Gas log costs? ? ?

[Ray]

We're thinking of getting a good quality gas-log for our fireplace -- the vented type.

The fireplace store couldn't give any estimates of operation cost -- just BTU output, which was 90,000 for the one I'm looking at.

Can anyone give me a ball-park figure of the cost of operating these logs? I guess per-hour would be the best way.

[Doug Miller]

1 therm = 100,000 BTU, so the gas log you're looking at (90,000 BTU/hr) consumes 9/10 therm per hour.

Call your gas company and ask how much they charge per therm. Multiply by 9/10 and you'll have your hourly cost.

[Art]

Consider an insert instead. Some with ceramic glass are as effiicient as a furnace. We had the decorative gas logs and are happy to have replaced them with an insert.

[Colbyt]

When I bought mine a number of years ago I think I figured the cost at 50 cents per hour. Not many things you can do for fun at 50 cents per hour. Notice I sad fun. It is not a savings type of thing.

Seriously, find the input rating in BTU, call your gas company and find out the estimated BTU per cubic foot then do the math for yourself.

[Bubba]

90,000 ?? You do realize that is the size of a furnace in most average homes? Bubba

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Natural gas or propane? Here are some propane numbers so you can do the formula once you know what the price is. The idiots at the store should know this stuff. BTU per gallon (vaporized) 91,500

BTU per pound (vaporized) 21,560

For some other information look at other sources.

has some logs

[m Ransley]

100000 btu is a therm. I pay 1.20 US a therm look at your gas bill. I hope you get a unit you can set low.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

SO????

Vented Logs Millions of vented logs are in use in fireplaces across the US. These tried and true log sets have been sold for 20 years or more, and are still the most popular type. They are available in lengths from 12" to over 60" (that's a big fireplace !). Vented logs are the most realistic wood fire substitute made, and are available in different styles and finishes which resemble oak, birch, hickory and many other wood species. This realistic beauty comes at a price; vented logs are also the least efficient of the three types. They consume for 50,000 to 90,000 BTU/HR of Gas which costs 40 cents to 80 cents per hour (Natural Gas) and 60 cents to $1.00 per hour (LP). The efficiency is rather low, meaning that only 10% of this heat is returned to the home. The rest goes up the chimney, much like your old wood fire did.

[Art]

And that is why I replaced mine with a gas insert. Not quite as pretty but extremely effiicient and still useful when an ice storm causes a 3 day power outage. The circulatory fan won't work but they still start up and giveoff lots of heat around it. There is a small risk though of damaging the fan motor when there is no power for an extended period according to the manufacturer.

[Bubba]

and again, I'll say: "You do realize that is the size of a furnace in most average homes?" and I'll add: "Your furnace will do a much better job of heating your home." Bubba

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Sure, but he may be heating a barn