Yes, you can. In fact, one of the simplest ways to switch to gas is by either 1) putting a gas-fueled log set in or 2) installing a gas fireplace insert into your pre-existing wood masonry firebox.
What’s the difference between gas logs and a gas fireplace insert?
Yet, while this is a simple enough process when you have the training and tools that our techs do, this isn’t something we’d recommend taking a DIY approach to. When it comes to working with gas lines or anything that has to do with heat or fire in your home, you need to ensure the job is done right – and trusting a trained technician is the only way to guarantee just that. Contact our experts now.
Fireplaces are no small investment – and neither are fireplace conversions – so you want to know you’re going to love your new gas upgrade. Some of the biggest benefits of gas logs or gas fireplace inserts include:
Technically, there are different levels of classification – even within the family of “gas logs.” Before understanding the different materials gas logs can be made of, you have to decide if you want a vented or ventless system. Like the names suggest, vented gas logs produce smoke exhaust that must be emitted through a venting system (like a chimney), while ventless (or vent-free) gas logs are specifically designed to emit little exhaust and do not require a venting system.
Direct Vent & Other Vented Gas Fireplaces
Vented gas logs come in direct vent or vented options. Here’s the difference:
Ventless Gas Log Fireplaces
Unvented gas systems are designed to produce low amounts of combustion byproducts and fumes – but that doesn’t mean they don’t produce any. Vent-free gas fireplaces are good at creating radiant heat that emanates from the logs and into the living area, but, since they do not require the utilization of any kind of exhaust release, the combustion fumes that are produced – no matter the volume – circulate back into your home. For this reason, they are not meant to operate for longer than 3-4 hours at a time.
Generally speaking, most prefer vented gas logs because, no matter how little or how long they remain lit, all of the noxious gases and chemicals are vented up and out of a chimney. That said, as long as your ventless logs are stacked correctly and installed according to the manufacturer’s exact specifications, and you only use the system for a couple hours at a time as they are designed, you shouldn’t have a problem.
As with all fireplace systems, no matter the fuel they burn and how they’re vented, there is always a danger of exposure to harmful fumes and chemicals. Like we’ve mentioned, a natural byproduct of combustion is a host of different dangerous pollutants – like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and the potential presence of hydrocarbons or aldehydes.
If you take care of your system and utilize it according to its design, you significantly decrease the risk of chemical and exhaust-related dangers.
If you’re still not sure what type of gas log fireplace would best suit your needs, give us a call! We’d love to chat with you about all the options available.
Gas log fireplaces and gas inserts are less maintenance than wood logs, but it’s important to understand that they aren’t no-maintenance. Just like every appliance in your home, in order to keep things running smoothly and functioning as safely as possible, you still need to care for your fireplace.
No, you don’t have to keep an eye on your wood supply and ensure that you always have burnable fuel, but you do still need to have the system inspected at least once a year.
Does a gas log fireplace or gas fireplace insert need to be checked? How often?
Absolutely. Gas logs might not create the creosote, soot, and other buildup found in traditional wood combustion, but over time and depending on use, their soot can build up within the firebox as well as the inside of the chimney flue. If your chimney is not inspected every year, you run the risk of accumulating smoke particles and other debris that can put you at risk of experiencing dangers, like carbon monoxide in your home.
Aside from the shared chimney dangers of wood-burning fuel, gas logs and gas inserts also require their own checks and maintenance so that they remain as effective, efficient, and safe as possible. So, what does a gas-fueled fireplace and chimney inspection entail?
Another thing we commonly find, and one that is unique to propane-fueled gas fireplaces, is that spiders are attracted to something in the propane and will create nests and build webs over and around the burning system. If you light a fire that, unbeknownst to you, has a web or a nest covering one of the burn ports, it will affect the way your fire burns by either creating soot production or using an excessive amount of fuel.
It depends. Provided you maintain your gas log fireplace well and are on top of it whenever you notice oddities or inefficiencies, your set of gas logs can last upwards of 10 years. If, however, you rarely (or never) get them inspected and/or they are used improperly, they may only last between three to five years.
What are signs that my gas logs need replacing over repairs?
Never discount the possibility that, even if you do use your fireplace according to its directions and you have it inspected annually, you could still need to replace your gas logs on the sooner side. If you notice the following, you may need to replace your set:
In need of an industry professional? Our team of Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney sweeps are just the ones for the job. Reach out today.
Your logs likely require some level of repair if, for whatever reason, they don’t seem to be working properly. Many times, if your gas logs are operated by a remote control, they may suddenly stop working because the remote battery is dead. Always check this first before assuming that something more serious is the problem.
That said, if that is not the issue it could be any of these:
This list is, of course, not exhaustive and there could be something else going on that is affecting the operation of your gas logs. If your system is not functioning properly, stop using it and call in an industry professional from SureGlow Stove & Chimney to take a look and determine what chimney repair services you might need.
We always hesitate to give any kind of estimate until someone from our team has come out to see your space, system, setup, etc. because, much like everything else in this industry, it depends.
First, we have to know whether or not you’re starting from scratch and deciding to go straight to a gas log fireplace or if you wish to convert your current fireplace to a gas-burning one.
Some common questions that we’ll ask to get you an estimate include:
For accurate pricing (as well as recommendations and advice), reach out to someone on our team. We love fireplaces and we love helping our customers choose the best product for their needs, all while ensuring all associated costs are fair and appropriate.
No – working with gas can be extremely dangerous if you’re not properly trained or experienced. Gas fireplaces or inserts may seem rather simple in terms of their setup, but there is a lot that goes into ensuring gas logs are connected correctly, stacked properly, and generally set up for success – like checking that thermocouples, thermopiles, electronic ignition systems are adjusted and working to specifications.