Convert to Wood burning Gas Logs/Insert - Chimney Question

[VocalTechie]

Hello,
So, I have a natural burning fireplace that I use very infrequently. I decided, after using it last winter for several days because my gas furnace's blower broke and I had to wait that I needed to get the chimney swept. I hadn't done it since I moved in 9 years ago (granted I don't know that I've averaged a fire a year).

Because my house was built in 1927, the sweep said that I have a smoke chamber style that is not used anymore and not considered code in new residences. He suggested that it all be removed with some type of new unit that would change this entire chamber, putting a damper at the top rather than using the twist one right above the firebox.

I have considered putting in gas logs/insert in the past. I might actually use it if I didn't have to light a fire. Would it be necessary to rework the entire smoke chamber if I did this? Might it mean that I could avoid this fairly considerable expense?

Thanks,
michael

 

[barmstrong2]

Hi. If installing an insert you would also have a longer installed. The chimney is only a chase, in this case, so, no need to rework the smoke shelf.

 

[VocalTechie]

OK. Forgive my ignorance, but what is a "longer"? I'm also not sure what you mean by "chase".

 

[barmstrong2]

Well, a longer is what this stupid smart phone calls a liner. An aluminum liner would be installed in the chimney, therefore, the chimney is simply a chase for the enclosed liner. (AKA-Longer)

 

[DAKSY]

Well, a longer is what this stupid smart phone calls a liner. An aluminum liner would be installed in the chimney, therefore, the chimney is simply a chase for the enclosed liner. (AKA-Longer)

Damned autocorrect...