Community Chat

[Roscoe the Rascal]

We had a fireplace that used wood and did it for years but also when we had it put in we had it set up to be converted to gas if we chose to.

We did the real fire for a long time and a lot work and mess as well.  Changed it over and had to get use to it but love it now.  I do not use it often but I did turn it on a couple times so far.   I like to watch a movie with the tree on and small fire going.  Just like the movies.

We used the same place that installed our fireplace to convert it.  Reputable outfit and does that line of work.  I say you go with a place that knows what they are doing.  

[Marp]

Has anyone with a wood burning fireplace investigated how much higher your homeowner's insurance is over having a gas fireplace?

In my area there is a significant difference is cost with the wood burning fireplaces causing higher rates.  Wood burning stoves have the highest rate impact.

[char1976]

We just purchased a ventless fireplace from a big box store. But because of the building codes in our county someone licensed had to install it. So we had the company that delivers our propane to install it. Ours is used as backup heat when the electricity goes out. This is a new build and we had it our previous house as well and have always been pleased with it.

[Carmie]

My sister had her fireplace converted to gas.  She called the natural gas company, UGI, in our area and they did the installation.  They also installed a gas lantern light by her front curb.

Don't forget your carbon monoxide detector if you go this route.  Actaully, if you are burning wood, you need this safety device too.

[bells4me]

Propane is VERY expensive here. No thanks.

[ladychas]

Built my retirement home in 2007 and insalled a DIRECT VENT (not ventless which is more dangerous) propane fireplace.  Used this off and on until 2017 because I had to remember to call to have propane filled and got quite expensive. Natural gaslines were installed on my street in 2017. I converted to natural gas which only required a minor change to the burner (cost $20). Started using the fireplace daily for most of the day due to the demand from my kitties. Noticed that in the coldest January we've had my Electric bill was not icreased like my neighbors who complaind theirs were $300-$500 more than usual. I have a large home (Electric heating by heat pump) and was expecting at least the $500 increase. Was pleasantly surprised when bill came and it was about my usual monthly bill with no increase.  Realized my fireplace is heating the first floor from about 8AM til Midnight without the heater coming on. (thermostat set for 62 Midnight-8AM). Saves me beaucoup bucks in the winter and makes my kitties very happy.

Most plumbers can handle gas fireplace issues since licensed plumbers are required to install gas lines at least here in my state. The one I used to convert hot water heater and fireplace from propane to natural gas was very familiar with the fireplace inner workings. I would definitely use them if I have fireplace problems in the future.

DIRECT VENT fireplaces have an intake and exhaust to outside or if you have a chimney can be vented through there.  Mine is sealed on the inside with glass front. Rated to heat 1400 sq ft. When building my home I found that VENTLESS fireplaces were very dangerous and could easily allow carbon monixide and/or gas to enter your home. Also depletes the O2 in your room so you need a CO alarm and an O2 alarm. VENTLESS fireplaces are Illegal in some areas for these reasons.

[monicakm]

@Coastalcarolina 

I have to think something is wrong with the installation for you to have a propane smell and soot.  

Back in the early to mid 90s, Rush Limbaugh had a 1/2 hour tv show.  He had a video fireplace in the background.  I found one and bought it.  It was a CD.  Like you, I now use YT

[monicakm]

@Kachina624 I have the perfect spot for an electric one on the wall in front of my bathtub.  The wall is shared with a linen closet.  There is more than enough room for an insert.  So far, my request has been denied

[monicakm]

@Roscoe the Rascal 

I say you go with a place that knows what they are doing.  

We will and those places won't be the big box stores.  We will probably be going to the city this week to start looking and talking to installers.  DH probably has some guys/companies in mind since he's a building contractor.  We will be going with propane.  We live in the country and there are no natural gas lines out here.  We'll be doing ventless.

[monicakm]

@Marp 

So we might be looking at lower homeowner ins by changing over to gas logs?