Contact Ozark Stove & Chimney for Gas Log & Insert Installation

Can I Convert My Wood Fireplace to a Gas One?

If you have a wood-fueled fireplace and are finding that you don’t have the time (or, frankly, the energy) to keep up with any maintenance, we have good news – converting to gas isn’t as complex or time-consuming as you might assume. In fact, one of the simplest ways to switch to gas is by putting a gas-fueled log set in or by installing a gas fireplace insert into your pre-existing wood masonry firebox. Gas logs are artificial logs that sit inside your existing fireplace, while a gas fireplace insert is a self-contained appliance designed to fit into an existing wood fireplace.

That said, while this is a simple enough process when you have the training and tools that our techs do, this isn’t something we’d recommend going rogue for (in other words, don’t DIY this project). When it comes to working with gas lines or anything that has to do with heat or fire in your home, you need to ensure the job is done right, and trusting a trained technician is the only way to guarantee just that.

Questions? Give our techs a call now, and we’ll make sure all of your bases are covered. We can’t wait to work with you soon.

What Are the Benefits of Gas Logs or Fireplace Inserts?

Fireplaces are no small investment – and neither are fireplace conversions – so you want to know you’re gonna love your new gas upgrade. We get it! Some of the biggest benefits of gas logs or gas fireplace inserts include:

• They’re efficient. In fact, gas inserts are known as one of the most efficient heat sources in the chimney sweep world. Gas-fueled appliances, in general, are known for their great heat output, and an insert especially excels at ensuring all that good warmth is radiated right back into your space – and not out the chimney.
• They’re convenient. Gas appliances are known for being super easy to operate. Turning them on is as quick and simple as pushing a button or flipping a switch, and there’s no need to tend to a fire, gather more wood, or clean up a messy ash pile at the end of it all.
• They’re smoke-free. If you’ve ever dealt with a smoky living space, you know how awful it can be. It makes your house smell, it messes with your ambiance, and it can trigger some nasty health issues too. With gas systems, smoke in your home is never a worry.
• They can help you save money. Because gas systems are so efficient, they can help you cut down your energy costs. Turn down your thermostat, gather around the hearth, and enjoy lower monthly payments – without sacrificing on heat.
• They’re aesthetically pleasing. Ok, sure – gas fireplaces can’t exactly replicate the sounds and smells of a wood fireplace… but they come pretty darn close. Nowadays, the flames are more realistic than ever. Or you can choose from other media options, like rocks or glass.
• They increase home value. Many include a fireplace on their “dream home wish list.” And if it’s gas? That’s all the better for a busy family who doesn’t want to invest a lot of time into a wood-burning system.

Direct Vent & Other Vented Gas Fireplaces

Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking, “Wow, another classification? What on earth is the difference between ‘direct vent’ and a normal ‘vented’ system?”

We get it. All of these terms can make coming to a decision a bit overwhelming, which is why we’re here to ease your conscience and give you as much information as we can.

• Direct vent: Created in the 1980s, direct vent gas fireplaces are the newest way to effectively release exhaust produced by a gas log-fueled fire. They feature a glass plate that completely seals off the unit from the inside of the home, and they utilize outside air to create combustion, making them the most efficient of all the types of gas logs. Based on their design, they are quite versatile and can be placed almost anywhere since they do not need to be vented vertically (the way a traditional wood or other gas-fueled fireplace does).
• Vented: A normal vented gas log fireplace system is probably exactly what you’re picturing – logs made from a heat-resistant material sitting atop a burner that is fueled by either propane or natural gas. They are located within an existing prefab or traditional masonry chimney/fireplace and, much like a wood-fueled fire, these gas logs require some sort of chimney/piping system in order to release the exhaust and other fumes naturally created during a fire.

Ventless Gas Log Fireplaces

Quite popular in the south, unvented gas systems are designed to produce lesser amounts of combustion byproducts and fumes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t produce any. Vent-free gas fireplaces are good at creating radiant heat that emanates from the logs and into the living area, but, since they do not require the utilization of any kind of exhaust release, the combustion fumes that are produced – no matter the volume – circulate back into your home. For this reason, they are not meant to operate for longer than 3-4 hours at a time.

