I want to switch from a propane fireplace to one that runs on wood pellets.

I wanted to take out my gas insert and replace it with a pellet stove. For me it was much more $$ friendly to just put the pellet stove in a different room. My pipe runs up a (2) story house so the cost of replacing the pipe was pretty expensive. You will have to replace your pipe. You will not be able to convert just the insert and fire it up. Hope this helps.

RUGERGUNZ said:

Is it even possible?

I have a mobile home with a propane fireplace in the corner of one of the rooms, came with the house, not put in afterwards. Basically it is never used(maybe 5 min in the last 4 years), the blower is loud and the pilot light uses ALOT of propane so the gas is shut off to it.

I would like to put a wood pellet burning unit in the same spot. Is there a conversion available? Are there wood pellet burners that can be sunk into the wall similar to how the propane unit is. I saw some "inserts" on the internet in a search, can i remove the propane unit and put in a wood pellet insert?

The wood pellet unit would not be used very much either but it is nice to feel the warmth of a fire on a cold day once in awhile. My house is now heated by an Central Boiler 6048 OWB and I LOVE IT. I live 1/4-mile uphill from my nearest neighbor and have 30 acres of wood to burn.

So back to the original question, is there a simple way to get rid of the propane unit and replace it with a wood pellet unit.

I can get more info and pics if it would help.

Thanks

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Probably. I had a propane firelog set in my fireplace that I swapped out for a pellet insert. I was putting it into a prefab (Heatilator) fireplace so I had to find one that fit (they're a bit smaller than most masonry fireplaces). For your install, you'd want to find one that's a "zero clearance" install so you can put it into where the propane fireplace is now. There are several - just look for an insert model and then check the manual for the stove you're interested in. I expect your propane fp is direct thru-the-wall vented to the outside so it will be easy enough to replace the pipe with a short run of pellet vent. Probably an afternoon's work to do it yourself.

I swapped my Heatilator propane insert out for a Harman Accentra Insert in September and it was relativley easy. My friend did the same with a Breckwell and had good luck as well.

RUGERGUNZ said:

Thanks alot guys, did some more looking online now that I know it can be done.

One more quick question, do I need to install a whole new chimney? How big in diameter is a wood pellet chimney? Like could it be placed inside the existing pipe? I think the existing pipe is 8". Not sure, but that is about what it looks like from the ground.

If I found a stove I like, is it something I could do or should I really hire an installer?

Thanks

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The pellet pipe is going to be either 3 or 4" nominal diameter depending on your vent run -- if it's more than 15' of effective length (1' for every foot of horizontal pipe, 5' for every 90 or Tee, 3' for every 45, and 1/2' for every foot of vertical run) you'll want to go with 4" (which I would do regardless except I'm using my stove as a primary heat source and you just want it for aesthetics so peak efficiencies aren't a real concern). You should be able to run the 4" up in the 8" pipe with room to spare.

I'm a handy guy so did my own install...as did lots of other folks here...and then there are those who only feel comfortable if a "professional" does the install. It's your call. I have a personal issue with relying on technologies I don't understand and can't manage - so I've made it a point to be able to be self-sufficient if I want to be but call in pros when it's convenient (so yes, I can do all the maintenance including engine swaps on the cars, replace & repipe the boiler system, built a couple of additions on the house, run my own generator when weather dictates, etc. etc.).

A pellet burner is not hard to install at all, they are easy to work on and you can get parts very easy. I updated my circut control panel to digital this year and go good support .on my 96 eanglander palette/ buy your pellets early in the fall or late summer you will be able pick the up when they come in in September or the first of October. I bought 200 bags at 199 a ton four tons in alll 800 dollars. the supply gets short real quick. If you do get a pellet burner get one that will use multi fuel corn pellets cherry pits and so on. I can just burn pellets but can add a little corn every now and then to the mix.
good Luck and have fun
Jim ps I am also useing a fireplace insert have only used 6 bags of pellets so far this year. I live on ten wooded acres of wood. I have been cutting down the dead ash bore trees. it has worked out real good. I have part of the house blocked off but its 14 out now and the house is at 70 I just now started up the pellet burner a few min ago alowing with the wood insert.
Jim