How To Convert To Gas Logs

Converting your wood-burning fireplace to gas logs comes with several benefits. Read on to familiarize yourself with the process.

Converting your wood-burning fireplace to gas logs can come with several benefits, especially if you're a homeowner who loves having a fire going. Opting for a gas log set will eliminate the hassle of having to purchase firewood on a regular basis. Gas logs are also convenient because they require little to no maintenance, unlike natural wood that produces ash, residue, and other varying health hazards. While you’ll still need to have your fireplace and chimney routinely inspected, gas logs will make the process of starting a fire easier and faster than ever.

Have Your Chimney Inspected

Some homeowners might think that their chimneys no longer serve much of a purpose after transitioning to gas logs, especially since they aren’t burning real wood. However, all fires within the home pose varying levels of risk and proper ventilation is key to safety. Gas logs, depending on their type, arrangement, and other factors, still produce byproducts like water vapor or carbon monoxide that can cause damage if not professionally installed. The latter can be extremely dangerous and result in life-threatening conditions if not strictly monitored. Ensuring that your chimney is free of any faults or structural issues is the first step to take before installing your new gas log set.

Is Your Ash Dump Is Sealed?

There is a chance that your firebox has an ash dump, and sealing this is a crucial part of your gas log installation. This access door, which is usually located in the center of a firebox, collects ash produced from natural wood to make cleaning your fireplace an easier process. Because you are no longer burning natural wood when using gas logs, this helpful feature no longer serves a purpose, but rather poses a safety risk. This access door can pool gas that is being released from your logs, and ultimately expose your living space to harmful byproducts.

Homeowners that are not sure if their firebox comes with an ash dump should have it inspected and properly sealed if found. This is another safety procedure that cannot be skipped before purchasing your new gas log set.

Hire A Professional to Install Your Gas Log Set

Failure to install gas logs in their correct placement can result in flame impingement. This dangerous condition results from the logs blocking the flames, which ultimately produces carbon monoxide in the home. A certified professional will know how to properly arrange your set to avoid this hazard.

While gas logs are intended to simplify your fireplace setup, chances are you still want your fire to look as natural as possible. Luckily for you, most gas log brands are specifically crafted to look like real wooden logs and have flames that resemble natural fire to various degrees. With that being said, the design of these artificial sets is essential to their safe usage. That is why a professional should be trusted with the proper installation of your set. Lastly, if your fireplace does not have the necessary gas line, a professional can run the line for you.

Vented vs. Ventless Gas Logs

Gas logs on the market today are available in two variations: vented & ventless. A big difference structurally is vented gas logs require a functioning chimney, but there are other functional differences between the two styles.

Vented gas logs are known to produce large and realistic flames, like natural wood. These pieces also do not have a BTU limit, meaning they can endure varying levels of heat without concern of them cracking or producing harmful byproducts in the home. These ceramic or cement pieces can be rearranged to create a realistic look in your hearth, and they can handle direct contact with flames. The expansive ember bed that comes with using these logs also contributes to its natural appearance.

The major downsides to using vented gas logs are their potential health risks. Homeowners must ensure that their chimney damper is opened to provide adequate ventilation. Failure to do so can result in a dangerous build-up of harmful byproducts and smoke in your home. Another element to consider about constantly ventilating your chimney is that most of the heat produced by your burner is lost through the chimney. That is why vented gas logs are often deemed to be an aesthetic choice, rather than a feature meant for heating. It has been calculated that about 90% of the warmth produced by your flame is lost when using these sets.

Ventless gas logs, on the other hand, do not require a proper chimney or ventilation when in use. The two major pros of using these sets are that they produce a clean, smoke-free flame while achieving nearly 100% efficiency. These sets are also deemed safe to use in the home because most of their byproducts consist of water vapor and carbon dioxide. Harmful byproducts, like carbon monoxide, are minimal and not considered to be a significant threat to your health. Other benefits include lower consumption of gas, ANSI Certification on all models, and an Oxygen Depletion Sensor that shuts off your burner if oxygen levels in your home drop below 18%.

Ventless gas logs offer a higher heat output but, at the expense of realism. The flames produced with ventless gas logs are not as large or realistic as ones achieved from vented sets. Homeowners can expect smaller and blue-colored flames. Lastly, these logs usually come pre-assembled and do not leave any room for personal customization. Flames cannot come into direct contact with ventless logs since this will cause flame impugnation with produces carbon monoxide. With no vent for the carbon monoxide to escape through it will be released back into the home. This is why it is essential to have the logs professionally installed.

Other byproducts produced by ventless gas logs include excessive moisture due to water vapor that can lead to mold or mildew in the home and the amplification of interior odors like candles, perfume, and air fresheners.

Converting Back to Wood-Burning

If you’ve ventured into gas logs and realized that you prefer the natural feel and look of wood-burning, you always have the option to reverse the process. First, you will need to hire a professional to remove your gas log set, dismantle your burner system, and cap your gas line. Fireboxes that come equipped will need to have their ash dump unsealed as well.

Once your gas log set has been completely removed, you’ll be required to clean your firebox and have a chimney sweep thoroughly inspect your chimney for faults or other potential hazards. After everything has been cleaned and cleared, you can happily use your fireplace with natural wood once again!

What About My Gas Line?

While transitioning from gas logs back to wood burning, the question of whether to remove your gas line might arise. If you choose to leave your gas intact, you have the option of installing a gas starter pipe in your fireplace. This feature provides gas directly to your hearth, meaning you don't need to use any kindling to start a fire later. All that will be required is a match, and you’re all set. Plus, if you or a future homeowner decided to transition back to a gas fireplace the option remains open. However, it should be noted that this only applies to natural gas. Gas starter pipes for propane are not recommended for indoor use and can lead to serious health & safety risks.

The Main Takeaways for Converting Your Fireplace

Whether you’re interested in converting your home fireplace from wood burning to gas logs or vice versa, there are three main takeaways that you should keep in mind before making a purchase:

Always Inspect Your Equipment and Infrastructure

Starting a fire in your home should never be taken lightly and can lead to dangerous results if not done properly. This means that every homeowner should be aware of the condition of their chimney, the setup of their firebox and whether their gas line is propane or natural gas. Take some time to familiarize yourself with your home and make an educated decision once you know what options you have to choose from.

Hire A Professional

While some of us might think we know what we’re doing, it’s never recommended to cut corners when dealing with your fireplace. An overlooked detail or minor mistake can have catastrophic consequences, which is why we suggest always consulting a professional. Have a trained professional install your gas log set, dismantle it, or inspect your chimney’s condition for optimal safety.

Understand The Differences Between Vented & Ventless Gas Logs

Some homeowners might choose between the two based on aesthetic preferences; however, the differences between these two products have large implications on your safety. Take time to learn which one works for your home’s infrastructure while also addressing your specific needs. Byproducts produced by these sets can be extremely harmful to both your health and home if used improperly. It should also be noted that some states and cities forbid the use of ventless gas logs within the home. Check your local regulations on fireplaces to learn more about what options you have before making a purchase.

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