Q. I would like to convert my fireplace to gas... what are my options?

Well, there are basically two options:

1. You can run gas into your existing wood burning firebox, masonry or pre-fab. and install a set of gas logs. These will come in a variety of types of wood: Split Oak, Birch, etc. This will typically be a match light system, although other options, such as a safety pilot and a remote control are available. This will be the most realistic look you can get without burning wood. It is convenient and there are no ashes to clean up or wood to haul. You can close the damper and doors 15 minutes after turning off the gas. This will eliminate heat loss through the night. You may feel you want to burn with your doors open. This will warm up the area around the fireplace, however, you will not have increased the efficiency of the fireplace and just as when burning wood, you will be losing heat up the flue. The approximate cost of using this gas log set is about 60 cents per hour. The cost of installation of the gas and logs would start at $600, depending on the length of gas run and the fireplace size, which would determine the log size. Typically the log size is the width of the fireplace, less 12 inches. This is a great option if you want a big flame and a very real fire for aesthetics. We sell Hargrove and Peterson Gas Log sets.
    

2. A complete Gas Insert could be installed. This is a pre-fab. fire box that slides into your existing fireplace, and has a sealed glass door and decorative face and black surround, that makes up the difference between the fireplace opening and the decorative face. There are two flexible aluminum liners that go up the flue, one to exhaust the gases and the other to bring fresh air into the firebox. This type of system is extremely efficient (about 80-85%) and could easily heat a portion of the house. The cost to operate an Insert is about 30 cents per hour. The cost to install an Insert would start at $2,800 and again, could go up depending on length of gas run, options and face plate chosen. Inserts that we carry are made by Mendota and Fireplace Xtrordinair.