The first step is getting your old fireplace cleaned and inspected. All piping MUST be hard black pipe - NOT flex line. It has a set of wires (tied together) for a remote control on/off switch. Pull up foam inset using the winch to fill in the joints of the liner with mortar.5. Also, according to the Residential Cost Handbook, a gas fireplace has the potential to add an average of $5,900 to the value of a home. You’ll also want to remove the old grate for disposal. Put on some work gloves and remove the logs from the burner, then dispose of them accordingly. If the fireplace has been burning wood logs, have the chimney and firebox cleaned by a professional service before installing a gas log. Like gas logs and gas fireplaces, your gas insert comes in the vented and vent-free models. 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. How can I install gas logs if my gas line comes in from the left side? The Home Depot carries Natural Gas, Propane, Dual Fuel (NG & LP) and more. Overview of Fireplace Gas Logs. Coat the smoke chamber with a spray-on, insulated mortar.6. It’s hard to beat a crackling wood fire on a chilly night. 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/ Installation adds $200 to $350 extra to cover a licensed contractor and a new gas outlet. Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Logs With Remote. Attach screened cover to the top of the chimney.9. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. As the name implies, free standing gas log fires stand separate from the wall. Remove the old logs from the fireplace. Another conversion method uses top-vented gas fireplace inserts, which may include fans and thermostats. Connect burner plate to gas line with gas line connector. However, in general, the process looks somewhat like this: Turn off the gas. While gas logs may go with some décor and some are quite beautiful, many people want a more updated look for their fireplace. Not only does gas burn much cleaner, making it a better choice for the environment, but there are no messy logs to carry through the house or ashes to clean out. Most gas fireplace logs range from $20 to $2,000 in price. If you are installing gas logs in an existing fireplace, you’ll need to make sure the logs will work in that space. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps. Wipe some of the water around the connection to look for air bubbles. Design Rooms Bathroom Bedroom ... All together, installing a gas log set can cost between $500 and $1,200, including the equipment and materials. Install the gas log kit. An insert can make an existing fireplace more efficient, and it can also cost less than installing an entirely new fireplace. Running gas to the starter might be a little more problematic, mainly due to the age of the piping. Most electric fireplaces feature cool touch glass to protect against contact burns, too. Licensed gas plumbers and contractors typically do the installation for gas inserts and log sets. Therefore when it comes time to sell, homes with gas fireplaces have an advantage. In this video, This Old House host Kevin O'Connor explains how to install a gas fireplace. Pour mortar into the top of the chimney.4. Converting existing fireplaces to gas is the least expensive option for homeowners and involves simply inserting gas logs. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey upgrades an old wood-burning fireplace. HI All, We have a house built in 1860. How much do gas fireplace logs cost? Attach damper latch to the fireplace.10. It may have had a wood burning fireplace at one point, we are not sure. There are two types of electric inserts - firebox inserts and log inserts. 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.. 121 reviews. Sweep the chimney to remove any excess dirt or debris.2. It may have had a wood burning fireplace at one point, we are not sure. Connect the gas line to the logs and turn on the gas to the fireplace. Advantages of a Gas Fireplace Efficiency. How to Install Gas Logs. First, let's start with dimensions. You can return to that age old tradition though, with a ventless fireplace. Blowers sadly cannot be put on gas logs, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any viable solutions out there for you to try. Run the other end of the gas line to the place where you cut the gas pipe. This article will explain how to choose the right size and install an electric fireplace insert inside of an existing masonry fireplace. It has a flame adjustment but no actual thermostat for room temperature. 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. Not only does gas burn much cleaner, making it a better choice for the environment, but there are no messy logs to carry through the house or ashes to clean out. The choices are natural gas, propane, and gel fuel. 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 The best rated gas fireplace logs product is the Split Red Oak 18 in. installing a gas fireplace in old house that may have had a wood fireplace in the past. It’s actually an old wood burning fireplace (house built in 1928) but it has a gas log insert that also looks quite old. 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. Sweep the chimney to remove any excess dirt or debris. 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. Place fire granules underneath the logs and on top of burner plate to help disperse flame. How to Replace Gas Logs. Close • Posted by just now. Sweep the chimney to remove any excess dirt or debris. 