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Many new homes are being built with gas fireplaces instead of the old stalwart wood fireplace. Many consumers who have owned their homes for several years are converting their wood fireplaces to gas as well. Why are they doing this?  They are making these conversions simply because of the ease of use and also the almost immediate comfort that a gas fireplace can provide. Instant on, instant heat and no mess along with not having to store wood for the fireplace are just a couple of the attractive benefits of a gas fireplace.

Today there are many different types of inserts or gas fireplaces available on the market. The basic gas fireplaces will have a switch on the wall or maybe even on the unit itself to turn them on. The fancier gas fireplaces come with remote controls which operate much in the same way your TV remote operates. Turn the power on remotely, set the desired temperature, even set the time that you want the fireplace to turn on or turn off. All of these fireplaces enhance your home and the room that they are in. There is something special about sitting around a fire on a cold winter night even if it is a gas fireplace.

Wood Fireplace Conversions

Most new homes today are being built with gas fireplaces already installed. You can order a wood fireplace as well , however once you have had a gas fireplace, you will never go back to wood. No fuss, no mess, no back drafts with soot all over etc.

Older homes however will generally have a wood fireplace installed. These are easily converted to gas. Consumers will have to make arrangements with a fireplace store to come out and measure the existing opening in your fireplace to confirm which gas fireplace insert can be installed. They are manufactured in various widths, heights and depth to fit just about all existing wood fireplaces. Aside from physically fitting the existing opening, you need to spend some time on what your fireplace will look like and how it will blend into the room. More on that later.

Once you have settled on a gas fireplace model, you or the store you are dealing with will need to make arrangements for shipment and installation. The main activities that need to be completed for your installation include:

Extending the gas piping in your home over to the location were the fireplace insert will be located. If you have an unfinished basement this is generally a pretty straightforward job. As the difficulty increases so does the cost.

Electrical wiring must also be extended from the main fuse panel to your fireplace. Electricity is required to power the fan that usually comes with your fireplace. The fan will force the air through and around the fireplace and into the room your fireplace is in to heat it faster. Your gas fireplace will even operate with out electrical power, however the forced air fan will not work.

Your chimney has been designed for a wood fireplace. The chimney flue will have to be changed to meet the requirements of the fireplace you are installing. This includes fresh air intake as well exhaust. Many installations will call for a smaller flue to be installed inside the existing chimney flue.

It is also possible that you may need to change your mantle or other decorative elements around the fireplace to accommodate either the gas fireplace  or your room design.

Selecting Your Gas Fireplace

Once you have determined the size of gas insert your existing wood fireplace can accommodate, your local fireplace store can show you various models that will fit into your home.

The fireplace will come with a glass window and fake fireplace logs or in some cases small  stones. In both cases, the gas flame is interspersed among and around the logs and / or stones. There also will be a small metal mantel which will go around your gas fireplace insert and cover any gap that is left after the insert is installed.

In our particular case, this metal mantel covers a significant portion of the existing marble facing. Obviously we are not happy with this situation and have been looking for a fabricator to manufacture a smaller mantel for us.

As we mentioned previously you can select fireplaces with remote controls. Add the remote control to your collection of TV , DVD etc remote controls. From your command center on the couch or easy chair you can control all of your comfort without have to move a leg!

Building Code

All building construction must follow a building code regardless of  what country you live in. The building code is designed to ensure that all building construction is completed in a safe manner and that the installation will not cause any structural, water or flammable damage to the building.

Your gas fireplace insert must also follow this code. The gas line installation, the electrical power installation , the gas insert and the chimney installation all must meet the code requirements of your local government. Some people may see this as an intrusion, however it is really to protect you and your family as well as your investment. If you are not sure of the code requirements or are concerned that the installer may not be following code, you can make arrangements for an inspector to inspect your gas fireplace installation.

Fireplace Installations in the Basement

The basement is typically the coldest area of any home. Adding a free standing gas fireplace can not only warm the room up, but add a beautiful ambiance to your basement family room.  There are many types of fireplaces that can be added. Free standing units, column fireplaces with 3 sides, fireplaces with front and back sides visible are just a few of those that are available. Each have their own particular installation requirements however your local fireplace store can help you with your decision.

The investment in a gas fireplace insert is well worth the money and most consumers will receive years of enjoyment from them.

Tags: fireplace, fireplace gas insert, free standing fireplace, gas, insert, wood fireplaces

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