Replace Fireplace with Gas / Propane?

[oskar470]

Back in late 2024 I replaced my old 20+ years Regency I3100 with a new Regency I2450 and all went good however now my old age cut up with me and I can't handle anymore the 6-8 cords of firewood I need per season. I will manage to finish the current season but in the summer I will have to look for alternatives and what comes up in my mind is to convert my existing FP to natural gas or propane.

There is no service in my area for natural gas so propane is the only alternative. I have noticed some neighbors are using propane for their hot water heating because I see these big propane cylinders in their properties.

To your opinion, is a propane conversion a good alternative?

Do they remove my existing FP or they install inside what they need?

How do I calculate the propane cost per season?

Many thanks

 

[DAKSY]

Until you have decided on the LP fireplace insert you want, there’s no way to determine your LP costs. LP is sold by the gallon & each gallon contains about 92,000 BTU. Once you know the BTU input of your appliance, you can determine how fast you will burn each gallon. As an example, a 30K BTU unit will burn a gallon in about 3 hours if the unit is set to a constant maximum BTU burn. If you’re running it on a thermostat, or have the burn rate set to Medium, that burn rate will vary.

 

[oskar470]

Thanks for the input, I don't know what LP fireplace insert is, I assume it's Low Pressure or Propane Gas? So what I gather the existing insert I have will be removed and they will install a new insert?

Is it troublesome to operate such an insert? Are any other alternatives?

Thanks

 

[Whitenuckler]

You also have the option of a pellet stove, or propane space heater, and leave your fireplace as is (if you have another spot)

 

[oskar470]

Thanks, good alternatives but not suitable for now

 

[DAKSY]

LP = Liquefied Propane. Your wood burner needs to come out, along with the liner - if there is one. You should have your chimney inspected after the liner is out. New co-linear liners will need to be installed & a new gas line will need to be run into the fireplace.

 

[oskar470]

Many thanks Bob,

Wow... so its a big job, my existing FP is close to 150Lbs if not more and I wonder if they will take it away or I will be left with it. There is a double wall aluminum or SS tube inside my chimney which I always have it cleaned before the season.

When I start looking for a new LP unit are any important points I should be aware or they all are kind of standard units?

Thanks

 

[Whitenuckler]

Thanks, good alternatives but not suitable for now

Enviro - Catalogue

Good place to start

 

[DAKSY]

Many hearth shops will remove the existing wood burner & not charge for that service - depending on the condition as they might be able to sell it. Well, seeing as you are in Canada, I would opt for a unit with a Standing Pilot option. The steel box tends to stay warmer with the pilot. I would look at Regency gas inserts, as they are manufactured in Canada & shouldn't be affected by any tariffs. They are also very reliable & an excellent heat source. Good luck with your project, & let us know how you make out.

 

[oskar470]

Many thanks to both, as I get educated on LP inserts I will post back when I have more questions.

 

[oskar470]

Before I convert my wood fireplace insert to propane gas, I try to educate myself on these heaters (no natural gas available in my area)

Between direct vent and vent free which one is better?

Thanks

 

[Whitenuckler]

Before I convert my wood fireplace insert to propane gas, I try to educate myself on these heaters (no natural gas available in my area)

Between direct vent and vent free which one is better?

Thanks

Direct Vent is better and safer

 

[oskar470]

Thanks for your time

 

[stovelark]

Converting to propane is a process. The Regency (think you'll find its around 350-400 lbs) will need to be removed, usually by a chimney guy. The gas insert requires either yourself or preferably an insert dealer/installer making fireplace measurements to see what unit will fit. I believe you'll need around a 30-35K LP insert to replace the Regency as far as heating. The dealer/installer will also confirm with you where a propane tank can be set outside, and how to get the gas line ran into the fireplace. And as DAKSY said, co-linear liners need to be installed in the chimney for venting the unit. For heat, you definitely want a direct vent insert, vent free units are fine, if installed and used properly and no one is bothered by the smells of them. Some people are more sensitive than others. Visit insert web sites, most now you can build your insert look you desire. Lots of good models out there, if Regency is your preference, their new Elevation line of inserts are really nice. Take care.

 

[oskar470]

Much appreciate your input stovelark,
I have second thoughts about the conversion for several reasons:

Most important is to remove the existing insert because when it was installed I was here and noticed the difficulty they had to do the job.

One alternative I thought is to leave the wood insert and order smaller firewood. Normally I order 16" to 18" long firewood which is very heavy to handle so I could order say 12" logs which they will be much easier to handle. In addition, instead of using the fireplace every night, use it only when it's very cold.

Then the propane tank and piping on the exterior I don't think I would like that very much. So there is more thinking to decide right now which way to go.

 

[stovelark]

Understand your reluctance, but tanks and lines are installed now for less noticeability, especially when made a priority to installing person. Tanks can be camouflaged with latticework, bushes etc (cannot be closed within a structure tho...). The biggest obstacle for most of us is initial investment, can be hefty (6500-8000) depending on unit installed, amount of installation work required, etc. Taking out old unit might be a considerable expense too, but can be regained if sold to someone else. Good luck with your quest.

 

[oskar470]

I understand, many thanks