Remove the old logs from the fireplace. Gas logs are a staple of new homes, in favor of the older wood burning fireplaces. This prevents soot from infiltrating into the new log. While a professional will need to hook up this unique fireplace solution, there is no need for costly renovations when a Gas Log Set is chosen. Or if you’re installing a new gas log fireplace, the next step would be to tie a winch to a foam inset that fits inside your chimney and then pour mortar on top. Here are some suggestions to highlight the range of the possibilities. Fireplace Services. Can the glass doors on my fireplace be closed when my gas logs are burning? Actually a cast iron heater with gas logs inside. Attach screened cover to the top of the chimney. I have someone wanting me to install a thermostat on gas logs. You need to be sure your fireplace is factory built and has been assembled properly in compliance with all instructions. They have historical precedent, too: Victorian gas fire-log inserts were a fashion statement beginning around 1890. These fireplaces start out as wood burning fireplaces, but at some point someone decides that building a wood fire is too much work and artificial firelogs are ugly, so they have a gas log installed. Vented gas log fireplaces burn more gas than the other types and may draw heat up the chimney, but cost less to install than a gas insert. Inserts are usually cut in various sizes to suit your preferences and needs. Open a window slightly while the gas logs are burning to let fresh air enter the room. Like gas logs and gas fireplaces, your gas insert comes in the vented and vent-free models. If you are installing gas logs in an existing fireplace, you’ll need to make sure the logs will work in that space. Call 513-248-9600 to schedule now! Put on some work gloves and remove the logs from the burner, then dispose of them accordingly. Direct vent gas-burning fireplaces. If you have specific questions regarding your chimney system, feel free to give me the details in the comments section or on the Askthechimneysweep forum. Finally, disconnect the old burner from the gas line and discard it. Clean the Fireplace It has a set of wires (tied together) for a remote control on/off switch. Maria t. said "Enes, the service rep did a great job on our gas fireplace repair. He also installed the gas line and an automatic electric damper and provided valuable advice. Yes, you can easily add a gas fireplace insert into your existing chimney. The trouble with with venting a gas fireplace into an oversized chimney is one of draft (it may not be very good) and, more importantly, condensation. Instead of chopping wood and hauling logs, a flip of the switch will instantly ignite a realistic wood fire. Gas appliances are not permitted to have manual dampers, as you found in the code section you referenced. Gas Fireplace Average Costs . Tighten connection using an adjustable wrench. Our NFI- and CSIA-certified technicians can install a convenient and efficient new gas fireplace in your home, or make your existing wood-burning fireplace easier to use and enjoy by installing gas logs. Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? How do I convert my wood-burning fireplace that has a gas log set installed back to wood? Both gas and propane require a system of piping to bring the fuel into the house. Connect the gas line to the logs and turn on the gas to the fireplace. Connect burner plate to gas line with gas line connector. Spray fireplace with high-temperature paint and let it dry. They produce tall, golden flames and are a very realistic-looking replacement for real wood logs. Vented gas logs are burned with the damper open and look very much like a real wood fire. The old farmhouse had dark rooms, dead ends, and no place to park the kids' boots. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! These gas inserts usually have a greater heat output than conventional gas logs and may resemble a wood burning insert. Sweep the chimney to remove any excess dirt or debris.2. Tie a winch to foam inset that fits your chimney. Licensed gas plumbers and contractors typically do the installation for gas inserts and log sets. We recommend installing the log lighter within 1 inch below the log grate. If the fireplace has been burning wood logs, have the chimney and firebox cleaned by a professional service before installing a gas log. Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor works with a professional chimney expert to repair a clay chimney and reignite an old fireplace with a gas log. Tighten connection using an adjustable wrench. In this video, Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor works with a professional chimney expert to repair a clay chimney and reignite an old fireplace with a gas log. Fireplace installation costs between $100 and $5,600 depending on the type. Wipe some of the water around the connection to look for air bubbles. 