Converting a propane fireplace to a functional, traditional wood-burning fireplace can be done provided key safety requirements are met. The most important of these requirements is a metal chimney flue that is wide enough, is lined properly and draws properly.
Full Answer
How much does it cost to convert a wood fireplace to gas?
However, a specific price for converting a wood fireplace to gas depends on many factors, with a possible cost range of $500 to $5,500. What you’ll pay depends primarily on the type of gas fireplace you choose, whether it's a vented insert, vented gas log or ventless gas log.
What is required to convert a wood fireplace to gas?
What Is Required to Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas?
- Before Conversion. Before a fireplace is to be converted from wood burning to a gas one, it should be inspected. ...
- Prefabricated Fireplace Conversion. Prefabricated wood-burning fireplaces must have a gas line knockout as part of its structure. ...
- Ventless Gas Logs. ...
- Vented Gas Logs. ...
- Fireplace Inserts. ...
Can I convert a wood fireplace to a gas fireplace?
Yes, you can convert an existing wood burning fireplace to gas, but it must be that — an existing wood burning fireplace. Wood burning appliances, such as wood stoves, cannot be converted to gas. WHY CONVERT? Convenience and efficiency are the main reasons you’d want to convert a wood burning fireplace to gas.
Is it safe to burn wood in a gas fireplace?
You cannot burn either wood along with the gas or wood alone in a gas fireplace because it will damage your fireplace as it lacks in burning wood effectively and efficiently. We can see the wood log inside the fireplace in the modern gas fireplaces, but they are not real. They are just added to give the effect of real fire inside the fireplace.
Is through the wall pipe a good reason to use a pellet stove?
The through the wall pipe is fine and a good reason to use a pellet stove/insert.
Can you use a wood stove in a masonry fireplace?
Yikes, you can't use that stove in that location. It can only go in a masonry or approved zero-clearance fireplace and as Howildz correctly pointed out, the chimney pipe must be approved for wood stove use. Without extensive rework, what is shown in the pictures would only work for a gas or perhaps an electric fireplace.
Can you put a pellet stove in a wall pipe?
You might be able to put a pellet stove insert in there and use a through the wall pipe.
Can you install a ZC insert in a ZC fireplace?
I think there is also the option (if you want a wood stove insert) of installing an inexpensive ZC fireplace and then installing a wood stove insert in the ZC, i.e. an insert which is mfr certified as installable in ZC fireplaces. Don't recall the brand, I believe similar to Harman with pellet inserts, there is a mfr which sells ZC fireplaces for their own wood stove inserts. A knowledgeable dealer might know. I do know that some of the Lopi inserts are installable in ZC fireplaces (and there are other inserts, also).
How many fuels does a wood burning stove use?
Think of it this way. Wood burning stoves require two fuels. Not just wood, but oxygen too.
What are the parts of a chimney?
When the chimney is inspected you (or the person doing the inspection) should ensure the following parts are all in good condition and working order: 1 Brick and mortar. 2 Flue liner (also known as a chimney liner). 3 Damper. 4 Crown. 5 Cap.
Is a wood burning stove a gas fireplace?
A wood burning stove offers a visceral experience. Well, if you’ve got a gas fireplace and would like to experience the benefits of a wood burning stove instead , there are ways to convert it.
Can a stove be too close to a fireplace?
However, you don’t want your stove to be too close to the fireplace as its performance may be impaired if there isn’t enough space to allow for the proper circulation of air.
Can you convert a gas fireplace to a wood burning stove?
You will be able to convert your gas fireplace to a wood burning stove, but you’ll need to make some alterations.
Can a fireplace ignite if it gets too hot?
You must ensure you leave sufficient distance between the stove and things like wallpaper or plasterboard which can ignite if they get too hot. If you have a fireplace made of brick, stone or other non-combustible material then you don’t need to be as worried about the position of your stove.
Can you keep the same flue for a gas fireplace?
Can you keep the same flue you used for your gas fireplace? As we alluded to above, no.
