On Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 3:10:59 PM UTC-5, Keith Adams wrote:
We're building a house with a direct vent gas fireplace. We live in a
mild climate and use the fireplace only occasionally - maybe six times a
year - just for show, not for heat. Our builder is suggesting we
install a propane unit and fuel it with a 20 lb. BBQ-style cylinder -
the kind you can exchange at the supermarket or hardware store.
Fireplace dealers differ on whether that's a good idea. One said that
he does it all the time for demo units and it works fine. He says each
cylinder lasts about 18 hours in a 20,000 BTU fireplace. But a couple
of other dealers have said the 20 lb. tank is too small and won't
provide adequate pressure to fuel the fireplace. They recommend a
minimum of 100 gallon tank (426 lbs.).

Has anybody tried this?

Thanks.

I have the same issue where I am only using propane for the fireplace in the den. I live in FL so don't use it but 3-4 times in the winter and just for atmosphere. I no longer need the 110 gal tank buried in the yard. I terminated the service. I hooked a standard 20# BBQ tank to the outside incoming gas line. There was a convenient fitting there so it was easy. The line from outside the house where the new BBQ tank is located is about 15-20 feet from the fireplace in the den. It worked perfectly! I don't know how long the tank will last yet but propane is about $4.00/gal + here and the BBQ refills are about $12 at BJ's. Make sure to check the connections on the tank and the fitting for leaks. Use soapy water and a brush. I had a small leak but put plumbers tape on the fitting and it's OK. I was worried about trying this at first but am happy now. Good luck.

expressed precisely :
On Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 3:10:59 PM UTC-5, Keith Adams wrote:
We're building a house with a direct vent gas fireplace. We live in a
mild climate and use the fireplace only occasionally - maybe six times a
year - just for show, not for heat. Our builder is suggesting we
install a propane unit and fuel it with a 20 lb. BBQ-style cylinder -
the kind you can exchange at the supermarket or hardware store.
Fireplace dealers differ on whether that's a good idea. One said that
he does it all the time for demo units and it works fine. He says each
cylinder lasts about 18 hours in a 20,000 BTU fireplace. But a couple
of other dealers have said the 20 lb. tank is too small and won't
provide adequate pressure to fuel the fireplace. They recommend a
minimum of 100 gallon tank (426 lbs.).

Has anybody tried this?

Thanks.

I have the same issue where I am only using propane for the fireplace in the
den. I live in FL so don't use it but 3-4 times in the winter and just for
atmosphere. I no longer need the 110 gal tank buried in the yard. I
terminated the service. I hooked a standard 20# BBQ tank to the outside
incoming gas line. There was a convenient fitting there so it was easy. The
line from outside the house where the new BBQ tank is located is about 15-20
feet from the fireplace in the den. It worked perfectly! I don't know how
long the tank will last yet but propane is about $4.00/gal + here and the BBQ
refills are about $12 at BJ's. Make sure to check the connections on the tank
and the fitting for leaks. Use soapy water and a brush. I had a small leak
but put plumbers tape on the fitting and it's OK. I was worried about trying
this at first but am happy now. Good luck.

Using propane is kinda expensive don't you think? Can you burn wood or
hook up to natural gas?