We moved into our current home last year. The fire place already had a gas log set in it. There is no blower, so I feel like every time I use the fireplace, I'm just tossing money up the flue. So, can someone tell me (based on attached pictures) if I can remove the gas logs, install a gas starter pipe, and burn wood in there instead. I do have a functional flue with a damper that needs to be open when the gas logs are burning. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Can I burn wood in my fireplace?
- Thread starter mkfoster1978
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Simonkenton
Minister of Fire
It is hard to say, just based on the pictures, although they are very good pictures.
Why don't you find a good local wood stove installer/ chimney sweep to come out and give you an evaluation?
Do you want to burn wood to get heat? I can tell you that you won't get much heat out of that setup. To get the heat you would need to install a wood stove or an insert and that will cost some money, you would have to install a new stove pipe.
Why don't you find a good local wood stove installer/ chimney sweep to come out and give you an evaluation?
Do you want to burn wood to get heat? I can tell you that you won't get much heat out of that setup. To get the heat you would need to install a wood stove or an insert and that will cost some money, you would have to install a new stove pipe.
I have someone scheduled to come do a cleaning and inspection on Dec. 9. I'm just trying to educate myself before he comes. I partly feel like I'd get a little more heat from wood. Also, I just like the smell, look, and sounds of a real wood fire are better than gas.
Simonkenton
Minister of Fire
Well, I am with you on that. You just can't beat the ambiance of a wood fire.
I hope your expert gives you the green light to burn wood.
I wouldn't worry much about a gas starter pipe it is really easy to light up a fireplace, a few sticks of dry pine and some newspaper and you are up and running.
Of course if you can arrange a gas starter pipe so much the better.
I hope your expert gives you the green light to burn wood.
I wouldn't worry much about a gas starter pipe it is really easy to light up a fireplace, a few sticks of dry pine and some newspaper and you are up and running.
Of course if you can arrange a gas starter pipe so much the better.
jetsam
Minister of Fire
If you like burning wood, consider putting an insert in there.
I put a stove insert in my fireplace for supplemental heat, and my furnace only kicks on when I go on vacation, so I don't think I can call it 'supplemental' heat anymore.
I put a stove insert in my fireplace for supplemental heat, and my furnace only kicks on when I go on vacation, so I don't think I can call it 'supplemental' heat anymore.
It is a zero clearance fireplace very very few of them can have an insert installed in them. The fireplace manufacturer has to approve they type of install for it to meet code and very few do.
No you will not in many cases you may even loose heat from the house instead of gaining heat.
jetsam
Minister of Fire
I know you're right since you do this stuff for a living, but could you explain it to me?
I see an external chimney, presumably masonry under the siding. I see what appears to be a refractory block firebox, and a nice big brick hearth.
Once you remove the doors and gas line, how is that different from an old fashioned masonry fireplace? Why would there be codes against putting a stove in there?
Bholler is the expert so I'm sure he can answer your question best but....
My understanding is a zero clearance fire place is a pre fab unit that requires no clearances because the outsides do not get hot to the touch. I'm guessing you always need to run a blower to get heat out of them. So adding a stove insert can overwhelm or over heat the fireplace structure ?? Just a guess
Cheaper than a full masonry fireplace when building new I guess.
But id be interested in a more detailed answer myself from one of the experts here
My understanding is a zero clearance fire place is a pre fab unit that requires no clearances because the outsides do not get hot to the touch. I'm guessing you always need to run a blower to get heat out of them. So adding a stove insert can overwhelm or over heat the fireplace structure ?? Just a guess
Cheaper than a full masonry fireplace when building new I guess.
But id be interested in a more detailed answer myself from one of the experts here
I used a Zero Clearance several years ago. It put out good heat and would make the great room nice and toasty while watching a movie. I think mine was a Heatilator brand? Anyway, I burned wood in mine and enjoyed it quite a lot. Yours looks very similar to mine so I am optimistic that your expert will give you the green light. Mine also had a fan so that helped push the heat out.
Oh almost forgot, that is not likely a masonry chimney it is likely a factory stainless pipe inside of a wood framed chimney chase. Hope that helps.
Oh almost forgot, that is not likely a masonry chimney it is likely a factory stainless pipe inside of a wood framed chimney chase. Hope that helps.
no it is just framing under there with an air cooled chimney
It is a sheet metal box with some refractory panels there are air channels around that box that circulate air to keep the outside cool
The problem is that they are ul listed appliances and most of them clearly say either no inserts or no accessories that are not approved. And by code you are required to follow all manufacturers instructions. So by putting an insert in that fireplace you are not following the instructions to that fireplace and violating code.
