One of the most frequently asked questions is how expensive is the wood stove to install. Many different factors will determine how expensive is the wood stove to install now. Let’s go over the various parts of determining the wood stove cost.
First, a honest and reliable chimney service company is key. Not every company is experienced in converting a fireplace into a wood stove or installing a wood stove from scratch. These units are heavy. An experienced chimney company has lifts and tools for taking stoves up stairs or other hard to reach areas.
Also, the manufacturer of the stove is critical. We only use around 4 suppliers. These companies make their stoves in the USA. They are decades old companies with quality materials and craftmanship. You can see the various vendors and stove by following our stove store page here.
Vermont Castings Stove Is Our Favorite Wood Stove to Install
So how expensive is the wood stove to install?
Wood stove cost for the unit only range from $400 up to $3,000. There is definitely a difference in quality for the price. Less expensive stoves use thinner metal that can warp and not withstand the high heat over time. Inside, the fire brick is very critical. This brick absorbs and keeps the heat inside. A cheaper brick will not hold up. It will chip and need replacing as soon as a year. Don’t cut corners on the price of the stove. View it as an investment.
These units are a work of art as well as a heating source. High gloss outside coatings and the overall design make them a center piece in your room. When you look over our stove store page, you will see various units that fit into your space in a beautiful fashion.
For an average installation with no major structural issues or support work, the total installation of a wood stove cost will be around $5,000 for a budget figure. Like we pointed out earlier, the type and quality of the stove is the main determining factor.
Reach out of us on our request service page to discuss the options for your wood stove installation.
As we get older and our needs change, it makes sense to replace a dying fireplace using wood to gas logs. The idea of buying (or chopping your own) firewood, stacking it and bringing it in on a cold night is no longer romantic.
Like our bodies, the fireplace and the chimney wear out. The mortar will start to crack and need patching. The chimney will build up a layer of creosote that must be swept yearly.
To replace a dying fireplace, the first step is finding a trusted, honest professional chimney services company. A company with many years of experience will quickly inspect the fireplace. They provide guidance on several options to change out the wood burning fireplace. There is never just one solution fits all.
A trusted chimney company is your best friend.
Replacing a dying fireplace with gas logs
The process of converting a wood burning fire place into gas logs is straight forward. First, the chimney is swept thoroughly by a chimney sweep. The firebox is cleaned out of all old soot and debris in preparation of new gas logs. Most new log sets are sensitive to dirt and build up in the burners. The fireplace must be clean before the installation.
Secondly, the source of fuel is located and installed if necessary. Gas log sets are available in natural gas or propane. The orifices are different so you must know which is available before installing a set.
After the gas line is run and secured, the burner set that the logs rest on is installed. This burner has the controls, sensors and design for specific sets of gas logs. Don’t try to put just any burner package on any type of gas logs. It may work but it can result in soot and failure of the sensors.
Gas log options and testing
Many of the newer gas logs sets for replacing wood burning fireplaces operate with a remote control. The options vary by manufacturer. On, off, high, low and temperature control are often common to all. Therefore, look for features in each provider that fit your lifestyle. Heads up – the batteries do wear out over time. Many of our service calls are due to dead batteries!
In addition, each manufacturer provides different quality in the logs as well as the maintenance needed to clean the burners. Make a note of the differences to talk with your installer. After that, the final decision is looks of the logs. How to they fit into your home? You will see them day in and day out. Finally, pick the one that is best for your taste.
When the gas fireplace is not working, it is due to several possible conditions. The most obvious is the fuel source. Is the natural gas or propane reaching the gas fireplace?
During the very cold winter periods, it is not uncommon for the natural gas pressure from the utility to drop. Large commercial users of natural gas may not cut back from their usage. This creates a lower overall pressure in the natural gas system. This results in low pressure and the ignitors for gas logs may keep the system off.
Also, if the gas fireplace not working is fed by propane, the tank levels could be low. Check the levels of the tank and if they are less than 10%, call the propane tank supplier immediately. The propane suppliers may be four to seven days backordered on delivery. Do not wait until the tank is completely gone. The supplier of propane may not be able to service your home quickly.
Another common cause of gas fireplaces not working is the ignitor. The ignitor verifies that the gas source is good before the power is applied to start the logs. Over time when a gas fireplace not working call comes in, we fine the corrosion or soot and dirt is preventing the igniter from doing its job.
Another cause of gas fireplace not working calls is the remote control. We have seen several folks with the batteries simply installed backwards. Check out the gas log remote control batteries if someone changed them recently.
Finally, the gas logs need air to work. Make sure no birds or debris have clogged the chimney piping. If you are not comfortable with this task, reach out our ClearChimney service page here.