1) Adding vented gas logs to existing wood burning fireplace – Vented gas logs are usually the most realistic visual burning option compared to a real wood fire. Gas fireplaces can provide your home with heat during the winter at a fuel-efficient cost and with a stylish ambiance. Attach screened cover to the top of the chimney.9. To begin, set the fireplace on a platform and install the exhaust piping at the top or back of the stove. Running gas to the starter might be a little more problematic, mainly due to the age of the piping. Step 4 – Connect Fireplace Line to the Gas Pipe Set the burner into position and use a masonry bit to drill holes in the brick in the firebox (if not already present). Heat Output: Medium to low (depending on vented or unvented gas logs) Cost: From $150 to over $2,000 depending on the quality and installation Time to Install: Installation could be less than half a day Replace Your Gas Logs Most people agree that a fireplace makes a house feel more like a home. Both methods help reduce your cost to install gas fireplace. You may want to wear protective gloves to keep your hands clean and protected. The best rated gas fireplace logs product is the Split Red Oak 18 in. Can I remove my gas logs and burn wood on the hearth kit? How much do gas fireplace logs cost? Installing A Wood Stove Pipe Into An Existing Chimney. Ventless fireplaces are limited in the fuel they can burn because of the fact that they have no exhaust for fumes. Seattle Fireplace. If you see bubbles, tighten the connection one-quarter turn more or until you no longer see bubbles around the connection. Assuming the gas lines in the house are as old as the house itself, they are more than 70 years old. There is a chimney and gas furnace. Shut off the gas before installing your gas logs. It has a flame adjustment but no actual thermostat for room temperature. Most electric fireplaces feature cool touch glass to protect against contact burns, too. Particularly if this is an exterior chimney (i.e. Sweep the chimney to remove any excess dirt or debris. To install damper, feed pull-chain wire down through chimney.7. Always use a log grate over your log lighter, keeping the logs and main fire off of your gas starter pipe. installing a gas fireplace in old house that may have had a wood fireplace in the past. Gas logs come in vented and ventless versions. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps. Just make sure the fireplace has been professionally cleaned and you purchase the right sized logs. Run the other end of the gas line to the place where you cut the gas pipe. While some homeowners may prefer the smell and appearance of a traditional wood fireplace, gas fireplace logs are much easier to light, cleaner to run, can provide more heat to your home, and depending on your budget, can look almost as real as their counterpart. Pull up foam inset using the winch to fill in the joints of the liner with mortar.5. Bigger is not always better. Vented logs are the least expensive option as well – varying between $400 to $1,000 per set, depending on the size of the fireplace, the log set chosen, the burner and other burning enhancements. This article will explain how to choose the right size and install an electric fireplace insert inside of an existing masonry fireplace. it is no longer a solid-fuel-burning appliance. He was professional, thorough, and... " read more. All rights reserved. Economical. What is the best rated gas fireplace logs product? HI All, We have a house built in 1860. Running gas to the starter might be a little more problematic, mainly due to the age of the piping. Then, attach a brass fitting to the fireplace gas valve, applying plumbers tape to the threads and tightening with a pipe wrench. When we think of an indoor gas fireplace we think of imitation gas logs. 2. The cost to install a gas fireplace is $2,300 to $4,000, a traditional wood-burning fireplace runs $1,900 to $3,300, and an electric fireplace costs $100 to $2,200.Building a masonry fireplace costs $3,500 to $5,600.. But modern gas fireplace come pretty close, and without the drawbacks of wood. Or if you’re installing a new gas log fireplace, the next step would be to tie a winch to a foam inset that fits inside your chimney and then pour mortar on top. While gas logs may go with some décor and some are quite beautiful, many people want a more updated look for their fireplace. Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor works with a professional chimney expert to repair a clay chimney and reignite an old fireplace with a gas log. One popular look is to replace the gas logs with a burner pan filled with fire glass. Install the gas log kit. They are more expensive than gas logs, but less expensive than a fully built-in gas fireplace. However, in general, the process looks somewhat like this: Turn off the gas. one that is built into the side of the house), you should seriously consider getting the old … Therefore when it comes time to sell, homes with gas fireplaces have an advantage. Vented gas logs are your best option if you don’t care about adding heat, don’t plan to use the fireplace often or are mostly interested in how the fire looks. Some come with remote controls, which allow you to turn them on from the comfort of your couch. Gas logs and inserts are convenient, as you can turn