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any fireplace experts out there?

Published Nov 17, 2008
Views: 164

Need some expert advice here. We have an unvented (gas log) fireplace. It has a fan at the bottom that is turned on by a light switch. There is an opening in the base of the chimney,(flue?) which we keep closed. My question is, can this be converted *cheaply to a wood burning fireplace? The home was built in the mid 70's and the fireplace is original. We have electric heat, but I would love to have a fire in the evening, and early mornings.  We have an acre of woods that could be used for firewood supply.    

Thanks Golo buddies.

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I'm going to be out with the dogs, but plese feel free to advice.
Click to view my profile Dreamin of Disney World
GOLO member since November 3, 2007
November 17, 2008 11:35 a.m.
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You need to have a chimney/fireplace expert look at it. If it was originally a masonry fireplace that was converted to LP/NG then you could remove the gas logs, open the damper, and burn wood, but you need to have it checked out first. There may be a reason why the previous owner converted it from wood to ventless logs, such as the flue is damaged or won't draw. There are also some self contained "fireplaces" that are designed specifically for ventfree applications, and are not convertible to wood. These don't have an external chimney.
Click to view my profile innocent bystander
GOLO member since July 11, 2007
November 17, 2008 11:43 a.m.
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Is it a masonry fireplace or a prefab? If you think you might sell the house any time in the near future, gas logs are more desirable than wood-burning (because of the labor of chopping, hauling the wood, the clean-up, and the smells that get into the house - which you won't smell, but every person that walks in, will)
Click to view my profile tmedlin
GOLO member since August 22, 2007
November 17, 2008 11:46 a.m.
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Good luck with getting some professional advice. I use a woodstove, and it has a chimney made of pipe, and that metal bestos stove pipe. I believe that you are going to need to get a professional stove/fireplace person to come out and look at your particular set-up. You did not mention what your chimney was constructed of...is it brick? I think getting a professional out is your best bet. Oh, and if you do burn wood...make sure you always keep your stack clean. If you burn green wood, or burn it at a low temp, it will soot up with creasote, and at some time it CAN catch on fire. That is how many houses up here are burned down. I am sure a stove professional that would look at your set-up could advise you perfectly on the safe operation of your fireplace. I have had my woodstove in our house and we use it 24/7 for 7-8 mos for over 25 yrs!! Aint burnt down the house yet!!! LOL ...again, Good luck!!
Click to view my profile yukonjohn3
GOLO member since November 7, 2007
November 17, 2008 11:49 a.m.
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If the pic you have is the actual fire place, I'd recommend seeking the advise of an expert. Don't take any chances with this. Your description sounds like the fire place I have which we can burn wood or use gas logs. Try Fire house Casual living here in Raleigh. 235-0002 located on Capital Blvd.
Click to view my profile unstable
GOLO member since April 9, 2008
November 17, 2008 11:50 a.m.
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Hey, we love our wood buring fireplace. Our house is older too and had been converted to gas logs, but it was an actual masonry fireplace and could be converted back easily. Many people had gas logs installed when they became available. I would definitely call a pro on this one.
LaLa-Land
November 17, 2008 11:58 a.m.
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"If the pic you have is the actual fire place, I'd recommend seeking the advise of an expert."

If that pic is DODW's actual fireplace then she lives in a cartoon world where the only fireplace "expert" around may be Tigger or Elmer Fudd.
Click to view my profile innocent bystander
GOLO member since July 11, 2007
November 17, 2008 12:05 p.m.
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Fireplace is not brick. It has siding on it (outside) like the rrest of the house..There's a vent on the rigt, and gas tank is on the left and runs into that side. We were hoping to get rid of the tank, and go with wood.
Click to view my profile Dreamin of Disney World
GOLO member since November 3, 2007
November 17, 2008 12:06 p.m.
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ditto innocent bystanders comment. And even if you could convert it, burning green wood is bad for your fireplace. The wood you cut this winter should really be for the next winter so it will dry properly. Green wood is harder to get started and can cause creaso to build up in the flue which can lead to a chimney fire.
Click to view my profile theycallmethefireman2
GOLO member since April 8, 2008
November 17, 2008 12:09 p.m.
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Ours use to be that way but we have changed it to a wood burning stove...LOVE IT!!! And really saves big on the propane use. Though propane company is not happy about it *smiles*
Click to view my profile headlong
GOLO member since September 17, 2007
November 17, 2008 12:13 p.m.
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