Which Is Safer? Vented or Ventless Gas Logs?

Generally speaking, we prefer vented gas logs because no matter how little or how long they remain lit, all of the noxious gases and chemicals are vented up and out of a chimney. That said, as long as your ventless logs are stacked correctly and installed according to the manufacturer’s exact specifications and you only use the system for a couple hours at a time as they are designed, you shouldn’t have a problem.

As with all fireplace systems, no matter the fuel they burn and how they’re vented, there is always a danger of exposure to harmful fumes and chemicals. Like we’ve mentioned, a natural byproduct of combustion is a host of different dangerous pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and the potential presence of hydrocarbons or aldehydes. If you take care of your system and utilize it according to its design, you significantly decrease the risk of chemical and exhaust-related dangers.

If you’re still not sure what type of gas log fireplace would best suit your needs, give us a call! We’d love to chat with you about all the options that are available for your Southwest Missouri or Northwest Arkansas home.

Does a gas log fireplace or gas fireplace insert need to be checked? How often?

Absolutely. Gas logs might not create the creosote, soot, and other buildup found in traditional wood combustion, but over time and depending on use, their soot can build up within the firebox as well as the inside of the chimney flue. If your chimney is not inspected every year, you run the risk of accumulating smoke particles and other debris that can put you at risk of experiencing dangers, like carbon monoxide in your home.

Aside from the shared chimney dangers of wood-burning fuel, gas logs and gas inserts also require their own checks and maintenance so that they remain as effective, efficient, and safe as possible. So, what does a gas-fueled fireplace and chimney inspection entail?

• Ensure the gas intake line is properly connected and not leaking
• Check that all burner parts are working properly
• Verify that the logs are placed and stacked correctly for proper and optimal burning/heat production
• Refresh/replace whatever media is located under the burner (e.g. lava rocks, glass beads, stones, etc.)

Another thing we commonly find, and one that is unique to propane-fueled gas fireplaces, is that spiders are attracted to something in the propane and will create nests and build webs over and around the burning system. If you light a fire that, unbeknownst to you, has a web or a nest covering one of the burn ports, it will affect the way your fire burns by either creating soot production or using an excessive amount of fuel.

Sorry, arachnophobes – we hate it too! But that’s why we’re here – to get our hands dirty (and potentially spider web-y…) to make sure that you don’t have to.

Is it Cheaper To Repair or Replace a Gas Log Fireplace?

Great question. Honestly, it’s going to depend and, unfortunately, whether or not you need to repair vs. replace is going to be determined by other factors than simply cost. What does that mean? Well, provided you maintain your gas log fireplace well and are on top of it whenever you notice oddities or inefficiencies, your set of gas logs can last upwards of 10 years. If, however, you rarely (or never) get them inspected and/or they are used improperly, they may only last between three to five years.

What are signs that my gas logs need replacing?

However, never discount the possibility that even if you do use your fireplace according to its directions and you have it inspected annually, you could still need to replace your gas logs. Sometimes life just happens, so if you notice any of the following, stop using your fireplace until you’re able to have a professional come out and take a look at it:

• The logs look faded or otherwise discolored
• The flame is not burning as brightly as it once did
• There is a presence of physical damage like chips or cracks in the logs
• An odor is coming from the fireplace
• Soot and ash is beginning to accumulate

In need of an industry professional? Our team of Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps are just the ones for the job.

What are signs that my gas logs need repairs?

This one might be a bit more obvious. Your logs likely require some level of repair if, for whatever reason, they don’t seem to be working properly. Many times, if your gas logs are operated by a remote control, they may suddenly stop working because the remote battery is dead. Always check this first before assuming that something more serious is the problem.

That said, if that is not the issue it could be any of these:

• There is a clog or a leak somewhere in your gas line
• The gas igniter is damaged and not sparking
• The gas valve may be closed
• The pilot light – the part of the system that triggers heat generation – may be off

This list is, of course, not exhaustive and there could be something else going on that is affecting the operation of your gas logs. If your system is not functioning properly, stop using it and call in an industry professional from Ozark Stove & Chimney to take a look and determine what chimney repair services you might need. Dial 417-386-3897 or schedule a spot online today.

