Converting a Wood Burning Fireplace to a Gas Fireplace

If the thought of a low maintenance fireplace makes you feel all warm inside, but the thought of building a fire, keeping it lit, and keeping a clean fireplace hearth stresses you out, you might be a good candidate for a gas conversion fireplace.

Yes, we can turn your wood-burning fireplace into gas one. Converting an old fireplace into a more modern, quick to turn-on fireplace makes it easier to use for more time during the year.

We are chimney sweeps and this blog might seem counter-productive to try and convert our customers to a more self-sufficient fireplaces that require less cleaning, but realistically we want our customers to be happy. Besides, some people prefer wood. We don’t judge, we just provide the best fireplace services we can.

Benefits of a Gas Fireplace Insert:

Life is busy in and out of your Western Chicago suburban home. Having a fire in most homes is a luxury rather than necessity, so creating a more simple way to light and keep the fire going means switching out an older inefficient fireplace with a newer less drafty gas fireplace. The convenience, the health and safety of the upgrade, and the energy efficiencies make it a worthwhile home upgrade.

Why Would Someone Still Want a Wood-burning Fireplace?

Most people that choose to burn wood do it for the traditional look, feel, and habit of having a wood fire. A gas fireplace can replace many things, but not the smell and ambiance of a real fire. Some older wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are very efficient, and replacing them with gas would not be a huge cost savings year over year.

What Are My Gas Fireplace Options?

1. Gas inserts – These units are sealed permanent units with glass fronts, like their wood-burning counterparts. An efficient way to heat your home,, and depending on the cost of wood and efficiency of your old fireplace, maybe an even more cost effective option for your home. Newer models include an electronic ignition (with battery backup for power outages) which replaces the inefficient pilot light of the older ones.
2. Vented gas logs – The best bet for an open look fireplace with big pretty fire for aesthetics, not necessarily for warmth. Although not as efficient as a gas insert, this will set the room’s ambiance. Some are match lit  while others can be started with a remote control that can ignite the pilot light.
3. Vent-free gas logs – Ventless fireplaces do not require chimneys, and there are some varying degrees of acceptance of these units. Some cities and municipalities have banned these for safety measures. If you are considering one of these, be sure to hire an expert to install it and have it inspected annually. An ill-performing vent-free gas fireplace could cause carbon monoxide poisoning inside your home.

Are Gas Inserts Really That Easy To Use?

You’re a homeowner. You’ve probably changed a filter or two, found the breaker box, or cleaned a gutter. No? Don’t worry, it’s easier than that. In some gas fireplace models, you simply flick a switch, and in other models you drop in a match. Easy breezy beautiful, fire.

What Will It Take To Convert Our Fireplace To Gas?

We can’t stress this enough, but having a professional chimney sweep do your installation is essential. The first thing we do is inspect your current fireplace, firebox, chimney, and chimney top.

Once we learn what you like and dislike about your current fireplace, we will make a few recommendations and quote you a price. Whether you choose a built-in gas unit, prefab gas firebox, or a gas log replacement feature, we’ll get it ordered and come back to install it for you.

We want you to be happy and enjoy your fireplace. If you have been wanting to get a gas fireplace, go for it. You might make fires a lot more once you have one.

Valley Chimney Sweep & Restoration is the homeowner’s choice for chimney service and fireplace repair in the Far Western Chicago Suburbs. Located in Yorkville, but servicing Naperville, Wheaton, Joliet, and a lot further, we will help you make the best choice for your fireplace needs before it gets too cold out!