Replace Fireplace with Gas / Propane?

[oskar470]

Back in late 2024 I replaced my old 20+ years Regency I3100 with a new Regency I2450 and all went good however now my old age cut up with me and I can't handle anymore the 6-8 cords of firewood I need per season. I will manage to finish the current season but in the summer I will have to look for alternatives and what comes up in my mind is to convert my existing FP to natural gas or propane.

There is no service in my area for natural gas so propane is the only alternative. I have noticed some neighbors are using propane for their hot water heating because I see these big propane cylinders in their properties.

To your opinion, is a propane conversion a good alternative?

Do they remove my existing FP or they install inside what they need?

How do I calculate the propane cost per season?

Many thanks

 

[DAKSY]

Until you have decided on the LP fireplace insert you want, there’s no way to determine your LP costs. LP is sold by the gallon & each gallon contains about 92,000 BTU. Once you know the BTU input of your appliance, you can determine how fast you will burn each gallon. As an example, a 30K BTU unit will burn a gallon in about 3 hours if the unit is set to a constant maximum BTU burn. If you’re running it on a thermostat, or have the burn rate set to Medium, that burn rate will vary.

 

[oskar470]

Thanks for the input, I don't know what LP fireplace insert is, I assume it's Low Pressure or Propane Gas? So what I gather the existing insert I have will be removed and they will install a new insert?

Is it troublesome to operate such an insert? Are any other alternatives?

Thanks

 

[Whitenuckler]

You also have the option of a pellet stove, or propane space heater, and leave your fireplace as is (if you have another spot)