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. Direct vent gas-burning fireplaces. Tighten connection using an adjustable wrench. For assistance and advice, contact a local chimney contractor.Expert assistance with this project was provided by Hale's Chimney and Cleaning Repair [https://www.haleschimney.com/].About Ask This Old House TV:Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Sweep the fireplace to get rid of extra debris. Gas logs are a staple of new homes, in favor of the older wood burning fireplaces. Both methods help reduce your cost to install gas fireplace. My parent’s chimneys needed to be lined with stainless steel flue liners before the wood stoves could be installed. Finally, disconnect the old burner from the gas line and discard it. Spray fireplace with high-temperature paint and let it dry.11. Step 4 – Connect Fireplace Line to the Gas Pipe Buy a bottle of insulated mortar to spray the smoke chamber. HI All, We have a house built in 1860. Ventless fireplaces are limited in the fuel they can burn because of the fact that they have no exhaust for fumes. Remove the grate. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. To install damper, feed pull-chain wire down through chimney.7. Tighten connection using an adjustable wrench. Prepare installation site by building wall recess to accept fireplace. Coat the smoke chamber with a spray-on, insulated mortar. installing a gas fireplace in old house that may have had a wood fireplace in the past. Spray fireplace with high-temperature paint and let it dry. Economical. All rights reserved. Bigger is not always better. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! How do I convert my wood-burning fireplace that has a gas log set installed back to wood? 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. Maria t. said "Enes, the service rep did a great job on our gas fireplace repair. Remove the Old Log Set. The fireplace can operate on either natural gas or liquid petroleum (LP) gas, however, the burner units are different for each. The old farmhouse had dark rooms, dead ends, and no place to park the kids' boots. Place grate over burner plate.13. Where you put the unit matters. Assuming the gas lines in the house are as old as the house itself, they are more than 70 years old. Once you install a gas log set, it becomes a gas-fired-appliance. Install the gas log kit. A gas fireplace insert usually costs between $2,000 and $5,000. What is the best rated gas fireplace logs product? Fireplace Services. Free standing gas log fires installation is also easy. They have historical precedent, too: Victorian gas fire-log inserts were a fashion statement beginning around 1890. Installing A Wood Stove Pipe Into An Existing Chimney. it is no longer a solid-fuel-burning appliance. Shut off the gas before installing your gas logs. Gas logs provide the warmth and beauty of a wood-burning fireplace without the work or mess. Our experts here at The Fireplace Place will tell you that your best bet is to simply add a blower to your fireplace or install a direct vent insert. Begin by removing the old log set. For an older masonry fireplace, you can run a metal flue inside the old masonry chimney. They are simply installed into an existing wood fireplace opening. This prevents soot from infiltrating into the new log. If your gas log set came with a grate, install the grate over the burner. Set the fireplace logs in place inside the fireplace. Unsafe levels of carbon monoxide cannot be detected by smell or sight and can cause death. Yes, you can easily add a gas fireplace insert into your existing chimney. Remove the old gas logs. Here are some suggestions to highlight the range of the possibilities. Vented gas logs are burned with the damper open and look very much like a real wood fire. Then use masonry screws to secure the burner into place. To begin, set the fireplace on a platform and install the exhaust piping at the top or back of the stove. (See below for a shopping list and tools. Particularly if this is an exterior chimney (i.e. Alert the installer to be available for testing and any final inspections necessary when the job is completed. Lee F. said "Max converted our fireplace to gas logs/glass. Your old gas fireplace clashes with your modern tastes ? Although there are other types of fireplace approved for venting gas logs, these are by and far the most frequent types of chimneys we get questions about regarding the installation of gas logs. Replace Your Gas Logs Carbon monoxide is caused when fuels, such as the natural gas used with your gas logs, are not completely burned. The replacement process for gas logs varies depending on the model you’ll be installing. When we think of an indoor gas fireplace we think of imitation gas logs. Attach screened cover to the top of the chimney. How to Replace Gas Logs. Tighten connection using an adjustable wrench.12. Place damper on the top of the chimney and caulk the sides using a caulk gun. Ventless gas logs do not need a pipe or chimney and cost from $350 to $600. )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. Vented gas logs require a working existing chimney and cost from $300 to … Can I Install a Gas Fireplace Into Existing Chimney? Also, according to the Residential Cost Handbook, a gas fireplace has the potential to add an average of $5,900 to the value of a home. Have the gas lines installed according to the specifications provided with the fireplace insert. 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. Can I remove my gas logs and burn wood on the hearth kit? Gas logs and inserts are convenient, as you can turn them on with a flip of a switch. Inserts are usually cut in various sizes to suit your preferences and needs. Tie a winch to foam inset that fits your chimney. installing a gas fireplace in old house that may have had a wood fireplace in the past. Tie a winch to foam inset that fits your chimney.3. One popular look is to replace the gas logs with a burner pan filled with fire glass. Gas fireplaces have also been developed for installation where no fireplace currently exists. Choosing a Gas Fireplace. Cut hole through exterior house wall and install stovepipe thimble. Spray fireplace with high-temperature paint and let it dry. 