newby with gas logs, this can't be right ....

[rob10858]

we recently bought a new triple burner gas log unit. the propane co set us up with a 100 gal temp tank [filled with 50 gals] because of new construction, with a larger buried tank to follow. well we were immediately impressed with the heating capabilities of the unit, and soon found out that the front burner was all we needed. well after about 15 hrs of use the pilot went out and the tank was empty. this is only a backup heat source, more for looks than use, and i'd always heard that these things are pretty efficient. well, a little math told me this insert costs about 5 bucks an hour to operate. before i call anyone and ask stupid questions , i figured i'd ask y'all first. that is not efficient, as a matter of fact my oil furnace, that heats the whole house, would cost half that, and firewood half again. suggestions?Oo.

 

[ddesau]

gas unit

I take it this is a gas insert ? or is it just gas logs in a fireplace?

I have a gas insert (Regency) that I just use for secondary heat and it is pretty efficient - but I don't use it all the time. I also have a 125 gal tank

 

[rob10858]

yep, an insert

 

[rob10858]

whoops

sorry, not an insert but gas logs inserted into our old fireplace, i told you i was a newby

 

[Whitmore]

Packman

My experience with propane vs. natural gas is that propane will be 30 % higher for the years heating bills, the only chance you have to get even is to have a large tank that you own and in the summer when propane prices are low you call around to get the lowest price and fill it , keep in mind that 80% is full on a propane tank.



cheers, Kevin

 

[BNH4221]

Two thoughts about gas log inserts:

1. A fireplace actually sucks more heat out of the house than it generates when you have a fire. It feels warm in the room, but you are using a lot of the propane to heat your chimney and the outdoors. The natural draft action of the fireplace sucks a ton of air. This has nothing to do with your question but I want to impress you with my wealth of useless knowedge.

2. My dad had a gas insert in his fireplace. Used natural gas. The first month he used it about 12-15 hours a day. The gas bill was over $400 for that month. They use a lot of gas. So, the cost to me sounds about right. Sure do look nice with no maintenance though...



Steve

98 QC 12v 4x4

124000 happy miles

 

[rob10858]

suprisingly, a little math put mine at a little over 5 bucks an hour to operate. but mine is ventless, and closed and sealed the damper myself i guess now i know why the gaslog salesmen pitch heat even during power outages, you could'nt afford to use one otherwise...

 

[illflem]

My experience with gas fireplaces is they're great for getting firewood started or running on Xmas eve, otherwise it's just money up the chimney.

 

[ddesau]

gas inserts

I have had both Natural gas inserts and Propane - they were both Regency - the Natural gas insert was very good and did not use that much gas- also had a gas water heater. The propane insert is also pretty good- and probably uses more gas than the NG model. I really don't trust ventless stoves - as all stoves create carbon monoxide - do you have a carbon monoxide detector in your house ? If not - get one quick - also check out Regency Gas Inserts - I think they would be more efficient and a whole lot safer. than just a gas log !



GET A CARBON MONIXIDE DETECTOR ASAP IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE YET ! WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE !

 

[rob10858]

good advice, about killed myself a few years ago when some plastic was in the bottom of our old wood burner. my wife came home and thought it was too many beers... had a co detector since then. when i was closing in my old fireplace, i made sure i could see just a hint of light thru the damper, just to be safe. the latest word i got from the wife when i called today was that we were billed for a fill up, when in fact they only put enough in the tank to get it up and running... now i have to figure out a way to monitor consumption so i don't get robbed

 

[ddesau]

propane

Originally posted by packman

good advice, about killed myself a few years ago when some plastic was in the bottom of our old wood burner. my wife came home and thought it was too many beers... had a co detector since then. when i was closing in my old fireplace, i made sure i could see just a hint of light thru the damper, just to be safe. the latest word i got from the wife when i called today was that we were billed for a fill up, when in fact they only put enough in the tank to get it up and running... now i have to figure out a way to monitor consumption so i don't get robbed

Whenever my propane tank is filled - the driver provides a ticket showing the exact amount of propane pumped into the tank - thats what you should be getting from whoever fills your tank- not some BS where they said they filled it. .



Also with an fuel burning stove or log - you should have outside air - so you don't get oxygen deprivation - almost as bad as Monoxide !