---
title: "Biofireplace or gas heater: Ukrainians debate alternative apartment heating on Threads"
description: "Ukrainians on Threads are discussing how to heat their apartments amid uncertainty over central heating: a biofireplace loses to a gas heater in efficiency but wins in perceived safety. SESU reminds users of the need for certified equipment and proper ventilation."
date: 2026-08-29T10:04:01.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/biofireplace-or-gas-heater-ukrainians-threads-alternative-apartment-heating
tags: [biofireplace, gas-heater, alternative-heating, ukraine, threads, gschs, consumer-advice]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Biofireplace or gas heater: Ukrainians debate alternative apartment heating on Threads

![Woman with a cup of coffee by a modern biofireplace in an apartment](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/29/biokamin-ili-gazovyi-obogrevatel-ukraintsi-threads-alternativnoe-otoplenie/biokamin-ili-gazovyi-obogrevatel-ukraintsi-threads-alternativnoe-otoplenie-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- A Threads user chose between a biofireplace and a gas heater due to uncertainty over central heating; the cost of the devices is comparable
- Commenters point out that a biofireplace is ineffective for heating an entire apartment (consumption 0.25–0.5 L/h, fuel ~100 UAH/L), whereas a 4 kW gas heater costs about 9 UAH/h
- The discussion raised concerns about gas cylinder explosions in apartments, as well as positive experience using a gas heater in a café
- SESU requires certified gas appliances, good ventilation, and prohibits storing gas containers in living spaces and on balconies

Uncertainty over the start of the heating season is once again forcing Ukrainians to look for independent ways to heat their homes. An active discussion has flared up on the social network Threads, sparked by a post from user vladaeya, who explained that, given the unclear situation with central heating, she is considering two options: a biofireplace running on alcohol and a gas heater. According to her, both devices cost roughly the same, but aesthetically and psychologically she prefers the biofireplace — due to concerns about using gas in an enclosed space. The author of the post also separately asked where in Kyiv gas cylinders can be officially refilled.

### Calculations and experience: what the commenters say

In the comments, users began sharing their own experience and figures. One participant of the discussion skeptically assessed the effectiveness of a biofireplace as a heat source for an entire apartment: “It will indeed raise the temperature for a while, but because of the cold walls it will all just as quickly turn out the same. It’s more about sitting nearby and warming up situationally.” She also cited fuel consumption data — from 0.25 to 0.5 liters of biofuel per hour at an average price of around 100 hryvnias per liter. Another commenter, by contrast, called a 4 kW gas heater significantly more efficient and shared his own calculations: cylinders can be refilled at “Bars 2000” or “Bytgas” stations in Nivky, and the cost of running one infrared panel is about 9 hryvnias per hour. A third user shared personal experience: in a café where a gas heater was installed, it was noticeably warmer than in other establishments, and there was no smell of gas at all.

### Contradictory data

The discussion clearly pits two positions against each other. On the one hand, the author of the original post and a number of commenters prefer the biofireplace for safety and aesthetic reasons, believing that an open alcohol flame is less risky than compressed gas in an apartment. On the other hand, the same commenters who acknowledge the appeal of the biofireplace directly point out that for actually heating a living space it is practically useless: the heat dissipates because of the cold walls, and the fuel consumption makes it economically unviable. The picture for gas heaters is also mixed: on the one hand, the calculations show high efficiency and low operating costs, while on the other — concerns have been voiced in the comments that “gas cylinders have exploded in apartments more than once, and the true causes of such incidents have not been disclosed.” Thus, the choice between the two devices remains a matter of debate: aesthetics and psychological comfort versus real heat output, and economic benefit versus potential risks.

### State Emergency Service recommendations: what the rescuers say

The State Service of Ukraine for Emergency Situations (SESU) emphasizes that any gas appliances used in residential premises must be in working order and certified. The key requirement is good ventilation: the room must be ventilated regularly, and the ventilation ducts checked for air passage. Rescuers specifically warn against storing gas containers in living rooms, on balconies, in basements, or in attics. For portable gas heaters, it is recommended to use only certified equipment and to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions. SESU also reminds that no device may be used for purposes other than intended — for example, a heater designed for open areas should not be used inside an apartment without appropriate modification.

### Alternatives and the final choice

In addition to the biofireplace and the gas heater, the discussion also mentioned other options: a standalone diesel heater (provided the exhaust is properly vented outside) and paraffin models. However, rescuers remind that comments on social networks are not professional recommendations. Before purchasing any alternative heat source, it is necessary to ensure that the device is specifically intended for heating a living space and that the specific conditions of the apartment — area, ceiling height, state of ventilation, presence of a balcony or loggia — allow its safe operation. In a situation where the start of central heating remains uncertain, a deliberate choice of heater, backed by certification checks and compliance with operating rules, becomes not a matter of comfort but an element of personal safety.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Biofireplace or gas heater: Ukrainians on Threads look for an alternative to apartment heating](https://styler.rbc.ua/ukr/people/biokamin-chi-gazoviy-obigrivach-ukrayintsi-1787992742.html) - Публикация Styler (РБК-Украина) содержит полный текст дискуссии из Threads, цитаты комментаторов с расчётами стоимости, упоминание альтернатив (дизельный, парафиновый обогреватели) и блок рекомендаций ГСЧС. Все факты статьи сверены с данным источником.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: How effective is a biofireplace for heating an apartment?
**A:** According to the estimates of participants in the Threads discussion, a biofireplace raises the temperature only for a short time and only in the immediate vicinity, and because of the cold walls the heat dissipates quickly. Biofuel consumption is 0.25–0.5 liters per hour at a price of about 100 UAH per liter, which makes it economically unviable for heating an entire apartment.

### Q: How much does it cost to operate a gas heater?
**A:** One of the commenters provided a calculation: a 4 kW gas heater (infrared) costs approximately 9 hryvnias per hour of operation per panel. Cylinders can be refilled at “Bars 2000” or “Bytgas” stations in Nivky, Kyiv.

### Q: What safety measures does SESU recommend when using gas heaters?
**A:** SESU requires that gas appliances be in working order and certified, that the room be well ventilated, and that ventilation be checked regularly. Storing gas containers in living rooms, on balconies, in basements, or in attics is prohibited. Only certified equipment should be used, and the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.

### Q: What alternatives to the biofireplace and gas heater are mentioned in the discussion?
**A:** The comments also mentioned a standalone diesel heater (with proper exhaust venting outside) and paraffin models. However, rescuers emphasize that any device must be specifically intended for heating a living space.