Ventilation, or the presence of air, is vital in the combustion process. This means that without this essential factor, you won’t be able to enjoy a crackling fire in your outdoor fire pit. But how much ventilation do you need for a propane fire pit?
A propane fire pit needs at least two 18 sq. in (116.13 sq. cm) vents for ventilation. This totals to a minimum of 36 sq. in of ventilation. You can increase these measurements depending on the fire pit’s size, material, and intended burning time.
This article will discuss how much ventilation you need for your propane fire pit, explain the importance of ventilation, and how to get the best ventilation. Finally, I will include a few tips on additional fire pit safety practices.
Required Amount of Ventilation for Propane Fire Pits
The sound and sight of a crackling fire are one of the best things to gather friends and family around. However, when dealing with any type of fire, you should always take safety precautions. And one of the most significant safety factors to consider is proper ventilation.
Most gas companies and gas appliance suppliers state that you need two vents each at least 18 square inches (116.13 sq. cm) in size. The vents should be located across each other to provide “through ventilation” to your fire pit.
The minimum dimension of your vent should be three inches (7.62 cm). So, reaching the minimum vent size required will make your vent 3 in. x 6 in. (7.62 cm x 15.24 cm).
Celestial Fire Glass states that the minimum vent size should be 20 square inches. This is computed with the requirement of one square inch per pound (1 sq. in./lb) (14.33 sq. cm./kg) of fuel storage capacity. Since most propane tanks used in fire pits are 20 lbs (9.07 kg), the vents should be at least 20 sq. in. (129.03 sq. cm.).
Propane Properties That Affect Ventilation Design
One key factor about propane is that this gas is heavier than air. Therefore, it will sink toward the ground.
With this in mind, any ventilation openings should be located in the mid-low area of your firepit structure so that gas does not build up.
Gas build-up at the bottom of your fire pit is extremely dangerous because propane has a low ignition temperature and concentration. This means that it will not take much heat to ignite a small amount of propane. So if you smell propane, shut everything right away and make sure there are no leaks.
An explosion in your fire pit can cause serious, severe injury, and even death. You wouldn’t want that to happen.
Ventilation for Propane Fire Pits
Installing vents on the walls of your fire pit isn’t the only way to provide the ventilation it needs. Here are other options.
Open One Side of Your Fire Pit
When you have a propane fire pit, one thing you want to do with your setup is to hide the propane tank, so it’s not visible. This is why this method, though one of the best ways to provide excellent ventilation, may be challenging to achieve.
If you can’t open one side, another option is to open the floor or raise the walls of your fire pit so that the structure starts a few inches off the ground. This way, the inside of your fire pit will be hidden, but enough ventilation will still be available.
Use Vent Holes
Another way to provide ventilation is to use multiple vent holes instead of two rectangular vent openings.
Drill holes should be at least two inches (5.08 cm) in diameter, placed around 24 to 36 inches (61 to 92 cm) apart, all around the vent wall.
Remember to keep these holes low on your structure. The total surface area of these holes should reach the minimum requirement of 36 square inches.
The area of a 2-inch (5.08 cm diameter square hole is 3.14 square inches (20.25 sq. cm), so you would need about a dozen vent holes.
That said, follow the specifics given by the manufacturer. Though there is a general minimum requirement when it comes to vent sizes for propane fire pits, different models (if prefabricated), sizes, materials, and burning times can affect this requirement.
Therefore, always consult the manual that comes with your prefabricated propane fire pit, or the manufacturer.
If making your own propane fire pit, ask for help or clarification from a professional. This will help ensure you construct the fire pit to function properly while conforming to safety requirements.
Fire Pit Structures Should Be Hollow
The inside of your fire pit structure should be hollow. Do not fill the void with gravel, sand, or any other material. The space allows air to enter, circulate, and exit, carrying away any excess gas or heat that may build up inside.
Importance of Good Ventilation
Providing good ventilation for your fire pit has many different functions and benefits.
Ventilation Provides Air That Is Needed for Combustion
Aside from the propane for your fire pit, air is also a necessary fuel for a burning fire. As previously mentioned, air is an essential part of combustion. When there isn’t enough air, your propane won’t be able to burn completely, which can result in incomplete combustion.
Incomplete combustion can, in turn, produce carbon monoxide, a highly poisonous gas that is odorless and flammable. It also results in more soot being produced when using your fire pit, leading to extra maintenance and cleaning.
Ventilation Keeps Your Firepit From Overheating
With a fire burning in your fire pit, especially for long periods, temperatures can rise pretty high. It’s also possible for things to get too hot, putting your fire pit at risk.
Good ventilation allows your fire pit to “breathe.” Fresh air enters your fire pit through the vents and carries out any excess heat. This helps to keep the temperature from getting too high.
Ventilation Prevents the Build-Up of Dangerous Gasses
Good ventilation ensures the circulation of fresh air from outside the fire pit to the inside and from the inside going out.
Without this, possible propane leaks and any build-up of carbon monoxide cannot be carried away into the outside air. Again, the accumulation of these dangerous gasses can cause serious injury, poisoning, damage, explosions, and even death.
Helps Prevent the Formation of Mildew and Mold
Ventilation and circulation of fresh air help to prevent the build-up of moisture and the growth of mold and mildew on the inside of your fire pit.
Vents and vent holes also serve as an alternative means of drainage and escape for water. These help to prevent water damage and keep your propane fire pit equipment from rusting.
Other Fire Pit Safety Practices
Keep these safety tips in mind whenever you have an outdoor fire burning to prevent potential damage.
- Always check local regulations or restrictions regarding fire pits.
- Your fire pit should be placed/constructed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from anything flammable.
- Do not burn fires during windy, dry days. Embers that get carried by the wind can cause unwanted fires.
- Locate your fire pit on a non-flammable surface like bricks or concrete.
- Remove fall risks like rocks, sticks, and uneven ground around your fire pit.
- Be sure to turn off your propane tank after using the fire pit.
Final Thoughts
Proper ventilation and the presence of ample air are essential to operating your fire pit safely. This minimizes the risk of damage to the fire pit itself and its surroundings as well as injury to people and even pets.
When handling fire or anything that produces it, always exercise caution and follow the construction, operating, and maintenance requirements to help ensure maximum safety and optimum performance.
