Converting Gas fireplace to free standing Woodstove

[fire_man]

This is a very general question since we have not even moved yet, but it seems EVERY house we are looking at has a gas insert fireplace.

I realize this is hard to answer without seeing a specific setup, but how possible/impossible is a typical conversion to a free standing woodstove?

 

[begreen]

If it is a gas zero-clearance gas fireplace it will need a complete replacement including the flue system, essentially starting from scratch. Sometimes it makes more sense to keep the gas fireplace and put in a freestanding stove.

 

[fire_man]

If it is a gas zero-clearance gas fireplace it will need a complete replacement including the flue system, essentially starting from scratch. Sometimes it makes more sense to keep the gas fireplace and put in a freestanding stove.

Thanks Begreen,

How does that setup look? Is it a free standing stove (on a suitable Hearth) in front of the old fireplace with a class A pipe running straight up?'
Are most gas fireplaces zero clearance and how can you tell?

 

[begreen]

Thanks Begreen,

How does that setup look? Is it a free standing stove (on a suitable Hearth) in front of the old fireplace with a class A pipe running straight up?'
Are most gas fireplaces zero clearance and how can you tell?

A gas fireplace may be vented outdoors either via a rear vent through the wall or via a gas chimney flue. Neither will work for a wood fire. Post some pictures inside and outside of what is there.

Yes, the stove is put on a hearth, but where it is located depends. The best location for many houses is in the center of the house, but fireplaces are often placed on an outside wall. Be open-minded and consider all options with a clean slate. There could be nothing salvageable from the gas fireplace unless this is a true masonry fireplace with gas logs installed. Note that there are thousands of pictures of wood stove installations on this site. How it is installed and how it looks to a large extent is up to the homeowner.

 

[fire_man]

My concern is that we end up buying a house that has a gas fireplace which has absolutely nothing salvageable for installing a wood stove and end up in an impossible situation and can't install a free standing stove. i want to continue heating with wood in our next house and don't want to get blindsided after we move in and find out we can't heat with wood. I will be looking for a decent open floor plan and enough room for a free standing stove.

I agree, the best solution is to be open-minded with a clean slate. Worst case I suppose we remove a gas fireplace, board it over and have to install heat shields on walls to meet code.

 

[bholler]

My concern is that we end up buying a house that has a gas fireplace which has absolutely nothing salvageable for installing a wood stove and end up in an impossible situation and can't install a free standing stove. i want to continue heating with wood in our next house and don't want to get blindsided after we move in and find out we can't heat with wood. I will be looking for a decent open floor plan and enough room for a free standing stove.

I agree, the best solution is to be open-minded with a clean slate. Worst case I suppose we remove a gas fireplace, board it over and have to install heat shields on walls to meet code.

What begreen was saying was leave the gas fireplace there and functional. Then install a woodstove elsewhere.

 

[fire_man]

What begreen was saying was leave the gas fireplace there and functional. Then install a woodstove elsewhere.

Ok now I get what Begreen was saying.

I was thinking in some cases the stove might fit and heat best in front of the gas fireplace.