Heating & appliances
Propane fireplaces and inserts
A direct-vent propane fireplace or insert draws combustion air from outdoors and vents exhaust back outside, which makes it a clean, efficient source of zone heat, and an insert is the usual way to convert an existing wood-burning fireplace. Many models also run during a power outage, a real plus in the foothills.
Updated · American River Gas office, Newcastle
Your three main options
- Built-in (zero-clearance) fireplace: a complete sealed unit framed into a wall, used in new construction or remodels where there is no masonry fireplace.
- Fireplace insert: a sealed firebox that slides into an existing masonry or factory-built wood fireplace, with vent liners run up the old chimney.
- Gas logs: ceramic logs and a burner set in an open fireplace. They give the look of a fire but are mainly decorative, because most of the heat goes up the chimney.
Why direct vent is the standard choice
A direct-vent unit has a sealed glass front. It pulls combustion air from outdoors through one pipe and sends exhaust out another, so it does not draw warm room air up the chimney the way an open wood fire does. The Propane Education & Research Council notes that high-efficiency propane fireplaces can reach Fireplace Efficiency (FE) ratings over 90 percent, compared with about 15 percent for a traditional wood-burning fireplace.
Vent-free models are generally not allowed in California homes; choose a direct-vent unit.
Converting a wood fireplace with an insert
An insert is the most common upgrade in older foothill homes. The installer checks the existing firebox and chimney, fits the insert, and runs liners up the chimney for intake air and exhaust. A gas line is brought to the unit, often with flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing that routes easily in existing homes.
Have the chimney cleaned and inspected before the insert goes in, and plan where the gas line will run from the nearest supply.
Zone heating and fuel use
A fireplace heats the room you are in. Used that way, it lets you turn the central thermostat down in rooms you are not using. PERC estimates occasional use at roughly 25 to 75 gallons of propane a year and use as a space heater at roughly 150 to 200 gallons a year. Your actual use depends on the unit's size, how often you run it, and your home.
Heating capacity ranges widely, from small units around 20,000 Btu per hour to large ones over 50,000, so the unit can be sized to the room.
Heat when the power is out
Many propane fireplaces can operate without electricity, using a battery or millivolt ignition system. Blowers and some remotes stop in an outage, but the flame and radiant heat keep going. If backup heat matters to you, confirm this feature in the manual before you buy.
Choosing the size and the spot
A unit that is too large for the room will cycle often or run with the flame turned low; one that is too small will not warm the space on cold nights. Tell the installer how big the room is, how open it is to the rest of the house, and whether you want it as a main heat source or mostly for ambiance. Direct-vent units can vent through an outside wall, which gives more freedom in where a new fireplace goes. PERC notes propane fireplaces can be installed indoors or outdoors, so a covered patio is an option too.
Care and safety
- Have the unit, venting and gas connection checked by a qualified technician once a year.
- Keep children and pets away from the glass. It gets hot enough to burn and stays hot after the flame goes off. A safety screen helps.
- Keep furniture, decorations and curtains at the clearances listed in the manual.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas.
Adding a fireplace to your propane system
A new appliance means a leak test and a shut-off valve within 6 feet of it. Tell us when you add a fireplace so we can check that your line and tank size keep up with the extra load. If you smell gas, leave the building first, then call 911 and us from outside.
Questions
Straight answers
Can I convert my wood fireplace to propane?
Yes. The usual way is a direct-vent propane insert that fits in the existing firebox, with vent liners run up the chimney. Have the chimney cleaned and inspected first.
Do propane fireplaces work without power?
Many do. Units with battery or millivolt ignition keep burning in an outage, though blowers stop. Check the manual for this feature before you buy.
How much propane does a fireplace use?
PERC estimates roughly 25 to 75 gallons a year for occasional use and roughly 150 to 200 gallons a year when used for space heating.
Are gas logs the same as an insert?
No. Gas logs sit in an open fireplace and are mainly decorative. An insert is a sealed, vented unit built to heat the room.
Sources: Propane Education & Research Council: residential fireplaces (opens in a new tab) · NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code (National Fire Protection Association) (opens in a new tab) · U.S. EPA: carbon monoxide and indoor air (includes CPSC alarm and annual appliance inspection advice) (opens in a new tab)
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