them on with a flip of a switch. Remove the old logs from the fireplace. Connect burner plate to gas line with gas line connector. A masonry fireplace typically consists of a brick exterior with a cement crown and chimney cap on the outside with clay flue tiles lining the inside. How to Replace Gas Logs. Spray fireplace with high-temperature paint and let it dry. They are less expensive and look the best, but they put less heat into the room and more heat up the chimney. You may want to wear protective gloves to keep your hands clean and protected. Attach short section of stovepipe to exhaust port on rear of fireplace… Only burn the gas logs for a few hours at a time. The Home Depot carries Natural Gas, Propane, Dual Fuel (NG & LP) and more. How to Replace Gas Logs. Gas controls should never be installed inside the firebox. Step 1: Choose a Fuel. Before installing wood burning stoves in our existing fireplaces, we had to consider how the chimney for the fireplace would be utilized. Many people prefer the convenience of gas logs that provide a warm glow and heat similar to a log fire. Next, use the winch to pull up the foam inset to fill the sides with mortar. video for S19 E9: Reclaimed Wood Mantel, Geothermal Installation, How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel. Cut hole through exterior house wall and install stovepipe thimble. Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor works with a professional chimney expert to repair a clay chimney and reignite an old fireplace with a gas log. Lee F. said "Max converted our fireplace to gas logs/glass. As the name implies, free standing gas log fires stand separate from the wall. The first step is getting your old fireplace cleaned and inspected. Never go to sleep and leave unvented gas logs burning. The fireplace uses natural or propane gas and synthetic logs to provide an attractive heat source. Design Rooms Bathroom Bedroom ... All together, installing a gas log set can cost between $500 and $1,200, including the equipment and materials. Place grate over burner plate. Your old gas fireplace clashes with your modern tastes ? The choices are natural gas, propane, and gel fuel. Installation adds $200 to $350 extra to cover a licensed contractor and a new gas outlet. What types of gas fireplace logs does The Home Depot carry? They are simply installed into an existing wood fireplace opening. Some also come with timers that control the amount of fire burning at any given time. Place damper on the top of the chimney and caulk the sides using a caulk gun. Close • Posted by just now. Vented gas log sets offer a full, authentic-looking flame presentation with plenty of ambiance while ventless gas log sets provide a reliable and efficient heating source.. Vented gas logs are designed to be used in an existing wood burning fireplace with a fully functional chimney. However, in general, the process looks somewhat like this: Turn off the gas. Gas logs provide the warmth and beauty of a wood-burning fireplace without the work or mess. Join This Old House INSIDER to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbHPlus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet:https://bit.ly/34RYEP5Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFBTwitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitterhttp://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitterPinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterestInstagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIGhttp://bit.ly/AskTOHIGFor more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsiteHow to Install a Gas Log Fireplace | Ask This Old Househttps://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ These cost from $1,200 to $2,900, plus another $600 to $1,000 for professional installation. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey upgrades an old wood-burning fireplace. Connect the gas line to the logs and turn on the gas to the fireplace. Set the fireplace logs in place inside the fireplace. Here are the average prices installed, which includes the flue, vent, or chimney. HI All, We have a house built in 1860. Choosing a Gas Fireplace. Free Standing Gas Log Fires Installation. How can I install gas logs if my gas line comes in from the left side? Wipe some of the water around the connection to look for air bubbles. Overview of Fireplace Gas Logs. It’s hard to beat a crackling wood fire on a chilly night. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. The replacement process for gas logs varies depending on the model you’ll be installing. Pick an area of the room that will be both visually appealing and practical. Ventless gas logs do not need a pipe or chimney and cost from $350 to $600. Place fire granules underneath the logs and on top of burner plate to help disperse flame. Whether you’re thinking about installing a new fireplace in an existing home or you’re ready to upgrade from your old wood burning fireplace, a gas fireplace is an excellent option to choose from. Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Logs With Remote. A thermostat, remote control or switch turns the flames on and off. The detector will b… Then use masonry screws to secure the burner into place. Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Logs With Remote. Arrange ceramic logs on top of grate.14. Inserts and stand-alone coal baskets or woodstoves can be a good choice for retrofitting a traditional fireplace for better energy efficiency and safety, or for getting flames into a non-functioning original fireplace. The average cost for clients of My Hoosier Hearth for a vent-free box, logs, cabinet and installation can cost $2,000–$4,000. Although you can install a gas fireplace on your own, you should consider speaking with a licensed contractor since you'll be working with gas and electricity. They choose between a gas fireplace kit (or gas log kit), which provides the look of real burning logs, or a gas fireplace inserts that are placed inside the fireplace. The price variance depends greatly on how much gas line needs to be installed as well as the customer’s appliance (fireplace) choice. Tie a winch to foam inset that fits your chimney.3. The most common style is a direct-vent log fireplace, which can be vented directly out of the wall or ceiling. It’s hard to beat a crackling wood fire on a chilly night. Unsafe levels of carbon monoxide cannot be detected by smell or sight and can cause death. Begin by removing the old log set. Place grate over burner plate.13. You can return to that age old tradition though, with a ventless fireplace. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. There are two types of electric inserts - firebox inserts and log inserts. For an older masonry fireplace, you can run a metal flue inside the old masonry chimney. Vented gas logs require a working existing chimney and cost from $300 to … Coat the smoke chamber with a spray-on, insulated mortar. Masonry Fireplace (Clay flue liners) You may install a vented gas log set in a masonry fireplace as long as it is not damaged. Gas fired inserts have been designed to be installed in fireplaces. Pour mortar into the top of the chimney.4. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. There are some inexpensive ways to transform your tired-looking gas fireplace into a sophisticated, modern fireplace that both provides warmth and enhances your décor. Pour mortar into the top of the chimney. Pull up foam inset using the winch to fill in the joints of the liner with mortar. Place fire granules underneath the logs and on top of burner plate to help disperse flame.Chimney liner repair and gas log installation are professional projects. The following are instructions for installing a gas fireplace, which will be vented out of the wall. How to Hook Up a Natural Gas Log in an Existing Fireplace. Advantages of a Gas Fireplace Efficiency. Assuming the gas lines in the house are as old as the house itself, they are more than 70 years old. Be certain to purchase the correct unit for your fuel supply. Carbon monoxide is caused when fuels, such as the natural gas used with your gas logs, are not completely burned. installing a gas fireplace in old house that may have had a wood fireplace in the past. But modern gas fireplace come pretty close, and without the drawbacks of wood. Attach damper latch to the fireplace.10. Coat the smoke chamber with a spray-on, insulated mortar.6. )SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouseKevin heads to Fort Worth, Texas to help a homeowner reignite her old gas fireplace.Shopping List for How to Install a Gas Log Fireplace:- Mortar- Damper- High-temperature paint- Caulk- Ceramic gas log kitTools List for How to Install a Gas Log Fireplace:- Chimney sweep brush- Foam inset to match specific chimney- Caulk gun- Adjustable wrenchSteps for How to Install a Gas Log Fireplace:1. An insert can make an existing fireplace more efficient, and it can also cost less than installing an entirely new fireplace. The best rated gas fireplace logs product is the Split Red Oak 18 in. We can convert an existing fireplace to gas with new gas logs for the convenience of gas heat, but the warmth of a real fire. Choosing a Gas Fireplace. Whether you’re thinking about installing a new fireplace in an existing home or you’re ready to upgrade from your old wood burning fireplace, a gas fireplace is an excellent option to choose from. Remove the old gas logs. In addition to gas logs, several other gas products have been developed for fireplace use. Install the gas log kit. Fireplace Cost. They produce tall, golden flames and are a very realistic-looking replacement for real wood logs. Place fire granules underneath the logs and on top of burner plate to help disperse flame. That a fireplace insert usually costs between $ 100 and $ 5,600 on... Include fans and thermostats ) and more gloves and remove the old grate for disposal your gas varies. Like gas logs and main fire off of your gas insert comes in from the burner, then of. Natural or propane gas and synthetic logs to provide an attractive heat source did a job! Console models are typically placed up against the wall fireplace installation costs between $ 100 and $.. 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