How Much Does It Cost To Run A Gas Fireplace Per Hour In Arizona?

If you’re thinking about cozying up your home in Arizona with a gas fireplace—or you already have one and just want to know what you’re paying to enjoy those flames—this post is for you. At BDZ Inc AZ (via Diversified Builder Supply Inc.), we’ve done the math and gathered the data so you can get a realistic idea of what it costs to run a gas fireplace per hour, plus what influences that cost. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

What BDZ Inc / Diversified Builder Supply AZ Says

According to BDZ Inc’s article “How Much Does It Cost To Run A Gas Fireplace Per Hour?”, the general cost range for running a gas fireplace in Arizona is between $0.15 and $0.40 per hour. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

• The lowest cost scenario: about $0.15/hour — when the fireplace is smaller, more efficient, or gas is cheaper. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

• The average cost tends to hover around $0.27/hour. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

• For larger, high-BTU, less efficient setups, or when gas prices are higher, expect costs closer to the $0.40/hour end. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

What Drives the Cost

What makes one fireplace cost $0.15/hr while another costs $0.40/hr? Several key factors:

1. BTU Rating (Fireplace Size & Output)
   The higher the BTU (British Thermal Units)—basically, how much heat the fire puts out—the more gas it uses. A small unit with modest BTUs will cost less per hour. A large hearth with high BTU output uses much more gas. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

2. Efficiency
   More efficient fireplaces convert a greater percentage of fuel into usable heat. If the unit is well-designed, well-installed, well-maintained, and has good venting, it wastes less fuel (and hence costs less to run). Units with poor efficiency or losses through venting/insulation will cost more. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

3. Type & Price of Gas
   Natural gas vs. propane pricing matters. Natural gas tends to be cheaper in many areas of AZ. The local rate you pay per therm or cubic foot will directly affect hourly cost. If gas prices go up, running any fireplace gets more expensive. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

4. Usage Patterns & Climate
   If you’re burning the fire at high output for many hours per day (especially overnight or during colder winter nights), your costs add up. Arizona winters are milder, so many fireplaces are used more for ambiance or occasional warmth than all-day heating, which tends to reduce the cost. Also, during colder nights or when the home is poorly insulated, the fireplace might need to run longer or at higher settings to maintain comfort. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

5. Other Factors
   Maintenance, condition of the fireplace, venting, whether there’s a blower or fan, how tight and insulated the room is, etc., all play roles. A neglected fireplace or leaky vent can waste heat (and gas). Built-ins vs inserts vs models with glass doors vs open fronts will also differ. Diversified Builder Supply Inc.

What This Means for You in Arizona

Putting all that together: in Arizona, assuming you’ve got a typical mid-sized natural gas fireplace (say 25,000-40,000 BTU), moderate usage (a couple hours in the evening), and average gas rates, you’re likely somewhere in the $0.20-$0.35 per hour range. If you crank the fireplace high or leave it burning many hours, closer to $0.40/hr or more isn’t unrealistic. If your fireplace is small, well-insulated, efficient, and used sparingly, you might see costs near the low end (~$0.15/hr).

For a concrete example:

• Suppose your fireplace is 30,000 BTU, natural gas, and your gas rate is modest. Running 3 hours in the evening might cost you around $0.80-$1.20 total, depending on output level.

• Over a month (if used 3 hrs/day × ~15 days), that’s roughly $9-$18 extra on your gas bill.

Tips to Keep Your Costs Lower

Here are some friendly suggestions from BDZ Inc to keep your gas fireplace from becoming a budget burner:

• Choose a model with good efficiency ratings and size it appropriately for the room.

• Use moderate flame settings rather than high all the time.

• Turn it off when not needed (don’t leave it burning overnight or when everyone’s left the room).

• Keep up with maintenance—clean or replace parts, check for leaks, ensure venting is sealed and safe.

• Insulate around the fireplace area, and make sure windows/doors are sealed well in the room where the fireplace is.

It All Lights Up!

Running a gas fireplace in Arizona doesn’t have to break the bank. Based on BDZ Inc’s data, figure on $0.15-$0.40 per hour, with most homeowners paying somewhere in the middle of that range. With the right setup, realistic use, and good maintenance, it’s a cozy, affordable way to add warmth and ambiance to your home.