Community Chat

[monicakm]

When we added onto the house in 2000, the real wood burning fireplace was plumbed for propane in case we ever wanted to go that route.  I wanted to go that route from the very beginning but the den was his man cave and he's all about keeping it real.  So for 24 years he's been cutting or buying firewood.  Two days ago he said my Christmas present was setting up the fireplace for gas logs.  I still can't believe it!  I have waited SO long for this day.  Just sit back in my football recliner and click a remote to have a fire   He doesn't like that we're going to have the same flame all the time.  I'm looking for tips.  The first tip I got was from someone dh talked to who installs them in new houses.  He said not to use Lowes, Home Depot, Amazon.  He said if something goes wrong, you won't have anyone who will come out to service it.  Also to go ventless...I knew that part.  So is there any advice you guys can share with me please?

[Kachina624]

@monicakm.  I converted my fireplace to natural gas logs when I bought this house 25 years ago.  I haven't used it for about 10 years because it really escalates my gas bill.

I went to a fireplace store after I had the gas line installed.  I bought the ceramic logs and they installed them.  I have no confidence in the work done by big box stores either after several bad experiences. 

After the mess of firewood and cleaning out ashes, the gas logs are a joy.

[Eileen in Virginia]

Go to an established company whose only business is INSTALLING and servicing gas fireplaces. We have several companies here that service gas fireplaces, but they don't install them. Therefore, they only know the basics and can't handle more complicated problems. The company we use is very much in demand, to the point that they only service fireplaces they installed. Their showroom has dozens of fireplaces to choose from and the sales associates are well-versed in the various aspects of everything they sell. A few years ago, I thought I was going to have to replace our entire log set, but the salesman told me I really only needed a new burner at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy your new gas fireplace!

[bmorechick]

@monicakm   While I know not a thing about a fireplace, may I offer up Cen-Tex fireplace solutions in Troy, Texas.  I only know about them because it is my close friend's son's business.  Apparently he does well and has worked on fireplaces with the couple who renovate and flip houses in Texas, I think their last name is Gaines.  I'm sure you can locate their contact number.  

My daughter has the gas fireplace but that thing breathes air out in the winter like an ice dragon. She keeps it covered year round with a fireplace blanket.  🥶

[SilleeMee]

If you don't already have one, or if the one you have is older than ten years  (some last only five years), get a carbon monoxide detector. They don't last forever.

[monicakm]

@Eileen in Virginia 

So you are saying exactly what the guy my husband spoke with.   Yeah, I'll buy my appliances from the big box stores with a warranty but he didn't have to tell us twice!

[monicakm]

@bmorechick 

Something isn't right with your daughter's fireplace.  Maybe she has a vented system.

I just Googled Cen-Tex.  It's 2 hrs and 37 mins away.  I"ll see if they have a store in Tyler.  There is not one close.  I'm sorry

[Kachina624]

@monicakm.  Call and ask if they're ever in your area.  Business people in small towns in your neck of the woods are accustomed to traveling.

[monicakm]

OK @Kachina624.  I'll tell DH.  He will be the one in charge of this.

[Kachina624]

---

@bmorechick wrote:

@monicakm   While I know not a thing about a fireplace, may I offer up Cen-Tex fireplace solutions in Troy, Texas.  I only know about them because it is my close friend's son's business.  Apparently he does well and has worked on fireplaces with the couple who renovate and flip houses in Texas, I think their last name is Gaines.  I'm sure you can locate their contact number.  

My daughter has the gas fireplace but that thing breathes air out in the winter like an ice dragon. She keeps it covered year round with a fireplace blanket.  🥶

---

@bmorechick.  I have the opposite problem.  I have tight glass doors on my fireplace but always feel a strong draft in the room.  I even asked my AC guy if a fan could be running somewhere.   Of course he said no.  You'll see me mentioning warm clothes often in winter.

By the way, most city codes require the damper be always open.  Here they have to be welded so they can't be closed.  Maybe that's  your daughters problem.  Does she have glass doors?