Wood to Gas Fireplace Update Options for Spring

Over the coming months, you may want to look into fireplace update options for spring and summer. However, you may not know quite where to start and, though you probably have a budget in mind for the perfect upgrade, it would be good to know if it’s enough.

Fortunately, we’ve done the work for you and have compiled everything you need to know to make a good decision when planning to update your fireplace.

Converting Your Wood Fireplace into Gas

gas fireplace inserts in wexford PA

If you’re tired of cutting or purchasing wood, you can get rid of your wood fireplace and turn it into a gas fireplace. While this process may seem expensive, you can choose from various options, many of which are budget-friendly, to give your fireplace an updated look – and reduce your workload while you’re at it.

The Difference Between a Gas Fireplace and a Gas Insert

A fireplace is where the fire will burn, and it will need to have a vent (flue) for the smoke to escape. A gas-burning insert, which is inserted into an existing firebox, can only be used once you have a fireplace ready, .

No matter what kind of fuel you use, you won’t be able to use an insert without having a vented fireplace first. Because inserts are installed into an existing fireplace, they are considered an accessory appliance that can add features and benefits to the original system.

How Much Will a Fireplace Update Cost?

The costs for upgrading your wood fireplace to gas can vary.  Gas lines may have to be laid from the gas source, and while some people have natural gas already in their home, others will have to bring it in via a tank.

The best way to get an idea of the real cost is to have a fireplace expert come out and visit with you about your needs and wants. Once they have the parameters, they can give you a good estimate.

Gas Logs in an Existing Fireplace

You can add gas logs to both masonry chimney systems and prefabricated fireplaces. There are two requirements that should be kept in mind when making this change:

  • What is the availability of gas for the fireplace?
  • Will it be safe to burn gas in the existing fireplace?

In these cases, the gas supply to an existing fireplace that burns wood should already be available. But if the fireplace does not have a gas supply when it was installed, propane or gas can be attached to the fireplace by one of our National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technicians.

Why trust a pro? The exhaust of the gas logs will be invisible, so the damper will need to be removed or fixed so the unit remains vented. This means the flue vent will need to stay open permanently, Because of this, it’s best to contact a certified technician to evaluate your fireplace and do the installation for you.

Converting to a Gas Fireplace Insert

Inserts are designed to hold in the heat much longer than a regular fireplace making them highly popular (and highly rated) with consumers. Placing gas inserts into a wood-burning system is a relatively quick and easy conversion, but you will need the following:

  • a functional gas supply (which was covered above)
  • clearance to combustibles in the walls and ceiling above the unit

There are some important things that must be looked at before moving forward with an insert, so you will need the help of a professional installer. Don’t attempt to DIY this part of the process as it’s the foundation of the changeout that will keep your family as safe as possible.

If you decide to go with an insert, here are a few things you can expect:

  • Medium to high heat output
  • Varying costs, depending on the unit you choose and the extent of work that will need to be done to keep it within the codes in your area
  • Most of the time, an easy and straightforward installation can take between two to eight hours

fireplace installation services in pittsburgh PAConverting a Prefab Fireplace to a Gas Insert

Starting with a prefab unit? The manual for both the insert and the fireplace should include the instruction on whether or not the installation of a gas insert is acceptable for your pre-fab wood-burning fireplace. Furthermore, there are other things that will need to be avoided, such as:

  • Malfunction or damage to the unit
  • Any form of overheating close to combustibles
  • Creation of carbon monoxide that may have been avoided if the instructions were followed

In the absence of clear instructions, the installation of a gas insert into a prefabricated fireplace will not be approved and may threaten life and property at its first use. Be sure to bring in professionals, as some appliances are not rated to be converted. 

Don’t Know Where to Begin?

The best place to begin is by consulting an expert at Advance Chimney Inc. – right here in Pittsburgh, PA. Our expert certified technicians have years of experience when it comes to the solutions available to you. And while the outcome of your fireplace makeover should reflect your style and preferences, you should always keep in mind that you are lighting a fire in the middle of your home. So do it as safely as possible.

Get started by giving us a call or reaching out online today.