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: Is it worth it to put in a gas fireplace?

• <div><p>Yes, it can be worth installing a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/gas-fireplace-guide.htm">gas fireplace</a>, depending on your home heating needs. The cost to install a gas fireplace can be much lower than the cost to install a comparable wood-burning fireplace. The convenience of starting a fire with the flip of a switch and turning it off just as quickly makes a gas fireplace a big time saver over starting and maintaining a wood-fueled fire. A gas fireplace also does not require ash cleanup or frequent chimney cleaning to remove creosote and other buildup that can lead to chimney fires. Gas fireplaces burn and heat much more cleanly than wood fireplaces.</p></div>

Question 1

Can you use galvanized pipe for propane and natural gas?

Accepted Answer

•

While some building codes allow galvanized pipe for natural gas, it shouldn’t be used for propane. Propane can cause the pipe to wear down, leading to dangerous leaks. Instead of galvanized piping for propane, you should consider coated copper, black iron, or corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). For underground propane line installation, you can use polyethylene (PE).

Question 2

Does a gas fireplace run up your bill?

Accepted Answer

•

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 3

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

Accepted Answer

•

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 4

Are there modern alternatives to traditional gas piping systems?

Accepted Answer

•

Yes, flexible tubing and high-efficiency gas lines are options for new installations.

Question 5

Is it worth it to put in a gas fireplace?

Accepted Answer

•

Yes, it can be worth installing a gas fireplace, depending on your home heating needs. The cost to install a gas fireplace can be much lower than the cost to install a comparable wood-burning fireplace. The convenience of starting a fire with the flip of a switch and turning it off just as quickly makes a gas fireplace a big time saver over starting and maintaining a wood-fueled fire. A gas fireplace also does not require ash cleanup or frequent chimney cleaning to remove creosote and other buildup that can lead to chimney fires. Gas fireplaces burn and heat much more cleanly than wood fireplaces.