If you’ve been considering a gas fireplace for your new home but your neighbourhood doesn’t offer Natural Gas, don’t worry—you have options.
While Natural Gas (NG) is common in many urban areas in Australia, some regions, particularly rural Australia, Queensland, and New Zealand’s South Island, don’t have Natural Gas infrastructure. But the absence of Natural Gas doesn’t mean giving up on a gas fireplace. In these locations, homeowners often turn to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternative.
This map shows the approximate locations of Natural Gas and LPG availability in Australia and New Zealand. Intended as a guide only. Sources: apga.org.au and firstgas.co.nz
Natural Gas is delivered directly to homes through underground pipelines. It’s available in urban areas with established gas grids and doesn’t require any onsite storage because it flows directly from the pipeline into your home.
LPG is stored as a liquid in bottles outside the home. These bottles need periodic refills or replacements, usually arranged through local suppliers. LPG is often used in places where Natural Gas pipelines don’t reach, making it perfect for rural or restricted areas.
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The perception that a gas fireplace requires Natural Gas is simply a myth. LPG is a widely available, efficient alternative to Natural Gas, and it’s suitable for areas where Natural Gas infrastructure doesn’t reach. In the South Island of New Zealand, for instance, Natural Gas has never been available, yet gas fireplaces have been a popular choice for over two decades.
Recent regulatory changes in Victoria, Australia, have prevented some Natural Gas connections to new housing areas, pushing even more homeowners to choose LPG as a reliable alternative. LPG provides the same benefits as Natural Gas, so there’s no need to compromise on the quality or efficiency of your fireplace.
The Escea Gas Fireplaces are compatible with both LPG and Natural Gas
When it comes to performance, LPG fireplaces are designed to be every bit as effective as their Natural Gas counterparts. Many fireplace brands, like Escea, develop specific models optimized for LPG, ensuring the flame appearance, heat output, and energy efficiency are on par with Natural Gas models. In fact, nearly a third of all fireplaces sold by Escea operate on LPG—a clear indicator that these models are highly popular and widely trusted by homeowners.
While the cost per kilowatt for LPG can vary, it’s generally a competitive option compared to electricity, especially when it comes to heating. LPG fireplaces tend to be more effective at heating large areas than resistive electric heaters are.
Whilst LPG is often slightly more expensive than Natural Gas per kilowatt, the annual cost of renting two gas bottles from your gas supplier is typically less than the annual connection fees to the Natural Gas grid. This makes LPG a more cost-effective option overall if your primary reason for using gas in your home is for a fireplace.
Left: Escea DF700 Gas Fireplace / Right: Escea LE800 Electric Fireplace
If LPG isn’t your preferred option, there are alternatives. Electric fireplaces have become increasingly realistic in appearance and offer excellent convenience—no venting or fuel storage needed. These fireplaces are ideal for mild climates or secondary heating, and many models allow you to enjoy the flame effect without actual heat output.
Wood-burning fireplaces, while requiring a flue and regular maintenance, offer a traditional aesthetic and the comfort of a natural flame. For homes that can accommodate a wood fireplace, this can be a rustic and powerful heating choice.
Left: Escea LFS800 Freestanding Electric Fireplace / Right: Escea TFS1000 Freestanding Wood Fireplace
Just as Natural Gas providers are working to increase the renewable gas mix in their supply, the LPG industry is also making strides to reduce its carbon footprint. Over time, more sustainable production methods of LPG are emerging, allowing LPG to be a more environmentally friendly choice for heating. As the percentage of renewable gas within your LPG supply increases, you can seamlessly transition to a more sustainable fuel mix without needing to modify your Escea gas fireplace.
Whether you’re in a rural area, a state with Natural Gas restrictions, or a region that simply doesn’t offer Natural Gas, there’s no reason why you can’t have an efficient gas fireplace. With LPG, electric, and wood-burning options available, you can find the ideal solution that fits your home’s design, your lifestyle, and your heating needs.
