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I hate gas fireplaces. Could I convert?

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by Brewer, Aug 15, 2008.

  1. Brewer

    Brewer New Member

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    I guess some of you here will think I am nuts, but seriously, a fire isnt supposed to be made by pushing a button on a remote. So, what do you think it would cost to convert my gas fireplace to a wood burning, fully knowing I would have to build the chimney and all?

    Thoughts?

    Thanks!

    Brewer.
     
  2. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    woo, alot, Chimney, flue, all the extras, at least in the $12-15k range for a modest one or a wood burning stove. I like the stove idea myself, more efficient and heats better.
     
  3. Brewer

    Brewer New Member

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    Hmmm....well if you think about it, the firebox is already in place, as should the start of the flue. But its the chimney that I am afraid would be really expensive. And how the heck do I justify it when it wont add any value to the house? Maybe I should just get a firepit in the backyard.....

    Brewer
     
  4. afgm

    afgm Ashburn Farm Resident

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    You may want to consider upgrading your gas fire logs. Good ones are very realistic.
     
  5. Thunderchild

    Thunderchild New Member

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    I don't believe the flue has been started. I think most of the gas fireplaces installed around here "ductless". There should be an external vent on the outside of the house.

    As for the fireplace itself, the subfloor of the gas fireplace does not have to support the same amount of weight a wood burning stove or fireplace.

    For example, my gas fireplace overhangs my ext. basement stairs and it is just a piece of plywood. Have you thought of getting a blower installed to force the heat into the room?
     
  6. tyger31

    tyger31 Member

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    Being from the North, you can't beat a wood burning fireplace!! When we had our house built in Broadlands in '98, we requested a WBF. LOVE IT!!!
     
  7. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    What about a pellet stove? We bought ours (2) from Acme Stoves in Harrisonburg, VA. They will come out and install for a modest $100 and make sure your chimney flue will support the stoves. Yes, they will come to Loudoun County.

    Since our home is also run by solar heat, we do not usually use our gas fuel much. We have 4 fireplaces--2 with pellet stoves, 1 gas logs, and 1 huge wood-burning stone fireplace in our great room/family room.

    I will give you info if needed. Our fuel bills are on average about $50-$75/per month for a home over 4000-5000 square feet (four levels including full daylight basement).

    Web site for Acme Stove is below. Acme also does gas logs, wood stoves and other fireplace needs.

    www.acmestoveco.com (Acme Stove & Fireplace's site/info.)

    Foodie:happygrin:
     
  8. Brassy

    Brassy Hiyah

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    Hey foodie we used to love wood, but became converts to gas when we found wood burning fireplaces were a $4500 option! However I don't miss the "after the fire next morning smell in the house" and buying cords of wood or finding a place to store them away from the house on our tiny lot. Now if i could have one of those big outdoor stone firplaces (maybe next house!) that is entirely another thing:)
     
  9. Mazinger

    Mazinger New Member

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    Don't forget to tell your insurance company about the conversion too.
     
  10. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    There's nothing like a wood/pellet stove for efficient heating and a roaring fireplace? Well, natural gas fires just don't compare. Pellet stoves are easier to maintain - cleaner storage too. The pellets come in bags. But I agree with Brassy - that burned wood smell the next day can be a bit much. And what will this do to your carbon footprint?
     
  11. Brewer

    Brewer New Member

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    This is kind of funny.....I am back on this kick again.....so I did a search to see if anyone else has thought about doing this....I was very excited to find this post, only to realize I posting it three years ago.... :)

    I still think its possible....my firebox hangs over the side of my house with plenty of ground underneath to create a foundation for a real firebox. I am sure it would be at least 10K, but I still think its worth it.

    Now....if I could only find a contractor to do it....

    Brewer
     
  12. glencastle

    glencastle The Paterfamilias

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    Before we moved to Broadlands, we had a wood burning fireplace on an external wall of our house that was "hanging over the side". The firebox and chimney were totally built onto the outside of the wall.

    I've often wondered the same thing about switching. Seems like it wouldn't be a huge deal to swap out the gas box for a wood burning box. Our gas fireplace also has a chimney for ventilation, but I'm sure it isn't up to the standards required for a wood burning fireplace and would need to be upgraded. If you just have the little external vent sticking out of your exterior wall, that sounds like a more expensive proposition.
     
  13. tyger31

    tyger31 Member

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    I don't think you're nuts at all. When we had our house built here 12 years ago, we had a choice and we picked wood burning....we're from the WNY area and gas fireplaces are in the minority. I agree.....a button does not make a fire!
     

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