HOME INTERIOR
The Gut Job Sometimes, like when you purchase an older period or highly-customized home, the fireplace is a “gut job,” in that no amount of cosmetic enhancement can accomplish what you would need for the feature to generate the amount of heat or produce the ambient effect you’re hoping for. This is often seen with older wood burning fireplaces that may still look attractive but lack the ability to provide a viable and efficient heat source. Adding a gas insert can be a highly effective and attractive way to keep what you like of the surround and enhance heat generation in the home. This is not to be confused with converting to gas logs, which still provide the ambiance of the traditional wood fire, but offer only a minimal to moderate heat source depending on the type of gas logs you choose, vented or non-vented. In either case, your fireplace will need to be professionally evaluated first to ensure that your existing structure is capable of supporting a gas fire. Making this change also requires adherence to specific codes your state and local municipality impose on modifications of this nature.
Photo by lemonthistle.com
The primary concern with a wood-to-gas swap since gas exhaust, unlike wood smoke, is clear, is the position of the damper. The damper must always be kept in a fixed position or removed altogether so those exhausts are continually eliminated by way of the flue.
Three Approaches for Upgrading Your Tired Fireplace It may be something you rarely think about until those chilly nights when it’s time to light it, but that’s usually when you realize the value your fireplace brings to your home. This is when you also may notice the impact the look of your fireplace has on your entire room or living space.
70
If your home wasn’t built recently and to your custom specifications, chances are that the fireplace surround could be looking a little tired. Even your mantel may look like it could use a refresher if you’re still working with the home’s original builder’s grade iteration.
What’s Up? Eastern Shore | October 2021 | whatsupmag.com
Before making your switch, it’s important to assess your needs: Do you wish to take a chill off a small area or one room, or do you hope to provide a substantial or alternate heat source for an entire zone or floor in your home? So, if you’re thinking, “cozy glow” you’ll probably be quite satisfied with a gas log package.
Photo by @Sunnygacharm from Instagram
By Lisa J. Gotto
So, while you may consider yourself handy with other projects around your home, a certified fireplace tech should always be consulted to perform any installation of this nature.
