Gas Fireplace Inserts

We discussed how fireplace inserts are installed in existing wood fireplace hearths and thus convert the fireplace to either gas or electric powered (though wood fireplace inserts also exist). The gas fireplace can run off of either propane or natural gas, and you’ll want to take the price of the two resources in your area into consideration when you decide what type of gas to use. Many, if not all, gas fireplace inserts need a gas log set, which are usually ceramic or some other material, in order to add a realistic look to the Fireplace.

Typically with a Gas Fireplace insert you seal off the fireplace completely (as there will never be any debris to remove, there’s no point in opening up the hazardous possibilities presented by an open flame). However, the gas inserts are still going to have fans to blow the warm air into the room. Another nice perk of the gas and electric fireplace inserts is that you can usually control the temperature of the fireplace, which is helpful considering that gas fireplace inserts can burn anywhere from 10,000 to 40,000 BTUs.

There are two types of gas fireplace inserts: direct vent and B vent. The direct vent system is a little more popular because it is more energy efficient. It uses two pipes, one pipe to bring in air and one pipe to serve as an exhaust. The B vent system only uses one pipe, an exhaust pipe, as the air it uses for the fire is from inside the house.

Regardless of which vent system you use, you’ll have to make some modifications to your chimney. The most efficient and safest way of doing this is by running the aluminum or stainless steel pipe(s) through the existing chimney and out through the roof.

IBuyWoodStoves.com has all the materials you need to install a gas fireplace insert in your home. Give one of our customer service representatives a call if you need any help with the process or picking out the best option for your home!