Now there are a couple of fireplaces that do allow for specific inserts to be put in them so if it is one of them you could do that. But there are only a few
NickDL
Burning Hunk
I have a prefab wood zero clearance fireplace in our home. We had an insert installed last November. Ours was rated for such an application. I don't know anything about gas units, so I can't speak about them
I will tell you that the insert has made a dramatic difference. With it being the way that it is, you definitely need to have the blower option to get heat out of the unit. I would definitely recommend going with one.
We also use a box fan to blow cold air from other areas to the room with the fireplace, it really does help. Good luck.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
I will tell you that the insert has made a dramatic difference. With it being the way that it is, you definitely need to have the blower option to get heat out of the unit. I would definitely recommend going with one.
We also use a box fan to blow cold air from other areas to the room with the fireplace, it really does help. Good luck.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Unless the one you used was an epa approved zc unit it would be the exception if it put out any heat. Most will give you some radiant heat if you are infront of it but at the same time they are pulling air that you already paid to heat into the fire and out the chimney. Most of them are either very little heat gain or a net heat loss to the home.
What fireplace was it? I just like to keep track of the ones that allow inserts for my own knowledge. I know a couple heatilators do.
Well, mine was in Tucson Arizona, so it already is a mild winter. My point is, even though it seemed to kick out a bunch of heat....it is relative since the area did not require an extreme heater anyway. But believe it or not, Tucson can get pretty cold at night. I don't live there anymore.
@bholler , here's what I referenced from the osborn/drolet manuals when I was shopping for inserts to go in my heatilator--my setup seemed to satisfy the requirements:
"2. INSTALLATION INTO AN EXISTING FACTORY-BUILT ZERO-CLEARANCE
FIREPLACE: It is possible to install a wood insert into an existing factory-built zero-clearance fireplace.
However, there currently exists no UL or ULC standard specific to that type of installation. The first thing
that must be verified is that the factory-built zero clearance fireplace is listed (it must be certified by a
competent certification body such as Omni or Warnock Hersey). It must be suitable for use with solid fuel
and nothing in the owner’s manual must specifically prohibit the installation of a fireplace insert. When in
doubt, check with the fireplace manufacturer. The installation of the zero-clearance fireplace MUST be
thoroughly inspected by a professional in order to ensure that it still meets the manufacturer’s specs and
code conformity. The chimney must be of at least 1" (25 mm) larger in diameter to accommodate a
required continuous stainless steel liner running from the flue collar to the top of the chimney termination.
Never remove parts that serve to insulate the zero-clearance fireplace from combustible material. Only
readily detachable parts that are easily replaced, such as damper parts, screens, and doors, are to be
removed from the fireplace. These parts must be stored nearby and available for retrofit if the insert is
ever removed. Removal of any parts which render the fireplace unfit for use with solid fuel requires the
fireplace to be permanently labelled by the installer as being no longer suitable for solid fuel until the
removed parts are replaced and the fireplace is restored to its original certified condition. Furthermore, any
air vents, grilles, or louvers that serve to create an air circulation pattern around and outside the zero-
clearance fireplace shall never be removed."
yes but what does the fireplace that you put it in say about it? I know that many inserts say it is ok but that is not enough the fireplace needs to allow it as well.
I think it was likely silent, and didn't specifically prohibit it. The lack of UL/ULC standards implied that this was a grey area. Typically it seems that most manufacturers are pretty conservative when it comes to ok'ing their installs.
What fireplace is it? I have yet to see one that didnt say something one way or another. And no the lack of a standard does not mean it is ok. The code is clear you need to follow all manufacturers instructions.
NickDL
Burning Hunk
EC SERIES INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
This fireplace and its components are designed to be installed and operated as a system. Any alteration to or
substitution for items in this system, unless allowed by these installation instructions, will void the Underwrit-
ers Laboratories listing and may void the product warranty. It may also create a hazardous installation. Read
through these instructions thoroughly before starting your installation and follow them carefully throughout
your project.
There is nothing in the instruction allowing for the installation of an insert so it is not allowed by the fireplace manufacturer and therefore does not meet code requirements
Read the warning in the top corner of page 5. It says you cant install any components that are not listed on those pages. And an insert is not there so again not allowed by the fireplace manufacturer.
My read of that is that it's pertaining to parts during the installation of the heatilator ("...will result in a safe installation [of the heatilator]"). That could be interpreted differently though I guess. All the originals parts are still there. Anyway, didn't mean to hijack the post.
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