Benefits Of Gas-Fueled Fire Features & How To Calculate Operating Cost
HPC offers the broadest outdoor product line selections and has over 400 CSA certified propane and natural gas outdoor models. HPC is truly dedicated to the innovation of technology that produces diverse, safe and quality product lines which enhance consumers’ experiences. This Tech Talk is dedicated to discussing the benefits of gas fueled fire features as well as educating consumers around calculating operating costs.
Benefits Of Gas-Fueled Fire Features:
Gas fire pits offer many advantages to our consumers such as modern conveniences that traditional wood burning features do not offer. Gas fire features are easily operated and do not require wood to sustain the flame. With a simple touch of a button you can enjoy the beauty and warmth of the HPC flame. In turn, this yields both financial savings as well as energy conservation that span over time of use.
In terms of cleanliness, Gas fire features require significantly fewer maintenance tasks and cleaning responsibilities when compared to wood burner fire units. This is because burning wood produces more residual byproducts that are hazardous to ones health. Gas fire features create the natural ambiance of a flame without the smoke and byproducts. Enabling our consumers to safely enjoy the fire. As stated by the Green Home Institute, gas fire features emit 99% less pollutants creating a smaller environmental footprint than wood burning fire units.
Gas-fueled fire appliances can be safely run for longer periods of time than wood burning fire units. Wood burning units require regular tending whilst they are burning to maintain the fire safely and this leaves room for human error. A gas-fueled appliance can be turned on and off with a simple flick of a switch. Each HPC fire appliance is outfitted with built in technological safety features. HPC remains in compliance with ANSI and CSA standards. In addition to the Third party testing, HPC provides a final internal test of the full appliance. HPC takes the extra step to test the whole unit ensuring that the ignition system, valve, pan and burner all work seamlessly together giving off our signature brilliant flame. As an added precaution, HPC developed Flame Sensing Technology. This mechanism allows the valve to recognize if there is a flame on the pilot. The valve will remain open allowing gas to flow if a pilot flame is present and will close in the event that the pilot flame has been extinguished. The value of safety is upheld as first and foremost for each HPC design. Overall, HPC Gas fire features operate safely and offer layers of protection that give our consumers peace of mind.
Calculating Operating Cost:
HPC values educating consumers before the point of purchase to ensure they get exactly what they desire. Understanding the use and application for your fire design will help inform your plans. Our Tech Team often receives Consumer inquiries about the cost of operating and sustaining gas-fueled fire features. To understand the operating cost you must know several factors:
- Source of Fuel – Natural Gas or propane
- BTU Input
- Cost of Fuel Type
Natural gas Calculation:
Natural gas suppliers charge by the “Therm”. 1 therm is equal to 100,000 btu ( or 100 cubic feet) and let’s say the price of a therm is $1.50
So if you have a 150,000 BTU/per hour fire pit. The calculation will be:
150,000 (appliance BTU input) ÷ 100,000 (therm) × 1.50 = $2.25 per hour of operation.
150,000 ÷ 100,000 = 1.5 × $1.50 = $2.25 per hour of operation.
It will cost $2.25 per hour of operation.
Propane Calculation:
Propane suppliers charge by the gallon.
There is 91,500 BTU in one gallon of LP and let’s say that gallon costs $4.00
So if have a 150,000 btu fire pit, the calculation for propane will be:
150,000btu input ÷ 91,500 btu per gallon = 1.64 gallons per hour 1.64 gallon × $4.00 = $6.56 per hour of operation.
150,000btu ÷ 91,500btu = 1.64 x $4.00 = $6.56 per hour of operation.
When choosing a gas-fueled fire feature, consumers may have a slightly larger financial investment upfront. However, when compared with a wood burning fire features’ total cost of ownership due to demanding maintenance and upkeep, the cost differentiation equalizes.
Customer Satisfaction:
HPC values knowledge and invests in the exploration of best practices as well as engineering to ensure quality and performance for each fire design. We stand by our units with our life time guarantee, promising it will light every time rain or shine.
As always HPC prides itself on the service of our consumers through the development of quality and safe products providing education and accessibility to HPC Fire Feature Experts. Have any questions or concerns, contact Chuck Parsons and our NFI Certified Tech Team at 937-436-9800. HPC is always striving to raise the standards for the fire industry by breaking trends and making a lasting mark.
