Traditional fireplaces may be charming and quaint, but they’re also inefficient and dangerous. If the damper is open and the fireplace isn’t in use, warm air from inside the home escapes up the chimney, forcing the heating system in the home to work harder to keep the house warm. Also, burning embers and smoke can cause dangerous conditions such as fires or breathing impairment.
The solution? Gas-burning fireplace inserts. When a homeowner decided to upgrade to one of these more efficient, cleaner-burning options, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey assembled a team of experts to help.
Why Choose a Gas Fireplace Insert?
Gas fireplace inserts require a bit of work to install, and they can be somewhat expensive. So why decide to move away from wood-burning fireplaces to gas-burning inserts? The reasons are many and their value far outweighs the hassle of installation.
They’re Easy to Use
No one enjoys the struggle of getting a fire started. Gas fireplace inserts are very easy to use, with electronic ignitions and a reliable fuel source for quickly starting a clean, efficient fire. There’s no need to buy or chop wood, and there are no ashes to clean. And, when it’s time for bed, simply shut off the insert—no waiting for logs to burn down to shut the flue.
They’re Safer
Gas-burning fireplace inserts are inherently safer than wood. Their fireboxes are entirely sealed off, meaning there isn’t an open flame to worry about. Also, there are no concerns about sparks or embers popping off of unseasoned wood and landing on the carpet. Don’t forget that gas fireplaces also burn cleaner, meaning there’s no dangerous creosote to deal with.
They Look Great
Gas-burning inserts can mimic the look of real logs, creating a charming aesthetic just like traditional fireplaces. There are multiple sizes and designs to choose from, allowing homeowners to choose something traditional or modern to fit their tastes.
They’re Efficient
A gas-burning fireplace insert is one of the most efficient supplementary heat sources one can add. They’re entirely sealed which means there isn’t a damper to deal with, so the home doesn’t lose heat up the chimney. Also, they burn efficiently, providing more heat with less fuel.
How to Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas
Converting a wood fireplace to a gas-burning insert is not a DIY job. It takes a team of experts, permits, and other considerations. However, Richard walked us through the process below.
- Prepare the chimney by having it inspected and cleaned. Remove the chimney cap and damper as they’ll be in the way of the new liners. Make sure to have the chimney checked for deterioration and repair it before installing the new fireplace. Also, make sure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in the vicinity according to code.
- Have a chimney expert install the chimney liners. Each fireplace insert requires a liner kit, which is essentially an intake liner and an exhaust liner. They’ll typically attach to a termination fitting at the top of the chimney with a weatherproof cap protecting them from pests and debris.
- Hire a plumber to install a gas line. In many cases, they’ll be able to “tee off” an existing gas line and run a new pipe to the fireplace through an existing ash pit. The plumber will make sure to use pipe dope to prevent any leaks.
- Hire an electrician to run an outlet into the existing fireplace. Gas-burning inserts don’t require much power, so a new line is rarely required. Using the ash pit’s chase, they can wire off an existing junction box, through the side of the masonry chase, and up to the fireplace. Experienced electricians will know to run metal-clad cable and use a metal junction box for this installation.
- Connect the chimney liners to the back plate of the new gas-burning fireplace. Use heat-rated caulk to attach the liner and drive screws through the liner and into the plate.
- Position the new gas-burning insert into the fireplace, sliding the connected back plate into the insert according to the insert’s directions.
- Connect the gas line to the back of the fireplace and charge the line. Purge air from the system and then spray a soapy solution over the fittings to ensure there isn’t a leak.
- Plug the wire into the outlet and test the fireplace to ensure it’s working.
- Install the fireplace shroud around the new gas-burning insert to finish the installation.
Gas Fireplace Insert Maintenance and Safety
Regular maintenance is necessary for safe and efficient operation of your gas fireplace insert.
Annual Inspections
Schedule annual inspections with a qualified technician to check for gas leaks, clean the burner and control compartments, inspect the venting system, and verify the proper operation of all safety features.
Safety Tips
To safely operate your gas fireplace insert, keep the surroundings free of combustible materials, and don’t leave the fireplace unattended while it’s on. You should also install carbon monoxide detectors to monitor gas levels if they’re not already in your home.
Resources
Insert installed: Supreme 30” direct vent gas insert with IntelliFire touch ignition system by Heat & Glo.
Insert sourced and installed by Yankee Fireplace Grill & Patio.
Gas fitting provided by Stephen O’Brien Plumbing.
A gas fireplace conversion will need a team of licensed professionals that can help obtain any permits needed and make sure everything is up to local codes. A certified gas professional will extend the gas line to the firebox. An electrician will bring power up to the firebox, install an outlet to plug the insert into, and a power switch on the wall if needed. It is usually preferred that the gas professional and the electrician complete their work before the day the insert is installed.
The insert installers dropped two 3” aluminum flex length liners down the chimney for the intake and exhaust. It was capped at the top of the flue with a termination cap. The installers used a direct vent insert kit that included two liners and termination cap components. To make the connections at the liners and insert, a high heat stove cement was used to withstand above 500-degree Fahrenheit temperatures.