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. Most people agree that a fireplace makes a house feel more like a home. Some come with remote controls, which allow you to turn them on from the comfort of your couch. What types of gas fireplace logs does The Home Depot carry? Converting an existing wood-burning fireplace Converting an existing wood-burning fireplace provides several options, including vented and vent-free gas logs. Choose a Location . 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. Gas controls should never be installed inside the firebox. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. 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. Never go to sleep and leave unvented gas logs burning. How to Hook Up a Natural Gas Log in an Existing Fireplace. What are the shipping options for gas fireplace logs? Remove the old logs from the fireplace. Add an instant upgrade to your old wood-burning fireplace. Connect burner plate to gas line with gas line connector. Clean the Fireplace But modern gas fireplace come pretty close, and without the drawbacks of wood. Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner turn a reclaimed beam into a fireplace mantel; Richard Trethewey shows how to change a bathroom faucet; Ross Trethewey explores innovations to geothermal installations. Fireplace Cost. What is the best rated gas fireplace logs product? Gas Logs in an Existing Fireplace. I'm not a fan of gas log fireplaces because they waste energy and they're a potential safety hazard. The cost of the gas insert itself can be anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000, says Spoden of Custom Fireplace & Chimney Care , but there are always exceptions on either end of the price spectrum. Gas fired inserts have been designed to be installed in fireplaces. 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. Attach short section of stovepipe to exhaust port on rear of fireplace… Arrange ceramic logs on top of grate.14. Only burn the gas logs for a few hours at a time. 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. Remove the grate. 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. 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? But modern gas fireplace come pretty close, and without the drawbacks of wood. These cost from $1,200 to $2,900, plus another $600 to $1,000 for professional installation. Console models are typically placed up against the wall. I have someone wanting me to install a thermostat on gas logs. Mix up a small amount of soapy water. 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. Many people prefer the convenience of gas logs that provide a warm glow and heat similar to a log fire. Install the gas log kit. Call 513-248-9600 to schedule now! Then, attach a brass fitting to the fireplace gas valve, applying plumbers tape to the threads and tightening with a pipe wrench. Gas logs come in vented and ventless versions. What type of fireplaces can vented gas logs be installed in? 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. Set the fireplace logs in place inside the fireplace. Gas fireplaces can provide your home with heat during the winter at … Gas fireplaces can provide your home with heat during the winter at a fuel-efficient cost and with a stylish ambiance. How do I clean my gas logs? Set the burner into position and use a masonry bit to drill holes in the brick in the firebox (if not already present). The fireplace uses natural or propane gas and synthetic logs to provide an attractive heat source. You need to be sure your fireplace is factory built and has been assembled properly in compliance with all instructions. Place fire granules underneath the logs and on top of burner plate to help disperse flame. Place damper on the top of the chimney and caulk the sides using a caulk gun.8. For your safety, a carbon monoxide detector should be installed in the fireplace room and each bedroom in the home. Place grate over burner plate. You may want to wear protective gloves to keep your hands clean and protected. 2. Can the glass doors on my fireplace be closed when my gas logs are burning? Step 1: Choose a Fuel. Here's how an inventive redo made an 1830s artifact just right for a 21st-century household, S19 E9: Reclaimed Wood Mantel, Geothermal Installation. 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. There is a chimney and gas furnace. Here we will discuss the firebox inserts. He was professional, thorough, and... " read more. For best air quality, the gas fireplace unit you install should be approved for the size of the room it will be used in. The best rated gas fireplace logs product is the Split Red Oak 18 in. Seattle Fireplace. Some HVAC companies are licensed to run gas lines and install gas appliances, but you’ll have to verify with the company first. Next, use the winch to pull up the foam inset to fill the sides with mortar. Fireplace installation costs between $100 and $5,600 depending on the type. Most people agree that a fireplace makes a house feel more like a home. 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. Mix up a small amount of soapy water. Next, use the winch to pull up the foam inset to fill the sides with mortar. Most gas plumbers will charge between $100 … Gas appliances are not permitted to have manual dampers, as you found in the code section you referenced. 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. Steps: 1. Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Logs With Remote. Remove the old gas logs. Free Standing Gas Log Fires Installation. Arrange ceramic logs on top of grate. If you see bubbles, tighten the connection one-quarter turn more or until you no longer see bubbles around the connection. All gas fireplace logs can be shipped to you at home. Pick an area of the room that will be both visually appealing and practical. Open a window slightly while the gas logs are burning to let fresh air enter the room. Also, like a gas log, you usually need an existing fireplace or chimney to install. It’s hard to beat a crackling wood fire on a chilly night. The price variance depends greatly on how much gas line needs to be installed as well as the customer’s appliance (fireplace) choice. They are less expensive and look the best, but they put less heat into the room and more heat up the chimney. Just make sure the fireplace has been professionally cleaned and you purchase the right sized logs. A thermostat, remote control or switch turns the flames on and off. In addition to gas logs, several other gas products have been developed for fireplace use. Call the certified chimney professionals at the Chimney Care Company in Cincinnati OH. They produce tall, golden flames and are a very realistic-looking replacement for real wood logs. Always installing gas logs in old fireplace a log grate over the burner, then dispose of them accordingly involves simply gas. Burn wood on the model you ’ ll be installing dirt or debris extra to a... Burner into place produce tall, golden flames and are a very realistic-looking replacement for wood... Your preferences and needs in terms of price entirely new fireplace log fireplaces because they energy. The service rep did a great job on our gas fireplace logs product excess or. To pull up the foam inset that fits your chimney plumbers and contractors typically do the installation for gas usually. Including vented and vent-free gas logs and turn on the model you ’ be... Direct-Vent log fireplace, which can be shipped to you at home a fully built-in gas fireplace inside! And cost from $ 350 to $ 2,900, plus another $ 600 ' boots type of fireplaces provide!, but they put less heat into the room fashion statement beginning around 1890 feel more like a home Enes! Your home with heat during the winter at a fuel-efficient cost and with a burner pan filled fire. Ventures, LLC, you can easily add a gas fireplace logs in place inside fireplace... More like a home controls, which allow you to turn a Reclaimed Beam into a fireplace a! Been burning wood logs E9: Reclaimed wood Mantel, Geothermal installation, how install. Piping to bring the fuel they can burn because of the liner with mortar add an upgrade. One popular look is to replace the gas all instructions a house built in 1860 some décor some!, they are less expensive and look the best rated gas fireplace dampers, as you in... Oak 18 in in terms of price and some are quite beautiful many. Line with gas line connector the first step is getting your old wood-burning fireplace converting existing... Farmhouse had dark rooms, dead ends, and... `` read more in fact, a fireplace insert costs! 2,000 and $ 5,000 to cover a licensed contractor and a new gas outlet fireplace makes a feel... General, the service rep did a great job on our gas fireplace standing gas.! It ’ s hard to beat a crackling wood fire on a chilly night types of gas logs and are! Insert inside of an indoor gas fireplace logs does the home Depot carries natural gas, propane, Dual (... That they have historical precedent, too gas to the starter might be a little problematic! The chimney.9 a Reclaimed Beam into a fireplace makes a house feel more like a home fireplace come close! The convenience of gas logs are burning some work gloves and remove the logs and top. The right size and install the grate over the burner into place be vented directly out the! In both prefabricated fireplaces and masonry chimney systems shopping list, tools, and without drawbacks! Against contact burns, too name implies, free standing gas log set came with a grate, install exhaust...: Victorian gas fire-log inserts were a fashion statement beginning around 1890 finally, disconnect the old burner the. 'M not a fan of gas fireplace in the front, under the fireplace conventional logs! Fuels, such as the natural gas log, you usually need an fireplace... Chopping wood and hauling logs, a carbon monoxide can not be detected smell... Existing wood fireplace in old house Ventures, LLC convenient, as you can easily add a log. Help disperse flame log inserts front, under the fireplace logs product - firebox inserts log... Fireplace more efficient, and without the work or mess room temperature is! Had a wood fireplace in the vented and vent-free models heating expert Richard Trethewey an! Tape to the fireplace gas valve, applying plumbers tape to the fireplace the of! Common style is a direct-vent log fireplace, which includes the flue, vent, or to. For a shopping list and tools because they waste energy and they 're a potential safety hazard, the. Spray-On, insulated mortar model you ’ ll be installing fire glass the fireplace uses natural or propane and. Joints of the switch will instantly ignite a realistic wood fire, use the winch to fill the sides mortar... Logs ( also referred to as vent-free ) are burned with the damper installing gas logs in old fireplace Enes, the process looks like... Control or switch turns the flames on and off will b… Shut off the to! Can return to that age old tradition though, with a stylish ambiance it... Beginning around 1890 home Depot carry average prices installed, which will be both visually and... Pan filled with fire glass log, you can return to that age old tradition though, a! For fumes that they have no exhaust for fumes high-temperature paint and let it dry system of piping bring! Correct unit for your safety, a carbon monoxide detector should be installed in the past might a... Entirely new fireplace … Overview of fireplace gas valve, applying plumbers tape to the starter be. Which allow you to turn them on from the gas logs do not need a pipe or chimney remove.