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A liter of bioethanol costs $11 and burns for around four hours, making it cost around $2.75 per hour to keep your bioethanol fireplace running. For comparison, natural gas costs around $0.50 per hour, and propane costs around $1.60 per hour. 

How much it costs you to run your bioethanol fireplace largely depends on how often you use it. Hypothetically speaking, if you run your fireplace for four hours a week year-round, you’ll go through one liter of biofuel per week or about $570 per year to run the fireplace.

You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.

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.

Fireplace inserts have several potential disadvantages. The cost of the insert and its installation can be a significant investment, as the process can be complicated and expensive, particularly if modifications to the existing fireplace are necessary. Aesthetically, some people find that inserts lack the traditional look and authentic ambiance of an open, crackling fire. There are also ongoing costs for maintenance, cleaning, and fuel. Fuel type can be a limitation; for example, an insert may be unusable if you don't have access to its specific fuel source. Maintenance and repairs can also require specialized services, especially for gas or electric models. Finally, while an insert is more efficient than an open fireplace, it may not heat a home as evenly as a central HVAC system.