We all know that gas fireplaces are more efficient, but they don’t have the same charm as a wood burning fireplace. So do you need to choose between efficiency and charm? Not at all! You can burn wood in your gas fireplace with some easy-to-follow steps. Here is everything you need to know about how to make it happen.
Gas fireplaces are a great way to enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace without all of the mess. If you’ve decided to switch from wood-burning fireplace, it may be worth considering whether or not you can use your gas logs with an existing gas fireplace installation. There are some general guidelines that will help you decide if this is possible.
Why You Can’t Burn Wood In A Gas Fireplace?
Let’s say you have a wood stove with an open flame and the room is filled with smoke. You can’t see your hand in front of your face, but you need to find something important on the other side of the room. This wouldn’t be possible if there was no oxygen in this space; it would be like trying to breathe under water.
When you turn on your gas fireplace, it’s designed to burn fuel that will release heat into the room. It doesn’t have an open flame like a wood stove because the design is different.
If there was no oxygen in this space when you turned it on, then everything inside would begin to break down and decay without the presence of the necessary element.
The same thing would happen if you tried to burn wood in a gas fireplace; it’s not possible without an open flame, so please don’t try this on your own or with help from someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing! It has been known to result in fires and other damage.
How To Convert A Gas Fireplace To Wood burning?
The first question that probably comes to mind is: can I convert a gas fireplace into burning wood? The answer depends on whether you want to do this for aesthetic reasons or because of heating issues. If it’s the latter, then we recommend getting in touch with a professional as there are different steps involved and lots of safety hazards present.
We can help you determine if your fireplace is suitable for burning wood. We know that the first concern would be regarding safety, so we will give you some tips on what to look out for when converting a gas fireplace into one that burns wood safely. If it’s not possible or safe to convert your existing unit, then there are other options you can consider.
We will explain the steps involved in wood burning fireplace installation and what to take into account when doing this type of work yourself, or hiring a professional for this job.
We will also discuss how to get started, and some of the options available.
Is It Possible To Use A Gas Starter Fireplace To Burn Wood?
It is possible to burn wood in a gas fireplace, but you need to follow all the safety precautions and rules. Any type of fire must be properly ventilated for carbon monoxide (CO) emissions as well as smoke particles that can cause serious damage if inhaled over extended periods. This means no closed doors or windows unless they are connected to a system that draws the gases and particles to outside air.
No one wants to spend time cleaning up after a fire that has died out. The first step is ensuring you have enough ventilation to keep your fireplace burning cleanly and then using the right type of wood for optimal combustion. You can burn hardwood or softwoods, but they need to be dry when used in a gas-powered unit.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Gas Fireplace?
When purchasing a gas fireplace, look for the following features:
- Thermostat control – If you want to be able to adjust temperature and heat settings on your own there is no better way than with an electronic thermostat. This will allow you to set the desired level of warmth and reduce any potential energy loss.
- Customizable design – You want a fireplace that fits your home and lifestyle perfectly – so ensure you choose one with specific style options. There are numerous styles to select from including traditional, contemporary, rustic/modern and more.
- Durability – You need an efficient product that is entirely durable as well as energy-efficient. Cheaper products tend to require repair work over time, which is why you should invest in quality.
- Ease of installation – Gas fireplaces are easy to install, but the process varies depending on the type of fireplace that you select. If possible opt for a product with an electric or remote start ignition system as this will make it easier to get started without any hassle.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Guidelines Although it may be tempting to simply use a wood fireplace as the same kind of fuel-burning appliance you would for gas or oil, there are some differences. The biggest difference is that modern gas and oil fireplaces can effectively burn much cleaner than their predecessors from hundreds of years ago. This means they don’t fill your house with smoke or soot, and they don’t ruin your furniture with stains.
During the winter months when it is cold outside, you may want to open a window in order to let some of that cool air inside as well as the warm air from inside escaping. This will help keep utility bills down by reducing how often you need to use your furnace or stove to heat your home.
Safety Tips
- Do not leave your home if you smell gas.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a certified installer to avoid safety hazards when using any type of heater.
- Never operate an unattended fireplace or stove, especially at night when others are sleeping in the house.
- Keep combustible materials away from the fireplace at all times.
- Keep children and pets away when in use, especially while burning wood.
- Do not use flammable liquids to start a fire.
- Keep the area around the fireplace clear of combustible objects.
- Always have an unobstructed path when using your fireplace, especially when burning wood.
- Ensure that you use only seasoned logs which will burn better and release less smoke or creosote.
- Do not burn more than one log at a time.
- Keep the firebox clean and clear of ashes.
- Fuel your fireplace properly to avoid safety hazards, especially when burning wood.
- Use only an appropriate type of fuel for your fireplace or stove as described in the owner’s manual or on its label.
- Do not use solid fuels if they are labeled for gas appliances only.
- Make sure that your chimney is in good condition before each burning season and have it inspected regularly by a certified professional. A damaged or dirty chimney will release more harmful emissions into the air than necessary, which could lead to serious health problems.
FAQs
Is it ok to burn wood in a gas fireplace?
Yes, however you must use the right type of wood. The best types are dry hardwoods like oak or maple because they won’t produce excess moisture when burned. This is good for your venting system and can prevent damage caused by creosote buildup.
Can you burn wet wood in a gas fireplace?
You should never attempt to use green or wet firewood, only dry hardwoods like oak and maple are recommended for burning in a gas fireplace. Burning of any kind can cause damage to your venting system if the right type of wood is not used.
Should you use a fire starter for gas fireplace?
This is optional and up to your personal preference, but it might be helpful to use one if the wood is particularly hard or damp. Fire starters can help get things going quickly and easily so that once they’re lit, you don’t have to worry about them for a while.
Can you burn coal in a gas fireplace?
Coal is not recommended because it can cause excess moisture and creosote buildup, which can damage your venting system or lead to other problems down the road. It’s best if you stick with dry hardwood like oak or maple for burning purposes.
Does the fireplace have to be on?
No, you don’t necessarily need your gas fireplace turned on if you want to burn wood. However, it cannot be left off because this can cause an excess build up of moisture which might damage your venting system.
What are the benefits of burning wood in a gas fireplace?
A few reasons for this include being able to enjoy an authentic outdoor experience without having to worry about it getting too hot, enjoying crackling sounds when you burn wood, and using less energy compared to other types of heating. Using firewood is also environmentally friendly because you are using what would otherwise be considered waste.
What are the drawbacks of burning wood in a gas fireplace?
One drawback is that it can use up more storage space if you plan on keeping logs around to burn regularly. It’s also not recommended for people who have respiratory issues or allergies because wood smoke can be harmful to breathe in.
What type of firewood is the best for burning?
Dry hardwoods like oak or maple are ideal because they won’t produce excess moisture when burned which could cause problems with your venting system, leading to damage over time. Other types of dry woods like fruitwood, hickory and beech are also recommended.
Conclusion
If you are wondering whether or not you can burn wood in a gas fireplace, the answer is yes! A lot of homeowners and renters feel unsure about using firewood with their gas-burning appliances. The safest bet for those who want to use wood as fuel but don’t know if it will damage your equipment is to contact the manufacturer and ask if it is allowed.