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.
The cost of a gas fireplace depends on the quality and style of the gas logs. Also, the piping needed to connect propane or natural gas to the burner is tricky. Gas logs are available from big box stores at a low cost. Unfortunately, most of these are not high quality. They often fail within a few years.
The cost of a high quality set of gas logs installed with piping connected is budgeted around $4,500. This cost of a gas fireplace has many components. Do you have an existing propane tank? Do you have natural gas? Are the lines already in the fireplace? Again, there are so many factors for pricing the cost of a gas fireplace. But, that’s OK. We will lay out the options and show you dozens of options for your budget.
How can I see the various types of gas logs available?
Clear Chimney’s gas log store on our website shows the top quality and best selling gas logs we encounter. Click on the gas store picture above and you will see all of the options to choose from. We will come out to your home and go through the options, the prices and the scope of the work on your schedule.
Chimney cap repair is often done with gas log conversion jobs. Since the soot has built up over the years, the caps deteriorate so we replace them during the same project. Chimney cap repair near me is a common request for homeowners seeking help. The fireplace and chimney are an integral part of most homes and require maintenance over time.
Firstly, we pointed them to our gas log store page to pick out a set of logs. There are many sets to choose from but the Monessen sets are our most popular ones. Also, natural gas and propane use different orifices. Let us know your fuel source up front.
Chimney cap was in horrible shape before we started the rebuild.
The chimney cap repair after the rebuild. Ready for decades of service with the gas log conversion.
We deliver and install the logs.
Secondly, the gas logs are ordered and delivered to your home. The propane is ordered from the vendor and installed at your house. This conversion is using propane gas as the source for the new gas logs. This is a reliable “off the grid” solution for rural areas that are not served by natural gas. The price of propane is high at the moment but over time it is a good solution to heating your home without the wood hassle. For instance, no more wood buying or delivery fees. In addition, no more cleaning and sweeping.
Converting a wood burning stove to propane gas logs requires black pipe
Why should you convert from wood burning to gas logs?
Finally, don’t wrestle with wood burning fireplaces as you get older. Wood is bought, cut, delivered, stacked and used each season. A gas log set has a remote control for easy use. The chimney will not soot up over time if installed correctly. The heat is instant and there is no clean up. Remember, roof work is dangerous. Let the professionals take care of the chimney. You enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the gas logs.
