If you’re considering converting your existing wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace, Caledon Fireplace in Caledon, Ontario, offers an enthusiastic thumbs-up for gas fireplaces and can show you how to proceed.
Despite all the allure of traditional wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces have come a long way and have many advantages over their traditional cousins. Gas fireplaces present many benefits for people who may have thought they’d never have a fireplace due to the space or structural restrictions of their homes. Gas fireplaces offer much in the way of benefits, including:
• Constant fuel supply
• Continual heat source (when the fireplace is operating)
• Cleanliness (since no mess is created from wood or ashes)
• Ease of operation (the flip of a switch is all it takes)
• Safety (fumes, particles and sparks are not released into your home)
• Chimney-free (because venting doesn’t require chimneys)
• Environmental benefits (far outweigh those of conventional wood fireplaces)
As well, the many innovative styles of gas fireplaces now make them attractive additions to any home’s decor. Ultra-modern and contemporary models are now on the market, in addition to those that are traditional or even rustic.
But what if you have an existing wood-burning fireplace? How can it be converted to a gas fireplace?
The answer is to use a gas fireplace insert. Such inserts are basically complete fireplaces that are installed in the firebox cavity of your existing fireplace. The conversion is something that should be done professionally to ensure manufacturer specifications and safety factors have been followed. Venting will also have to be properly addressed. Even though the existing chimney can be used, it will require a special liner to vent the combustion products of the new gas unit.
For gas fireplace maintenance and safety, the following tips are recommended:
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and maintenance.
• If the pilot light goes out, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to relight the flame.
• Have your gas fireplace serviced each year by a qualified professional, such as a registered HVAC contractor.
• Be careful not to leave children alone with an operating fireplace. Also, use a protective barrier to keep them away from the glass.
• Keep flammable objects away from the fireplace.
• Don’t operate the unit when no one is home, and make sure it’s completely turned off when not in use.
• Don’t wipe the glass of a hot fireplace with a wet cloth, because it could cause the glass to break. If the glass is cracked or broken, have it replaced before using the unit.
Converting an old fireplace to gas offers tons of benefits, so it’s something you’ll be glad you did.
For more information about converting your wood-burning fireplace to gas, talk to the folks at Caledon Fireplace Ltd. The store specializes in all types of fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Products and brand lines are extensive. Caledon Fireplace has been serving Peel Region with the finest fireplaces and wood stoves since 1989!
