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Converting a Wood-burning Fireplace to Natural Gas: Conversion Can Be Dangerous As Well As Costly

Submitted By
Tom Kraeutler
Filed Under
Living Rooms, Living Spaces, Fireplaces and Wood Stoves, Fall, Seasons, Winter
Answers
1 expert, 0 community
Q:

We're interested in converting our wood-burning fireplace to natural gas. Natural gas service is readily available in our home, as we use gas for our stove. How do we convert our wood-burning fireplace and who do we call?

Money Pit Answer
A:

Converting a Wood-Burning Fireplace to Natural GasEven though I'm a do-it-yourself proponent, converting a wood-burning fireplace to natural gas is definitely one project you DON'T want to do yourself! Improperly installed, gas piping can have explosive consequences. 

Secondly, if you want to install a gas burner into a formerly wood-burning fireplace, I hope that you are independently wealthy. These burners are huge energy-wasters, and some burn as much gas as the furnace or boiler that heats you entire house. They also 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 percent water vapor and very corrosive to the inside of a chimney.

So, instead of converting your wood-burning fireplace to natural gas, my advice is to stick with the wood-burning fireplace or install a wood stove insert into the brick fireplace, which will increase its efficiency.

Answer by: Tom Kraeutler

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