Ask Tom & Leslie

Gas Log is a Bad Idea

Even though I’m a do-it-yourself proponent, this is definitely one area where you DON’T want to do it yourself!  Gas piping, improperly installed, can have explosive consequences. 

Secondly, if you want to install a gas burner into a formerly wood burning fire place, I hope that you are independently wealthy.  These burners are huge energy wasters.  Some burn as much gas as the furnace or boiler that heats you entire house.  Also, they pose a large risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as they do not do a good job of fully combusting the gas.  And, they produce tons of moisture.  Gas, after it burns, is 80% water vapor and very corrosive to the inside of chimney.

My advice is to stick with the wood, or install a wood stove insert into the brick fireplace, which will increase it’s efficiency.

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