexity of working with gas lines. There’s also a chance that gas could get into your home, which is a major health and safety risk.

Question 4

Why does pipe size matter?

Accepted Answer

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Having the right size pipe ensures proper drainage and helps protect against clogs and other plumbing problems. A pipe that's too small will take longer to drain, which can result in backups. And solids can build up in pipes that are too large. Choosing a pipe with the appropriate volume also means it will be able to handle water pressure, which is the force behind the water.

Question 5

What appliances need to be connected to a gas line?

Accepted Answer

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Appliances typically connected to a gas line include gas stoves, water heaters, furnaces, and gas fireplaces. Essentially, any appliance in your home that uses gas needs to be connected to a gas line, which connects your home with the main gas line owned and operated by your gas company.