Generally speaking, the gas log models available exert anywhere between 10,000-70,000 BTUs an hour (if specifically designed for efficiency) or 60,000-90,000 BTUs an hour on average. In terms of cost, the gas you choose to use will be a factor, but typically, a gas fireplace fuel usage may cost you anywhere between $59-$126 a month depending on the size of the fireplace and how often you use it.

As far as climate goes, here in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas, we do have pretty cold winters, but rather mild temperatures throughout the rest of the year. Unless you like to use your fireplace all year round, you likely will not be using as much gas to heat your home as, say, someone living a bit further north. 

Still have questions? Give us a call or reach out online. Someone from our team would be happy to chat and answer all your questions about models, efficiency, and the best choice for your home.

Do Remote Control Gas Logs Require Electricity?

This depends on the specific system that you have, but no, for the most part traditional gas log inserts do not require electricity to function. Because their ignition source is directly connected to a gas line, while you will most likely need to manually light the pilot light, you should otherwise be able to utilize your remote control gas logs without issue in a power outage.

However, as with any other flame-producing or gas-utilizing appliance, it is important to make sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector installed, regardless of the status of your electricity. While gas log fireplaces are safe to utilize with and/or without power, any device or appliance that requires gas to operate can still pose dangerous risks, especially if it’s not being used as intended. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and thus, without a detector, can go unnoticed. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly if not caught in time, which is why having devices installed to detect its presence is an absolute essential if you’re going to have gas-fueled appliances.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Gas Fireplace?

We always hesitate to give any kind of estimate until someone from our team has come out to see your space, system, setup, etc. because, much like everything else in this industry, it depends.

First, we have to know whether or not you’re starting from scratch and deciding to go straight to a gas log fireplace or if you wish to convert your current fireplace to a gas-burning one.

Some common questions that we’ll ask to get you an estimate include:

• Do you currently utilize a traditional wood-burning fireplace/chimney system?
• What are you looking for in a gas fireplace? Heat efficiency or a resemblance to the authentic, traditional wood-burning fireplace?
• How many hours per day do you think you’d be using it?
• Would ventless or vented be better?

For accurate pricing (as well as recommendations and advice), reach out to someone on our team. We love fireplaces and we love helping our customers choose the best product for their needs, all while ensuring all associated costs are fair and appropriate. Give us a call to learn more about gas fireplace options and pricing. We look forward to learning how we can assist you.

Can I Install/Clean a Gas Log Set Myself?

Okay, we know how tempting it is. Especially after you’ve spent hours digging through YouTube videos and how-to guides online… but working with gas can be extremely dangerous if you’re not properly trained or experienced. Gas fireplaces or inserts may seem rather simple in terms of their setup, but there is a lot that goes into ensuring gas logs are connected correctly, stacked properly, and generally set up for success – like checking that thermocouples, thermopiles, electronic ignition systems are adjusted and working to specifications.

We always recommend working with a professional chimney/heating company (like us) when it comes to all things fireplace and home heating. While these appliances may appear to be straightforward and simple, there is so much more going on behind the scenes – and if not done correctly, can pose numerous dangers to your home and family.

It’s better (and safer) to call in the experts here at Ozark Stove & Chimney. We are highly trained and know how to perform chimney cleanings properly and efficiently. Plus, ensuring that your system is set up for success from the get-go means that you’ll save money in the long run… that definitely seems like a big win to us.

Ready To Schedule Your Service? Count on Us To Get the Job Done Right

Are you ready to take the next step? Whether it’s as simple as a routine cleaning or a complex chimney repair job, our team is the one to call. Ozark Stove & Chimney is here for all your gas log service, maintenance, and installation needs. For homeowners in Benton County, AR, Greene County, MO, and anywhere else in Southwest Missouri or Northwest Arkansas, there’s no one better or more trustworthy than us. Book an appointment online or call us at 417-201-6586 to learn more about what we can do for you.

 

Getting heat into your home can be achieved by several means, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and Central Boiler Outdoor Furnaces.