What is the most important tool in the wood burning process and the largest variable?
The most important tool in the wood burning process and the largest variable is the one that is running the stove.
How long does it take to build a chimney tile liner?
If you are good at construction and measuring the difficulty is medium. Assuming there are no complications this is about a half-day' s work for a crew of 2.
Can you rent a lift to a chimney?
You have pretty good access to the chimney, but it would be a good idea to rent a lift. Slide it down, hook it up, cap it.
Can you heat wood with split wood?
And if the goal is to heat with wood, you'll need to get a stash of split wood drying now. Don't depend on buying "seasoned wood" later on. The odds are it won't be properly or fully seasoned.
Can you sell the insert and liner on a gas stove?
Not too difficult. Keep in mind when you remove everything that you can sell the insert and liner to off set the cost of the new stove. Which cap is for the gas stove? The one on the left or right? It could be that there is already a ss liner installed.
How much does it cost to convert a gas line to a log lighter?
Alternatively, you can choose to convert the line into a gas log lighter. The whole process can cost up to $300, provided your flue is in good shape.
What to do if you have a headache when working on a fireplace?
If you're working on your fireplace and have a headache or begin to feel tired, you should leave the house immediately , as you might have a leak. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University.
Can you put stainless steel over a fireplace flue?
Before you change your fireplace back to its original state, it's advised that you have an inspection done. If your flue is damaged, you can fit a stainless steel flue over the original fireplace flue. Advertisement.
Can a gas fireplace be converted to wood?
Turning a gas fireplace into a wood-burning one is possible in some instances. However, not every gas fireplace is able to be converted to wood. Conversion is only possible when the fireplace was originally constructed to burn wood. If the fireplace was initially a gas one, it can't be converted to a wood-burning unit.
Is it comfortable to sit in front of a wood burning fireplace?
There's really nothing like the feeling of sitting in front of a wood-burning fireplace. The crackling of the wood combined with its unmistakable smell can create an intimate, comfortable ambiance for entertaining. While there have been major strides in fireplace technology, wood-burning units create a classic experience you may wish to return to.
Can you vent a fireplace?
You'll first have to check if you have a venting system that can handle the smoke of burning wood. If you don't do this, you risk filling your home with smoke when you use the fireplace. Though it's possible to check ...
Can you remove gas inserts with a crescent wrench?
Advertisement. Most gas inserts can be easily removed with a crescent wrench.
How to Change from Gas to Wood Burning Fireplace?
When your chimney inspector determines that the condition of your fire ventilation system is sturdy enough for wood burning, then any necessary chimney repairs needed are planned. For example, the homes gas supply line will have to be addressed, since a fireplaces gas supply is not suitable for the high temperatures of a wood-burning system.
How much does it cost to convert a gas fireplace to wood?
With a little luck, converting a gas fireplace to wood burning can cost as low as few hundred dollars plus a few hours of labor. These are only some of the considerations when contemplating a system conversion. Each home and chimney is different, so are their individual/mechanical needs. In the event the fireplace and/or chimney was exposed ...
What is needed to convert a gas fireplace?
Gas burning fireplace conversion requires first, a fireplace and chimney inspection. Next, making any necessary adjustments to prepare the fireplace and chimney system for conversion. The chimney inspection will determine a few things you’ll need to know.
Why do chimneys burn?
While burning wooden logs and creosote go hand in hand, there are steps to minimize the dreaded chimney fire.
Can you convert a gas fireplace to wood burning?
Converting a gas fireplace to wood burning is a frequent service performed by the Sweeps at Full Service Chimney. The reasons for switching to wood-burning are as varied as our customers.
Is it necessary to sweep a chimney after converting a gas fireplace to wood burning?
Sweeping the chimney is only part of the chimney safety plan after converting a gas fireplace to wood burning, the additional step of choosing proper wood for our fireplace is essential.
Is it more expensive to convert a gas fireplace to wood?
