Are you tired of the constant maintenance that wood fireplaces demand? If so, it might be time to consider an upgrade. This article will guide you through the process on how to convert a wood fireplace to gas. By making this switch, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a traditional fireplace without the hassle of chopping wood or cleaning up ash.
What Is a Gas Fireplace?
A gas fireplace is a unit that’s fueled by natural gas or propane. There are three types of gas fireplaces that you can choose from, which include inserts, log sets, and built-ins. If you choose an insert fireplace, you’ll notice that a log set is situated inside a metallic box. These units fit directly inside a fireplace, which ensures that the installation process is easy. When you turn it on, it will radiate heat to the surrounding room. An insert unit can either be vented or ventless.
Log sets are highly affordable fireplaces that provide Los Angeles homeowners with a set of ceramic logs alongside a gas burner. You can place this entire system in your fireplace. If you select a vented unit, it will lead up through your chimney. To ensure that CO poisoning doesn’t occur, you must keep the damper open constantly.
The third type of fireplace involves a built-in unit, which can be installed even if a homeowner doesn’t have a chimney or fireplace. Vented models come with fixed glass panels and exhaust air via a wall opening. Ventless units exhaust directly in the room. They burn at close to 100% efficiency, which means that they don’t create dangerous smoke or fumes.
Benefits of Converting to a Gas Fireplace
Making the decision to convert a wood fireplace to gas comes with numerous benefits. For example, the maintenance requirements are much lower. To maintain a wood fire, you’ll need to buy or chop your own wood before transporting it to your home. You’ll also be tasked with starting the fire and making sure you stoke it properly.
Regardless of the type of gas fireplace you buy, it starts with a single push of a button. These units also come with remotes that allow you to turn them on from a distance. You’ll no longer need to deal with finicky starter logs. When you decide to turn off the gas fireplace, you can leave the room in an instant, which isn’t feasible with a wood fireplace. A wood fire needs to be extinguished entirely before you can be certain that it won’t reignite.
Having a wood fireplace also means needing to find space to store wood. If you choose to store the logs outside, they’ll need to be placed on a holder or pallet. The cost of buying wood is high, which you can avoid entirely by converting to a gas fireplace.
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The fires that start in a gas unit allow for cleaner indoor air. You won’t be tasked with starting a fire with wood or paper, which should reduce the level of contaminants in the surrounding air. Once a fire burns out in a wood fireplace, you’ll need to remove the ash that was left behind. A gas fireplace doesn’t produce much physical soot.
You should benefit from better efficiency as well. Gas fireplaces come with efficiency ratings that range from 65-90%. If you don’t want to waste energy, converting to a gas unit is a good idea.
This type of conversion also reduces the number of hazards you’ll encounter. Even though gas can be dangerous, modern units come with safety shut-off mechanisms that keep gas leaks from occurring.
Burning wood comes with numerous risks that you must take into account. For example, you’ll need to stoke a wood fire and make sure it remains lit. While doing this, a spark could fly and come into contact with a nearby fabric, which makes it more likely that a fire will develop. This isn’t necessary with a gas fireplace. Keep in mind that poorly maintained wood chimneys can also lead to high creosote accumulation, which increases the likelihood of a fire.
Drawbacks of Converting to a Gas Fireplace
While gas fireplace conversions offer many clear advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider, which include the following:
- Fuel costs can be high
- They aren’t as traditional as wood units
- High upfront costs
- Flame isn’t as strong as the one in a wood fire
If you’re based in Los Angeles and looking to convert a wood fireplace to gas, Teamwork Home Services is the handyman company you can trust. With our expertise and commitment to quality service, transforming your traditional fireplace into a convenient gas one is a breeze. Contact us today to convert your wood fireplace to gas.
