Does your home have a wood-burning fireplace? Are you tired of the hassle of dealing with cutting, hauling, and storing wood to burn? Or how about the mess left behind by the ashes… are you tired of cleaning that up or having it spread through your home? If so, you may be wondering if you can convert your wood fireplace to gas.
Gas fireplaces offer several benefits for your home and family, including convenience, efficiency, and cleanliness. But can you really convert your existing wood-burning fireplace to a gas one? The answer is yes! Not only can converting your wood burning fireplace to gas help you avoid the mess and hassle of using wood, it brings several other benefits as well.
Reach out to the Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace team today to get started. We’re here for homeowners in San Antonio, Austin, and more.
Benefits of Converting a Wood Fireplace to Gas
There are many benefits to converting your wood fireplace to a gas system.
- Convenience: With a gas fireplace, you don’t need to chop, stack, and store firewood. You also don’t have to deal with the mess and hassle of starting and maintaining a fire. And no cleaning up messy ash piles, either!
- Energy-Efficiency: Gas fireplaces are much more energy-efficient than wood-burning ones. They produce more heat and use less fuel, which can save you money on your energy bills.
- Cleanliness: Gas fireplaces don’t produce the soot, ash, and smoke that wood-burning fireplaces do. This means less mess, less cleaning, and less maintenance overall.
- Safety: Gas fireplaces don’t have the same fire risks as wood-burning fireplaces because they come equipped with glass doors and don’t produce creosote. There’s no need to worry about sparks, embers, or chimney fires.
Process of Converting Your Fireplace From Wood to Gas
Here’s a basic overview of the process of converting to a gas fireplace:
- Determine if your fireplace is suitable for a gas insert. Not all wood fireplaces can be converted to gas.
- Install a gas line if you don’t already have one. This will require a licensed professional.
- Choose a gas fireplace insert. Make sure it’s the right size and style for your fireplace and home.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned.
- Have the gas fireplace insert installed and properly vented by a certified professional.
What Is the Cost of Converting a Wood Fireplace to Gas?
It depends – and it’s a question that’s hard to give a solid answer to without knowing the specifics of your current setup. What can affect your final pricepoift? Things like…
- The type of system: Do you want an insert or a full gas fireplace? Interested in vented or vent-free options? These will all need to be considered and will impact your final estimate, depending on your final answer.
- Gas line installation: Do you already have a gas line installed? If not, this is something you’ll need to have done and it’ll definitely have an effect on what you end up paying.
- Local regulations: Depending on local regulations, a permit may be required for your new gas fireplace or insert installation. Additionally, an inspection may be required to ensure the gas fireplace is installed safely and up to code.
In the end, this is a job that range from hundreds of dollars to thousands, so giving you a solid number without consulting with you first wouldn’t be best practice. Call us today to discuss your needs, and we can move forward from there.
Gas Fireplace FAQs
Can you convert any wood fireplace to gas?
Not all wood fireplaces can be converted to gas. Your fireplace must be suitable for a gas insert. Our techs can take a look and let you know where your system stands.
Do I need a professional to install a gas fireplace insert?
Yes, you should always hire a licensed professional to install a gas fireplace insert. Failing to do so can invite risks like inefficiency, carbon monoxide exposure, and gas leaks.
Can I still use my chimney with a gas fireplace insert?
Yes, you can still use your chimney with a gas fireplace insert. However, you’ll need to have it inspected and cleaned before installation.
Do gas fireplaces require electricity?
Some gas fireplaces require electricity to operate, while others are still fully functional in a power outage. If this important to you, be sure to discuss your options with us.
Ready to Make the Switch? Give Us a Call
Converting from a wood fireplace to a gas one can be a great choice for homeowners who want a convenient, energy-efficient, and mess-free fireplace. While there is a cost of conversion, the benefits of making the switch are well worth it – especially when you consider the energy savings overtime. Remember to always hire a licensed company, like Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace, to handle the installation process, as working with gas lines can be dangerous.
With the right fireplace insert and proper installation, you’ll be enjoying the warmth and convenience of your new gas fireplace in no time. Give us a call at 830-620-9130 or schedule online today to get started. Our friendly, knowledgeable, and certified staff are here for all your fireplace and chimney repairs and maintenance.