Is it expensive to run a gas fireplace? That’s a common question.
The answer depends on the gas fireplace BTU capacity and whether you run it for ambiance a few hours per day or use it to heat the area – and run it many more hours per day.
Our Gas Furnace Running Cost Calculator gives you an immediate answer. It is based on accurate natural gas prices from your state – or you can enter the exact cost you pay, which is found on your bill from your gas supplier.
Gas Fireplace Running Cost Calculator
This calculator is simple to use. Below the calculator, there are quick instructions, if you’d like to be walked through its use.
You’ll also find a quick reference table based on common gas prices, fireplace sizes and operating times. This calculator applies to gas fireplace inserts and log sets that burn natural gas (NG).
Gas Fireplace Running Cost Calculator
OK, let’s look at each box on the Pick HVAC Gas Fireplace Operating Cost Calculator, so you’ll get the most accurate results.
Step 1: Fireplace Output BTUs
Your gas fireplace BTU information should be listed on the fireplace manual. It can be found online too by searching the fireplace brand and model number. Common sizes are 15,000 to 36,000 BTU.
Tip for Changing Data: To change the information in the box, backspace to remove the default setting, and type in the new information. Or use the Up and Down arrows on the right side of the box. They’ll appear when you hover your cursor over the box.
Step 2: Fireplace Efficiency
You might find this information in the manual or online too.
Is your fireplace a ventless fireplace? Then the efficiency is close to 100%, since none of the heat is lost out a vent.
If the unit is vented, then some of the heat is lost. Knowing efficiency will help you get accurate results.
If you don’t have the info, then the default 75% is a good guess. Some are 80% too.
Step 3: Your State
We use Department of Energy data for the most recent natural gas prices in your state. Scroll down to find your state, and the average cost of natural gas will appear in the Gas Price box.
Step 4: Gas Price
Even within a state, natural gas prices vary by supplier.
If you want the most accurate results, find your actual gas price from your most recent bill from the energy company. You can also find the information on its website.
Price Tip: Your gas bill can be difficult to read. It will list the “raw” price of gas but then also list other charges like “recovery cost.”
Add up all the costs to get the total cost you are paying for natural gas. This is important because the extra charges can add as much as 30% to the total.
View your Results – Gas Fireplace Cost per Hour
Once you’ve entered the information, the Cost to run a gas fireplace per hour will be shown.
For example, how much does a gas fireplace cost to run per hour in New York? This is how to determine gas fireplace running cost.
First, enter the gas fireplace BTU rating in the Fireplace Output BTUs box. Let’s say it is a 20,000 BTU unit. It is ventless, so we’ll type in 99 in the Fireplace Efficiency box. Entering New York in the Your State box shows the current gas price.
And the Cost per hour appears – currently $0.39 cents per hour.
Example 2: For comparison, how much does a gas fireplace cost to run per hour if it burns 36,000 BTU/hour?
Change the Fireplace Output BTUs box to 36,000. No other changes are needed. The Cost to run immediately changes to $0.71 per hour, an additional 32 cents. That’s not much for one hour, but if you run the fireplace for 5 hours, that’s $1.60.
Multiply the extra cost by 30, and you can see the gas fireplace monthly cost increases quite a bit if you use the fireplace for several hours per day.
Gas Fireplace Running Cost Chart
This chart is for quick reference. You can compare the cost to run a gas fireplace of different sizes.
| Output Btus | Running Cost / Hour | Running Cost / Day (24 h) | Running Cost / Week (24/7 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 BTU | $0.22 | $5.28 | $36.96 |
| 28,000 BTU | $0.60 | $14.40 | $100.80 |
| 30,000 BTU | $0.65 | $15.60 | $109.20 |
| 32,000 BTU | $0.69 | $16.56 | $115.92 |
| 40,000 BTU | $0.86 | $20.64 | $144.48 |
| 100,000 BTU | $2.16 | $51.84 | $362.88 |
Based Gas Price: $10.51 per Thousand Cubic Feet, Efficiency: 75%
Example: How much does it cost to run a 30,000 BTU fireplace? That’s a common example. Here’s how you determine the answer.
Use the left column Output BTUs to locate the 30,000 fireplace. The columns to the right show Running Cost per Hour, Day and Week.
Of course, the costs shown are if you ran the fireplace all the time, and most homeowners don’t do that.
Example: What is the gas fireplace monthly cost to run?
The chart can be used to determine gas fireplace monthly cost if you run it all the time. Again, most homeowners don’t do that. To find the answer, multiply the Running Cost/Day by 30.
Is it Expensive to Run a Gas Fireplace?
No, it’s pretty affordable. But the cost of gas in your state – or from your supplier – and how long you run the fireplace are key factors.
For example, if you use the fireplace for cozy ambiance and run it just 20-30 hours per month, your cost will be quite reasonable.
But if your furnace goes out, and you run the fireplace 12-18 hours per day during winter, then the cost will be much higher.
Does a Gas Fireplace Cost More to Run Than a Space Heater?
Yes, but it puts out a lot more heat too.
For example, if you are using the gas fireplace for supplemental heat, you might want to compare the cost to run a gas fireplace with the cost to run a space heater.
If you’d like to compare, see the Pick HVAC Calculator – Cost to Run an Electric Space Heater.
That calculator is as easy to use as this one. Just plug in the data, and your answer will be shown.
Happy Heating!
Compare Gas Fireplace Running Cost to Other Heat Sources
We’ve also prepared easy-to-use calculators for determining:
How Many BTUs Do I Need? – Heating BTU Calculator
