There are many reasons to convert to gas. Your wood fireplace or insert may be costing you too much–in wood, energy, and time. Maybe you are looking to sell or refinance your property. Upgrading your fireplace is one way to bring up your property value with little work. Some homeowners may just want to convert to gas because of the many benefits of gas as well as the versatility of style available in gas models. During a remodel is a great time to convert to a gas insert.
Benefits of Gas 
Gas is the most efficient form of heat appliances on the market. These gas products are considered low maintenance and are convenient, usually with a push button start. Gas burns cleanly, minimizing pollution and waste while maximizing heat. They are versatile and independent of your home’s utilities. That means that when your electricity is out, your fire can still burn.
Converting to Gas
If you’re thinking of converting to gas, you have options.
- If your chimney is in good shape, you can choose a B-vent gas insert to be installed directly into your masonry firebox. The insert will need to vent by way of the existing chimney so it should be appropriate for gas appliances. Your chimney sweep will inspect your existing chimney to make sure it is can be used for gas and that the liner is in good shape. If it isn’t, it will need to be repaired or replaced before you can benefit from a new gas insert.
- If your chimney is in poor shape, or if you don’t have a chimney, you can still choose a gas insert. Direct-vent gas inserts can be installed anywhere, as long as they can be vented through a ceiling or wall. Direct-vent inserts are a completely closed unit, pulling air from outside and venting it outside. They are more efficient than even a standard gas insert and burn hotter.
Professional Installation
When it’s time to start your conversion, you should call a chimney professional to start this process. A certified chimney sweep is experienced in the removal and installation of chimney and heat components. The Cozy Flame works together with the best chimney service providers in the area, Total Chimney Care for installations and services. Together we bring our customers through the entire process including choosing your product, inspection, sizing, installation, and follow-up maintenance.
When you choose a new gas insert, it’s important that you choose a professional to inspect the existing system and correctly measure the firebox so the new appliance will be correctly retrofitted. Safety is our first concern at The Cozy Flame and you can count on us to sell only the best products on the market, including our B-vent and Direct-vent gas inserts.
You can shop at The Cozy Flame hearth store at 116 Research Dr. Suite Q, in Milford, Connecticut. Our fireplace experts are also available by phone at 203-283-4459 or online. We try to offer as many options as possible for our customers who have busy lives. You can start your process by looking through our collection of products online.