Converting Your Wood-Burning Fireplace to a Natural Gas Fireplace Insert: Is It Worth It?

When it comes to homeowners who want to enjoy a better balance of warmth, convenience, and efficiency, ditching the old wood-burning fireplace and opting for a natural gas fireplace insert has become an increasingly attractive upgrade. Although wood-burning fireplaces have an old-fashioned appeal, they do have their downsides – they are messy, they produce uneven heat, and they are less than desirable as energy sources. Natural gas fireplace inserts offer a compelling alternative. However, is the switch itself worth it?   

Let’s explore everything you need to know about converting to natural gas fireplace inserts, from performance and safety to energy savings and aesthetics.   

What Are Natural Gas Fireplace Inserts?   

Natural gas fireplace inserts are sealed fireboxes designed to fit into the existing cavity of a wood-burning fireplace. These inserts are connected to your home gas line and give you a consistent and adjustable flame. Gas inserts are designed differently from the traditional fireplaces that lose much of the heat through the chimney; they are designed in a manner that they output maximum heat while minimizing emissions and energy wastage.   

They have electronic ignition, fans in-built, remote controlled and programmable thermostats, hence a sleek modern way of warming your living space.   

The Drawbacks of Wood-Burning Fireplaces   

Before getting into the advantages of switching let us look at some of the reasons why homeowners are looking for alternatives to wood-burning fireplaces:   

• Inefficiency:Most of the heat gets lost through the chimney, and this means that more wood has to be used to burn for longer periods.   
• Air Quality: Combustion of wood emits fine particulate matter and pollutants and can influence the indoor air.   
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the chimney, ash, and deposition of soot necessitates maintenance work.   
• Fuel Storage: Dry firewood storage takes up a lot of room and is inconvenient, especially in urban homes.   
• Inconsistent Heat: It fluctuates with the amount of wood burning and feeding.   

These disadvantages are more glaring for many people – and certainly when one compares it to the convenience and cleanliness of natural gas inserts.   

Benefits of Natural Gas Fireplace Inserts   

1. Efficiency and Heat Output   

Natural gas inserts come designed for performance. Unlike the wood-burning models that will lose up to 75% of heat through the chimney, a gas insert can convert more than 70–80% of their fuel into usable heat. There are many models that have blowers or fans which distribute the warm air in your space better.   

2. Cleaner Operation   

There is no ash, soot and creosote to take care of when you use a gas insert. Not only it saves you mess and maintenance, but it also helps to protect your indoor air quality and increases the lifetime of your chimney liner.   

3. Safety Features   

Gas fireplace inserts have several safety measures built in such as oxygen depletion sensors, automatic shut-off valves, and sealed combustion. These features provide you with a sense of peace of mind, especially in homes with children or pets.   

4. Instant Ambiance   

Just by the flick of a switch or pressing a remote, you can turn on your gas insert in a flash. You can also control the height and intensity of the flames, lighting, and in many cases, mimic the flicker and glow of real logs with gas log sets.   

5. Lower Heating Bills   

In many areas, natural gas is a cheaper alternative as a source of heating. A gas insert lets you do zone heating- turning down your central heating and using the fireplace to heat your high traffic areas such as your living room or family room.   

The Conversion Process: What to Expect   

Making a switch from a wood-burning fireplace to a gas insert is not just a replacement of logs by flames. Here’s what’s involved:   

 1. Inspection and Assessment   

The first step will be for a professional technician to inspect your existing fireplace, chimney, and flue to make sure that the structure is sound and compatible with an insert.   

2. Gas Line Installation   

If your home does not have an existing gas line, you will need to install a gas line that will run to where the fireplace will be located by a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor. This will be accounted for in your total cost of installation.   

3. Ventilation Setup   

Gas inserts need proper venting in the form of direct vent system with two liners. one that is used to suck air from outside and the other that is used to blow away the exhaust gases. Such venting provides clean and efficient operation.   

4. Insert Installation   

After preparing the fireplace, the insert is put in the firebox. It is secured, sealed, and hooked to the gas line and ventilation.   

5. Final Testing and Setup   

Once everything is installed, your technician will test the system, provide safety information and run you through the operating instructions.   

Aesthetic Upgrades and Customization   

Customization of the design to suit your style is one of the biggest perks that come with gas fireplace inserts. From slick modern surrounds to rustic stone mantels, there is something for everyone’s taste.   

You can also have a variety of fire media to choose from (ceramic logs, fire glass or stones) and adjustable lighting. A gas insert can be your way to go, whether you’re going for the cozy traditional feel of wood or an edgy modern minimalism.   

Environmental Considerations   

Switching to natural gas fireplace inserts is a greener choice. They emit less emissions compared to wood burning fireplaces and are also usually eligible for local energy efficiency rebates or incentives.   

Since they do not require the cutting down of trees or add to particulate pollution, natural gas units are a more sustainable answer for the homeowners who want to minimize their carbon footprint without compromising their comfort.   

Is the Cost Worth It?   

The cost for conversion of wood burning fireplace to natural gas insert, based on the model, complexity of installation, and need for adding a gas line varies between $3,000 and $8,000 or more.   

Although the initial cost may appear to be high, most homeowners realize that it is worth it because of energy cost saving, increased value of the property and the reduced cost of maintenance.   

Gas inserts can also enhance resale appeal, particularly for those buyers who would want a clean, turnkey heating option.   

Fireside: Your Partner in Fireplace Conversions   

If you are mulling over the idea, Fireside is here to help. We specialize in assisting homeowners in the selection and installation of fireplaces. Our experienced team will:   

• Evaluate your current fireplace   
• Suggest the best natural gas inserts that are available  
• Deal with the installation of gas lines and venting  
• Set up and safety-test  
• Help you create the look and feel you are interested in  

We at Fireside have been in business for decades and are your reliable partner for converting to a more effective, cleaner, and warmer fireplace.   

A Smart Update with a Long-term Value   

Changing your wood-burning fireplace to a natural gas fireplace insert is not just an improvement in your home, it is a change in your lifestyle. It is a package deal that will offer convenience, comfort, safety, and efficiency. Not only that, the extra control and modern bells and whistles means that your fireplace becomes a daily luxury, rather than a once in a while treat.   

If you are ready to get rid of the mess of wood and move towards the future of home heating, a natural gas insert might be the best option for you. And when you are ready, Fireside is here to make it happen.