Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace insert?
As their name suggests, these fireplaces are GAS-ONLY – you cannot and should not burn wood in them. The built-in ventilation systems of these gas fireplaces are not intended to deal with the smoke and vapors of wooden fire. Burning wood in such a fireplace is an enormous fire hazard. Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace insert?
What kind of firewood do you use for a gas fireplace?
You should never attempt to use green or wet firewood, only dry hardwoods like oak and maple are recommended for burning in a gas fireplace. Burning of any kind can cause damage to your venting system if the right type of wood is not used. Should you use a fire starter for gas fireplace?
Is a wood fireplace the same as gas or oil?
Guidelines Although it may be tempting to simply use a wood fireplace as the same kind of fuel-burning appliance you would for gas or oil, there are some differences. The biggest difference is that modern gas and oil fireplaces can effectively burn much cleaner than their predecessors from hundreds of years ago.
Can you use gas logs with an existing gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are a great way to enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace without all of the mess. If you’ve decided to switch from wood-burning fireplace, it may be worth considering whether or not you can use your gas logs with an existing gas fireplace installation. There are some general guidelines that will help you decide if this is possible.
How do I know if I can burn wood in my gas fireplace?
If all of the chimney and fireplace parts are in great shape, the fireplace is ready to convert to a wood-burning version of itself. Ask a local chimney installer if they can cap the gas line and safely convert it for you.
Why you cant burn wood in a gas fireplace?
Especially hazardous: Carbon monoxide, a byproduct of burning fuel which is colorless, odorless - and deadly. - Destruction. Because wood burns much hotter than natural gas or propane, it can easily destroy the internal workings of your gas fireplace.
Can I burn Duraflame in a gas fireplace?
Duraflame logs can be used in some gas fireplaces, especially if you have an adequate flue, but they aren't ideal given their low heat output.
Can you burn wood in a vented gas fireplace?
No. As the name suggests, it's for burning gas only. Repeat: burning gas ONLY. A built-in gas fireplace's venting system is inadequate to deal with the smoke and vapors of a wood fire.
Can I burn wood in my gas fire pit?
Due to the intense heat generated by a wood burning fire, your outdoor fire pit will crack. NEVER burn wood in your Gas Fire Pit!
Is wood or gas fireplace better?
In the battle for most efficient fireplace, gas fireplace efficiency is always going to win over wood fireplace efficiency. That's because gas fireplaces burn more cleanly and produce fewer polluting emissions.
Can you add logs to a gas fireplace?
You can buy vented logs for gas fires and burn those in any fireplace that's designed to burn wood, as long as it has a gas line. You can also use them in outdoor fire pits that are designed for gas logs, although not all vented fireplace logs are meant to be used outdoors.
How do you start a fire in a gas fireplace?
0:302:46How To Light A Gas Fireplace In Your Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this is where you stick your extended lighter in and light it right there. And then it will flameMoreSo this is where you stick your extended lighter in and light it right there. And then it will flame up.
Can you burn paper in a gas fireplace?
Keep Your Fires Safe To keep your fireplace and chimney safe and functioning properly, you should avoid putting trash and paper (especially colored and glossy paper) into your fireplace. These materials contain chemicals that are toxic when burned.
How long can you run a gas fireplace with chimney?
In short, you really shouldn't let a gas fireplace on for too long—specifically more than three hours at a time.
How do you tell if your fireplace is vented or ventless?
0:054:14Gas Logs: Vented or Vent-Free? How To Tell The Difference, and Decide ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you'll see them pretty much anywhere and everywhere you go the easiest way to tell theMoreAnd you'll see them pretty much anywhere and everywhere you go the easiest way to tell the difference between a vintage set and a vent free set is the placement of the flames on the logs.
Where is the flue on a gas fireplace?
In many homes there is such a hole, but it's hidden inside the fireplace. That hole is the fireplace flue pipe. Wood-burning fireplaces usually have a damper installed in the upper part of the firebox.
How do you start a wood burning fireplace with a gas starter?
0:001:28Fireplace Gas Starter Lighting Procedures - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have to stick them way under the logs to access the gas. So the next step is to light the matchMoreYou have to stick them way under the logs to access the gas. So the next step is to light the match or the lighter stick it way under there and turn the gas valve on very slowly.
Can you burn wood in a direct vent fireplace?
Direct Vent Fireplaces can be vented horizontally through an outside wall or vertically through the roof and will minimize heat loss through the chimney. Direct Vent Fireplaces simulate a true wood burning fire with realistic ceramic or refractory logs, a glowing ember bed, and vibrant dancing flames.
How much does it cost to turn a gas fireplace into a wood burning?
