Change Wood Fireplace To Gas Logs

A wood burning prefabricated fireplace will need a conversion kit but masonry fireplaces have several options.

Change wood fireplace to gas logs.

The replacement process for gas logs varies depending on the model you ll be installing. Environmental concerns are not the only reason for converting a wood fireplace to gas however there are also convenience reasons. Costs to convert wood fireplace to gas installing a gas line and either vented or vent free gas logs will cost from 500 to 2 500. You can make the conversion by simply adding a gas log set or by installing a self contained gas insert unit with its own chimney.

Converting a wood burning fireplace to a gas fireplace would also include removing the wood fireplace and chimney and installing a prefabricated gas fireplace with a chimney or vent system approved by the gas fireplace manufacturer. These include converting the unit to use gas logs using a gas fireplace insert which also makes the fireplace much more efficient or converting the fireplace to a vent free appliance. The biggest update you can give to your appliance is a change in your hearth. As the name implies vented logs require a vent system the chimney when converting an existing wood fireplace to gas while non vented logs operate without a vent.

Including installation prices range from 2 000 to 5 000. Conventional masonry wood burning fireplaces are ideal for converting to gas because they already have the look of a traditional fireplace and all you have to do is install the gas burning guts inside the firebox. To help offset the expense turn down your thermostat while you re enjoying your fire. Finally removing the old gas log kit and then selection of a grate suitable for cradling the burning wood will be needed as the gas log grate in the fireplace will be too fragile for the higher temperatures found in a new wood burning fireplace.

You can improve the appearance of your fireplace by switching the current logs for a new set that provides a more appealing look. No crackle or wood burning scent. When finished turn off the gas and there is no clean up needed much quicker and easier than a wood fireplace. However in general the process looks somewhat like this.

Rather than having to take the time to get the fire started keep it lit and then cleaning up after you can simply have a fire at the push of a button. The primary differences are that vented logs produce a more realistic fire appearance but don t supply as much heat as the non vented variety. Since it uses gas it could increase your utility bill a bit but these units don t have the heat loss associated with a wood burning fireplace. Note that the cost of installing vent free gas logs is often about 200 more than the cost for vented gas inserts cost 2 000 to 5 500.

The ceramic logs for gas fireplaces have improved through the years so that they mimic certain types of wood with great detail.