Convert gas fireplace to wood burning?

[sellersm]

Any pointers on converting our (useless) gas fireplace into a wood burning unit? I *think* I just need to replace the gas 'unit' and put in one that's able to handle the temps of burning wood. Am I off-track?

What about the chimney?

TIA for any pointers, links, vendors, etc...

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

It all depends on chimney or flue pipe. Without pictures of the stack or chimney no answers can be given correctly. His you has fireplace 'useless' because it has no blower motor? If it doesn't have you checked if a blower can be added, or change the fireplace out to a gas burning with a blower.

[thvigil11]

A lot of questions come into play here. Some models of gas fireplaces can be converted, some can't. On top of that you need to look at your chimney. Not sure of code in Colorado, but in NM code for chimneys vary between gas and wood. Best bet is to consult the manufacturer of the stove and get the chimney a good looking at. Is it double wall, triple or single? Also look at clearance issues both inside the house and in the ceiling. Also there are different codes for manufactured home verses stick built.

[Irving]

How old is your house? Was it built with a eeal fireplace originally, then converted to gas? If so, should be an easy swap. If not, you'll likely have to srart from scratch. I would go stove insert over fireplace all day long.

[sellersm]

It's a Richmond home, built in early-mid 80's. I believe it's original gas, pretty much just "for looks". I can place a blower in behind it, but I'd much rather have a wood stove for 'the future'...

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Flue sizes needs to be larger for a wood burner. 40-50k btu gas burning appliance most generally get by on 4-5" double wall. Wood burning Fireplaces like at my house have a chimney with a tile liner. I think you're outta luck. Another option could be a wood pellet stove but the venting would have to meet code, and no way of knowing without seeing the manufacturers stamp on the pipe.

[Irving]

I think the issue with it being put in from original construction is that there is no supporting infrastructure to support an actual fieeplace, I.e. no chimney. From what I understand, you're basically asking how hard it would be to put a fireplace where your dryer is. Sure it has a hole to vent the lint, but that is about it. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that.

[sellersm]

It sure looks like a real chimney, but who knows. I'll look into what's been suggested. Thanks all!

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Can you get on the roof and get pictures?

[rondog]

I'm betting on no. I know that to replace our gas fireplace with a real woodburner would require major construction. There may even be HOA rules against it. Now a pellet stove may be a whole 'nother thing.

Our gas fireplace was doing poorly, even quit working. I just hired a guy to service it and it works perfectly again! Cheapest way out by far, and it'll put out some heat. Yours is probably fixable for a reasonable cost, might check that out first.

[jonny450r]

Not to hijsck a thread, but not just for conversions but do any of you guys have suggestions of local companies who can service a fire place? Mine is wood burning now but was converted by previos owners who hoshbod everything together

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[hghclsswhitetrsh]

The gas connection.

[MED]

Wood stoves require 6" or 8" Insulated pipe through all combustible structures as well as exterior. There are some places that still have the old triple wall pipe, but I am not a fan of using those because of the fire danger. You CAN'T use the vent tube for gas nor would you want to do this because of the fire danger. You can vent through a brick chimney on older homes that were built with a fireplace using a fireplace insert Your home likely has a vent tube for the gas and this is not workable for a wood stove. Although, you can get a high BTU output gas stove. I have two wood stoves in my house; this is the nice thing about living in the woods on A2 property because I can do whatever I want as long as it meets code.