The average cost to convert a fireplace to gas is $3,000, with a typical range of $500 to $5,500, depending on a range of elements, including whether you choose a vented gas insert, vented gas log, or ventless gas log....How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas?Low CostAverage CostHigh Cost$500$3,000$5,500Mar 23, 2022
Can you burn paper in a gas fireplace?
Keep Your Fires Safe To keep your fireplace and chimney safe and functioning properly, you should avoid putting trash and paper (especially colored and glossy paper) into your fireplace. These materials contain chemicals that are toxic when burned.
Is it ok to burn wood in a gas fireplace?
Yes, however you must use the right type of wood. The best types are dry hardwoods like oak or maple because they won’t produce excess moisture whe...
Can you burn wet wood in a gas fireplace?
You should never attempt to use green or wet firewood, only dry hardwoods like oak and maple are recommended for burning in a gas fireplace. Burnin...
Should you use a fire starter for gas fireplace?
This is optional and up to your personal preference, but it might be helpful to use one if the wood is particularly hard or damp. Fire starters can...
Can you burn coal in a gas fireplace?
Coal is not recommended because it can cause excess moisture and creosote buildup, which can damage your venting system or lead to other problems d...
Does the fireplace have to be on?
No, you don’t necessarily need your gas fireplace turned on if you want to burn wood. However, it cannot be left off because this can cause an exce...
What are the benefits of burning wood in a gas fireplace?
A few reasons for this include being able to enjoy an authentic outdoor experience without having to worry about it getting too hot, enjoying crack...
What are the drawbacks of burning wood in a gas fireplace?
One drawback is that it can use up more storage space if you plan on keeping logs around to burn regularly. It’s also not recommended for people wh...
What type of firewood is the best for burning?
Dry hardwoods like oak or maple are ideal because they won’t produce excess moisture when burned which could cause problems with your venting syste...
How to Tell if Your Gas Fireplace Can Burn Wood
When you move into a new home, it can be challenging to know which style of gas fireplace you have and if it can burn wood. However, there are a few ways that can give you a better idea of what your fireplace can handle and if wood burning is an option.
Can You Convert a Gas Fireplace to a Wood-Burning Fireplace?
Converting a fireplace is usually only possible if your fireplace was originally wood-burning. However, there are ways you can convert some original gas fireplaces into wood-burning but comes down to the placement, installation, and model of the fireplace.
How To Convert a Gas Fireplace to a Wood-Burning Fireplace
If you plan to do this conversion on your own, the first main step is to remove the gas insert. This process can be risky, so it’s highly recommended to be left to a professional.
Gas vs Wood-Burning Fireplaces: Pros and Cons
Before you make any major decisions on whether to convert your gas-burning stove to wood-burning, it can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of each fireplace.
Final Thoughts
So, while our outdoor fireplace has a gas starter, it’s a different build to the indoor fireplace that has a full-featured gas fireplace. Even though we might be able to get away with burning firewood in it, it can pose safety issues and possibly damage the fireplace or gas line. And that can mean expensive and lengthy repairs.
How Can You Take Care of Your Gas Fireplace?
Using gas fireplaces in the right way is important for preventing damage. However, it should be remembered that maintenance can do a great deal to keep them in working condition as well. Some of this maintenance can be done by interested individuals on their own.
Why Do Fireplaces Have Such a Strong Connection to Wood Anyways?
On a final note, some people might be curious why fireplaces have such a strong connection to wood. After all, it is very common for non-wood-burning fireplaces to have fake logs included in them, which is rather strange if one thinks about it.
Why do fireplace inserts use chimneys?
These inserts typically use the original chimney to vent the gas and are used for their energy-efficiency and cleanliness compared to the original wood-burning fireplace. Burning wood in such a gas fireplace can sometimes be possible since the original ventilation (i.e. chimney) was meant for wooden fires anyway.
How about burning wood when using a log set?
Burning regular wood in such a fireplace will be relatively simple – just remove the artificial log set and place some wood in the fireplace. If the fireplace is properly functional and clean, things should be all right. Then again, this isn’t an actual “gas fireplace” – it’s a regular fireplace that’s used with a log set. Even in these situations, however, if it has been a while since you last used wood, it’s best to call a professional for a quick inspection first.
Can a gas fireplace be used for smoke?
The built-in ventilation systems of these gas fireplaces are not intended to deal with the smoke and vapors of wooden fire. Burning wood in such a fireplace is an enormous fire hazard.
Can you use gas fireplaces only?
Unfortunately, the answer is a categorical “No!”. Well, at least most of the time. The slightly longer answer is that there are different types of gas fireplaces – some are designed to be gas-only while others do offer a bit more flexibility.
Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace that’s a built-in gas-only model?
Working on either natural gas or propane gas, built-in gas fireplaces are integrated into your home’s construction, get their gas from pipes within the home’s foundation, and work with electric ignition systems.