If you love the cheery warmth your wood burning fireplace brings to your home but your lifestyle would fit better with a lower maintenance option, converting to a gas-fueled unit might be for you. And if you’re in the Ormond Beach area, we’re the team to help with the process!
If you’re looking to get something on the schedule, reach out today – we’re here to help.
Converting Your Wood Fireplace to Gas
Not only is converting a wood fireplace to gas possible, there are several ways to go about it.
- Gas logs: Having gas logs installed is a relatively simple way to convert a wood fireplace – and they maintain some of the rustic appearance of burning wood. Logs made of ceramic or concrete are placed inside your fireplace, then connected to a gas line. The result? A fireplace that can be ignited via remote control or a convenient switch without the hassle of maintaining a wood supply or scooping ash. Gas logs have become extremely realistic looking, providing the perfect union of pleasing aesthetics and smooth functionality.
- Gas fireplace inserts: Gas inserts are prefabricated units that fit into an existing, open fireplace. In essence, installing a gas fireplace insert converts your traditional fireplace into a more efficient and easy-to-use gas fireplace. Not only are inserts engineered for efficiency, they come with options. Depending on the specific model, you can adjust flame height and color and heat output with precision.
- Full fireplace renovation: If you’re after a more extensive conversion, you may want to consider a complete renovation. This option includes a total overhaul. By having your existing fireplace removed, you can install a new gas unit with your specific aesthetic and functional needs in mind. While it’s the most invasive option, it allows the highest level of customization, leaving you with exactly the set up you imagined.
Gas vs. Wood Fireplaces: Which Is Better?
What’s all the fuss about the gas, anyway? It’s become a very popular option, but is it for you? The decision to have a wood or gas fireplace has a lot to do with your personal preferences and priorities. Different home heating units have their own pros and cons and will appeal to different people.
Gas Fireplace Pros:
- Gas fireplaces are highly convenient and easy to operate. There’s no need to chop or store wood, no effort expended in getting the fire going, and no mess from wood ash.
- Efficiency in heating is another advantage. Gas fireplaces typically have better heat output into the living space and are more energy efficient than wood burning fireplaces. They provide heat quickly and maintain temperature more consistently, too.
- Gas fireplaces and inserts are clean to operate, with little soot and no ash to clean up. And since combustion is cleaner, interior air quality will likely be cleaner too.
- Safety is another factor. Modern gas fireplaces are designed with safety features like automatic shut off and exteriors that stay cool to the touch. This reduces the risk of accidents, which can be especially appealing for homes with young children or pets.
Gas Fireplace Cons:
- Conversion costs can be high, so be prepared for some initial costs. This is especially the case if you’re having a complete fireplace renovation.
- Gas fireplaces require an uninterrupted supply of natural gas. Whereas wood burning fireplaces can keep bringing heat even when the power goes out, gas fireplaces are dependent on a natural gas utility provider. If you live in an area prone to outages or interruptions, this might be a consideration to take into account.
Wood Fireplace Pros:
- Many people find the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of a traditional wood burning fireplace hard to match. The rustic look, sounds, and aroma of burning firewood have a particular charm.
- Energy independence is another perk. Wood fireplaces aren’t dependent on a natural gas supply, making them a great back-up heat source during outages. And for those who have a solid supply of wood to chop, this can also reduce energy costs.
- Wood is a renewable resource when sourced responsibly.
Wood Fireplace Cons:
- Wood fireplaces are higher maintenance than gas units. You’ll need to be diligent about removing ash, and you’ll need to have your chimney swept with greater frequency.
- Not only is the fireplace itself higher maintenance, but keeping your wood supply can be labor intensive. You’ll need to source, store, and handle firewood, even if you aren’t chopping it yourself. And the fire will need to be made, tended, then carefully extinguished when you’re finished using it.
- Wood burning units are also generally less efficient than gas ones since a good deal of heat is lost through the chimney.
What are the Benefits of Heating with Gas?
Heating with gas offers a number of advantages. First, the efficiency piece. Gas fireplaces provide efficient, controlled heating that doesn’t waver when the wood burns low. Modern gas fireplaces have efficiency ratings that tend to be high, meaning they convert a lot of that fuel into usable heat with little waste. And after the initial costs involved with converting your fireplace, your monthly energy bills may reveal gas to be a more cost effective option than other fuels.
Gas burns more cleanly than wood. As a result, it produces fewer emissions and particulates. This can be a particularly significant factor for those who struggle with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
A major selling point for gas is simply the convenience factor. Instant heat with no prep can be bliss at the end of a long day, and when you want to leave the house or retire for the night you won’t need to wait for the fire to die down. You can also control the flame and make adjustments to the temperature via a remote control or thermostat, which can make your living space ultra cozy.
Transitioning to a Gas Fireplace? Trust Us
If you’re ready to make the leap to gas, we at Legendary Chimney are here to help. Our team is highly knowledgeable, attentive to detail, and treats each customer with professionalism and respect. We can help walk you through the process from start to finish so you know what to expect and can be confident the job will be done with excellence.
Get in touch today!
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