Converting my gas fire place to a wood burning

Question

I have a fire place now that is run by gas. I want to change that to a normal wood burning fire place. The fire place's outside is only 12ft tall now. Question is does anyone have an idea of cost to convert in NY? Thanks.

Answer 1

I agree with Glenn B.  You'll want to get a remodeler involved and get several estimates.  The cost of the job depends on how much work must be done to the chimney and what it'll cost for a gas fitter to disconnect the gas line.

Here's the thing - a gas fireplace burns pretty clean; it doesn't generate much soot or as much heat to the firebox.  It also doesn't need as good a draft as a woodburning fireplace.  To burn wood, the chimney top really needs to be above the peak of the roof so it drafts properly, and the firebox has to be rated for burning wood.

Some research on your part will save you time and money.  Find out what make the existing fireplace is.  Most gas fireplaces are packaged inserts that come as one unit - look for labels inside the doors or on the front edge of the firebox.  Call a distributor and get copies of printed material that show whether it's rated for burning wood or not.  That'll be an important start.

Answer 2

You will need an adequate flu system that can handle the heat, you will need a mason and possibly a contractor and also a permit.  This is something that needs to be done professionally, too much at stake to do half way.  good luck.

Answer 3

It is critical to know what type of chimney you have. If it is a masonry type it is possible but if it was originally installed as a gas fireplace it probably has a class b venting system which is NOT able to be used for wood, 'class a".

Answer 4

I seriously doubt that fireplace was engineered to handle logs.  I'd contact the manufacturer before doing anything.  I'm almost certain if you do something like this and start a fire, your insurance company will reject your claim.  Fireplace and chimney design can get fairly technical.