wrote in message
oups.com...

Has anyone compared the use of a (gas) fireplace with insert and blower
with a programmable thermostat and furnace, or other scenarios to
determine consumption (i.e., does the pilot light for the FP consume
measureable quantities, etc.)?



Typical gas fireplace inserts, even ones with a blower, will not be as
efficiant as a gas furnace. The only way you may save on gas with a fire
plce is if you do not try to heat the whole house with it. If you heat just
the one room it is in and let the rest of the house cool down, you may see
some savings. The pilot flame consumes a fairly insignificant amout of gas.
The pilot on my old furnace would never consume enough gas to carry the
utility charge over the minimun of $6 in the summer.
IMO a gas fireplace is good for backup heat, (no electricity needed), or
just 'cuz you want a fireplace, the romance of it perhaps. You will not see
a gas savings with one.
If you want to save money you are on the right track, insulate, weather
strip, plastic over most of the windows, perhaps replace the furnace with a
new, more efficiant model. Turn the heat down a few degrees, and wear
another layer of clothing in the house. This will save you more money than
anything.
Greg