The Energy Efficiency of Gas Fireplaces

Traditional yet timeless, fireplaces remain a popular choice for heating homes just as much for their ambience and aesthetic appeal as for their warmth. The three most common types, wood-burning, gas and electric fireplaces, are all popular options in Australia; however, the best choice for your home depends on your needs and preferences.

Gas fireplaces strike a balance between luxury and convenience, providing efficient heating with the push of a button, while also offering the rustic sights and sounds of realistic-looking flames. They provide a continuous source of heat without the demanding maintenance of wood burners.

We all know the challenge of needing to warm your home in winter while keeping your power bills down, and energy efficiency is one of the factors that plays a part. Energy efficiency refers to the amount of fuel an appliance uses to operate, with more efficient appliances requiring less of their energy source to perform the same task.

Gas fireplaces have a reputation for being particularly energy efficient, but is that the whole story? What are the differences between a top-of-the-line Rinnai gas fireplace and a budget-friendly model, and what else do you need to consider?

As Sydney’s leading fireplace destination, Home Fires knows a lot about the difference choosing the right fireplace can make. If you’re browsing various fireplace fuel types and wondering if gas fireplaces deserve their reputation for energy efficiency, here’s the Home Fires guide.

How Energy Efficient are Gas Fireplaces?

Gas fireplaces are typically more energy-efficient than wood-burning fireplaces and less efficient than electric fireplaces, although results can vary depending on the make and model. Gas fireplaces are particularly effective for zonal heating, which involves warming specific areas, such as the bedroom or living room, rather than trying to heat the entire house.

The fuel source used by gas fireplaces is a significant factor in their efficiency. There are two main types of fuel used for gas fireplaces in Australia: natural gas and liquefied petroleum (LPG). Natural gas is more affordable and energy-efficient, and is readily available in urban areas. LPG is hotter, more expensive and common in rural and remote locations where natural gas is harder to come by.

Older and poorly designed fireplaces are usually less energy efficient than newer, leading-edge fireplace models, such as the Rinnai gas fireplace. The placement of a fireplace also contributes to its efficiency, with placements such as the space between the living and dining rooms and the master and ensuite bedrooms being perfect for facilitating the flow of warmth.

In general, gas fireplaces can reach efficiencies of between 70% and 90%, with upper-range fireplace models skewing towards higher efficiency levels.

Wood vs. Gas Fireplace Energy Efficiency

Gas and wood-burning fireplaces both have their pros and cons. Wood fireplaces tend to have the largest heating capacities and are more effective at warming up large rooms with high ceilings.

Age is a factor in energy efficiency. Older wood fireplaces typically have energy efficiency ratings of between 10% and 30%, resulting in a significant amount of heat being lost through the chimney. Modern wood fireplace models featuring new technology and design elements meet the highest standard for sales in Australia: 60% efficiency. Yet, as with fireplaces that run on other fuel sources, the model fireplace you choose matters a great deal.

Gas fireplaces are renowned for their energy efficiency, and as a general rule, they use less energy than their wood-burning counterparts. There are other significant differences, too. A gas fireplace is easier to work than a wood-burning one, with no need to buy or store wood. Expelling fewer emissions and particulates into the atmosphere, they provide a cleaner, more eco-friendly burn. While a gas log fireplace is often more expensive to install than a traditional wood-burning option, its cost-efficiency pays off in the form of savings down the line.

Top-Quality Gas Fireplace Brands

Not all fireplace brands are created equal. The better the brand, the better your overall experience and the more energy efficiency you can expect. Here are a few of the highest-rated fireplace brands available in Australia:

Rinnai

Rinnai’s gas fireplaces reimagine the traditional gas fireplace model for the modern home. They’re contemporary in style, efficient in operation (and energy usage) and reflect the innovation driving this world-class brand. Designed with the flexibility of installation in mind, Rinnai gas fireplaces can fit into homes both new and old and replace existing fireplaces that have worn out their welcome.

Regency

Founded in Vancouver, Canada, in 1979, Regency has become a leader in fireplaces and a booming international brand with more than 2000 retailers worldwide. Built using the finest materials, Regency gas fireplaces are renowned for their realistic flame effects, advanced technology, and efficient heating.

Lopi

A brand with a fireplace to suit everyone, Lopi has been a firm favourite in North America for over 40 years and has been steadily growing in Australia since 1990. The company has a strong reputation for first-rate design, craftsmanship and energy efficiency, with beautifully designed Lopi gas fireplaces featuring pebbles, stones, sculptured driftwood and more, accompanied by accent lighting.

Escea

Founded in New Zealand’s deep south, Esca has been crafting fireplaces that push the boundaries of both functionality and aesthetics for more than 20 years. Their gas and wood fireplaces are exceptionally beautiful and brilliantly crafted, perfect for the modern home. An Escea gas fireplace is easy to switch on, highly customisable and definitely energy efficient.

Buy Top-Quality Gas Fireplaces at Home Fires

If you’re looking for energy-efficient fireplaces that continue to provide value for money for years after you make your purchase, Home Fires has you covered. We have a range of high-quality fireplaces from leading lifestyle brands like Rinnai, Lopi, Weber, Masport, Regency, Escea, Beef Eater, Heatmaster, Yeti and more.

Purchase a Rinnai gas fireplace from Home Fires and choose from among the highest-selling models on the market. Our Rinnai selections feature captivating elements like Smart Technology, unique TriLight technology, and ultra-realistic glowing embers, providing a truly authentic experience.

Home Fires is the perfect place to find a Regency gas fireplace.  Our models feature Chromalight immersive technology and a variety of fuel effects, as well as advanced remote control technologies, allowing you to control the look of your fireplace from anywhere in the room.

Purchase a Lopi gas fireplace from Home Fires to bring outstanding features, such as GreenSmart 2 technology, Ember-Glo Accent Lighting, and additional convection heat fans, into your home, all wrapped up in elegant designs.

A Home Fires Escea gas fireplace is a classy modern fireplace model that includes special features like Smart Heat, Multiroom and Powered Direct Vent technologies. These fireplaces are built with both form and function in mind; their sleek, minimalist design ensures the focus is on the flames.

Home Fires has been a trusted name in home heating for over 40 years, and we continue to provide the highest-quality wood, gas, and electric fireplaces throughout the Sydney region. We’ll help you find the right fireplace for your home with our expert advice and offer supply, installation and service. Offering industry-leading service and warranty from our suppliers, we’ll ensure your fireplace is perfect for your home and your purchase is protected.

For more information or to see our fireplace range for yourself, drop into our Minto or Casula locations or contact the Home Fires team online.