Retrofiting A Fireplace

willl

I got a room with a fireplace in it that is heated primarily by electrical heaters that are installed in the walls. I was wondering if it be possible to change the wood burning fireplace into a natrual gas burning fireplace. It is your common wood buring fireplace though with a damper etc. on it. Natural gas will be cheaper and will also look better since it is in a fireplace. I don't know whether or not this is a good idea or not. Thanks

troubleseeker

A wood burning fireplace can be converted to gas logs, but it may not be cheap to do.You may have to open a piece of wall along side the fireplace so the plumber can get the gas line and control valve in a convenient place, usually within an arms reach of the logs, so you can reach to light them. Also. is there a gas supply close for him to tap into, or will you need a long pipe run? And a realistic burning set of gas logs is not cheap. Do not buy logs until you have gone to a supplier where you can see them burn. The more expensive sets are very convincing, but the cheap sets have all the charm of watching a gas cooktop flame.

Since you will be going to dedicated gas, I would also consider paying to have the chimney cleaned professionally. Built up creosote from years of wood can result in a very nasty chimney fire.

hf05

u need a gas insert that vents up your existing chimney with a 4" liner.Can get with blower ,remotes,thermostats,etc.etc.Initial expense,but in the long run probaly cheaper than hydro depending where u live...