In the event the fireplace and/or chimney was exposed to water or suffered a chimney fire in the past, then the scope of chimney repairs and the cost to convert a gas fireplace back to wood burning would naturally be more expensive.
How much propane does a fireplace use?
A propane fireplace uses about one gallon of propane per 100,000 BTU. That means if your propane fireplace is rated 50,000 BTU, you will be using one gallon of propane for every two hours your propane fireplace is operating.
How efficient is a propane fireplace?
Efficiency: Propane fireplaces are four to five times more efficient than wood fireplaces, operating at around 80 percent efficiency.
Why do people like propane fireplaces?
People love propane fireplaces because it’s easy, fast and hassle-free to have a fire in their fireplace on-demand. Just flip a switch or push a button on the remote control, and you’ve got fire. But there may be a time when the fire doesn’t appear. That often happens because of a lack of maintenance.
What to do if you can't get flames in fireplace?
If you’re tried all this and you cant’ get any flames in your fireplace, there’s a possibility that the thermocouple needs to be replaced. That’s when you need to call in a propane service professional.
How does burning wood affect the environment?
Environmental impact: Burning wood produces about 28 pounds of smog-producing particulate emissions — that’s the ash and soot — per million BTUs (MMBTUs) of heat output. What about propane? Well, it produces less than one percent of that amount. This means uou can shrink the carbon footprint of your home and help the air, water and soil of Tennessee by switching your wood fireplace to propane.
Can you program a propane fireplace to turn on and off?
Smarter fireplace inserts: With a propane fireplace insert, you can program it to turn on and off at specific times, and even control the temperature settings. High-efficiency backup heat: With the energy efficiency of today’s propane fireplace inserts, they’re the smart choice for supplemental heating in your home.
Can you put a propane fireplace in a mantle?
You can choose from several kinds of propane hearths: built-in fireplaces, freestanding stoves and sealed fireplace inserts that can be installed directly into your existing mantle. Whether or not you have an existing fireplace, you can enjoy all the benefits of a propane hearth.
What is a gas fireplace insert?
Heater-rated gas fireplace inserts are constructed to withstand continuous operation and designed to be used for heating, with ceramic glass and refractory brick to facilitate heat transfer. They use two-pipe sealed ventilation, pulling in fresh air from the outside to burn and then exhausting flue gases through another pipe, so the system is completely sealed. Gas logs offer an alternative but rely entirely on the draft of the original wood chimney to exhaust, providing less-optimal air quality.
How does a gas log chimney work?
They use two-pipe sealed ventilation, pulling in fresh air from the outside to burn and then exhausting flue gases through another pipe, so the system is completely sealed. Gas logs offer an alternative but rely entirely on the draft of the original wood chimney to exhaust, providing less-optimal air quality. 2.
What gas fireplaces does Isaacson use?
Isaacson commonly uses the Escape-30 and Escape-35 gas insert fireplaces from Heat & Glo, selecting the largest unit that can be accommodated in the original space. A surround connects to the insert, covering the void area left over between the insert and the existing unit to provide a finished look. Manufacturers typically offer several options for the front and shape of the surround. “You can get custom surrounds where it might be an arch top or a different-size rectangle than just their standard size,” he says. With a fantastic finished look, your client’s new propane fireplace will be a welcome replacement for their messy, bothersome wood unit.
Can a chimney be used for gas?
If the chimney is too dilapidated to be used for wood, then it won’t work for gas, either. Consider installing a built-in gas fireplace in a different location, where it can be direct-vented right out the side wall.
Can you retrofit a propane fireplace insert?
So these homeowners are turning to the convenience of propane fireplace inserts that can be retrofitted into the wood fire box. The gas units eliminate the creosote buildup in chimneys, so homeowners no longer have to worry about chimney fires. They add the convenience of a remote control or switch to start the fire, compared with the arduous task of building a fire and waiting for it to heat up. They don’t require the mess or hauling of wood logs. And they’re even cost-competitive to operate.
