Our Company Blog

Can I Convert My Wood-Burning Fireplace to Gas Logs?

The short answer is YES! But the long answer is NO.

YOU cannot convert your wood-burning fireplace to gas logs. For homeowners to do a conversion like this on their own, it can be dangerous and a waste of money. Luckily, our professional staff can complete any work properly, safely, and within regulations.

Why Convert to Gas

Using a wood-burning appliance can be a pain. Cutting, stacking, and hauling properly seasoned firewood can be tiresome and messy, and many homeowners are ready to be done with firewood and ashes by the end of burn season. Gas is more economical. Gas units are more affordable, are cheaper, more efficient, and low maintenance. Of all the perks of gas, the biggest benefit is the convenience. They are easy to light and extinguish, have precise temperature control, and are safer than a wood fireplace. You can’t go wrong with gas. They also require significantly less maintenance than their wood counterparts. The soot, creosote, and ash that comes with a wood-burning fireplace are non-existent. Your gas log set produces a small amount of soot and water vapor. After installation, clean the flue and check the unit annually to make certain it’s safe and efficient for another season of use.

Why Hire a Professional

When you start your conversion with a fire and chimney professional, you won’t have to worry about choosing the wrong item, installing it incorrectly, or servicing it. We do it all at Beach Stove and Fireplace! At Beach Stove and Fireplace, we’ll fit you with the best appliance to fit your space and your needs, and then we’ll leave the installation up to the CSIA certified chimney sweeps at our “sister” company, Guaranteed Chimney Service. Together we make sure your new fireplace is exactly what you dreamed, or we won’t rest until you’re satisfied.

Is a Gas Log Set Right For You?

The answer is YES! Gas log sets can fit in any fireplace. They are beautiful, realistic, and produce enough warmth for ambiance or zone heating. Many homeowners even choose vent-free gas log sets when converting from a wood fireplace with a damaged chimney. It may be cheaper to close off your chimney completely and opt for a vent-free gas log set, safe for indoor use, warm, and beautiful. The only downside to vent-free log sets is the flame is the blue flame. Many find it to be off-putting and less realistic. However, manufacturers have done a great job of making the logs look realistic and flame dance as it would in a wood fire. If you want to convert to gas and your chimney is in good shape, you can choose a vented gas log set that rivals the beauty of a wood fire! Your chimney expert will reline the chimney or pipe it up so that it meets the capacity of your new appliance. Without this extra step, your new gas appliance may cause moisture problems in your home. Talk to a professional about your installation and scheduling your first service appointment so that you don’t forget when the time comes.

Start now and you can have your dream fireplace in time for fall. Call Beach Stove and Fireplace now at 631-998-0780 or visit our store at 381-8 Old Riverhead Road at your convenience!

The Importance of Gas Appliances and Stoves

Are you a new homeowner? Perhaps you have recently installed a new fireplace in your home? If so, it’s important that you know the basics of fireplace maintenance. Many homeowners are choosing gas appliances and stoves for the easy of use, low maintenance, and versatility they offer. Fire is fire, though. This means any home heat appliance requires a certain level of care and maintenance.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual inspections and cleanings for the safest and most efficient use of your fireplace. This annual maintenance should be completed by a certified professional. Also, be scheduled in a way that allows necessary repairs before burn season. Spring and summer is an ideal time for these types of appointments.

What to Expect at Your Annual Service Appointment

For masonry chimneys, a system inspection would include every component from top to bottom. This includes the interior of the chimney. Gas fireplaces often don’t use the chimney. However, still require an annual inspection to insure that all the other components of the system are intact.

During an inspection of your gas appliance your chimney sweep should:

• Change the batteries in your unit. 
• Clean and inspect the unit. 
• Clean and inspect the glass and all hinges, latches, and attachments. 
• Inspect all electrical components.

When you schedule an annual service appointment for your gas fireplace, it may be the only time a professional gets a look at your system. It’s important not to put these appointments off.

Schedule a Service Appointment with Beach Stove and Fireplace

As a CSIA member, Beach Stove places our customer’s safety and comfort as top priority. We don’t want to leave your fireplace up to chance. That’s why we sell, install, and service the best gas products on the market. In fact, if you purchase your fireplace appliance or stove from Beach Stove and Fireplace, we extend you our preferred customer rate on annual maintenance for the NEXT THREE YEARS!

As a preferred customer, you receive a discounted rate (less $25) for annual maintenance appointments for three years after your purchase. To receive this $25 discount on your services you must schedule your annual maintenance during June and July, and you must have purchased your appliance or stove from Beach Stove and Fireplace. When you make this appointment you get a certified professional who cleans and inspects the system thoroughly, producing a report for your records, and putting together a repair plan for any damages found.

By scheduling your annual maintenance in June or July it insures that our technicians won’t be busy with installations or emergency calls, and will have time available to complete necessary repairs before burn season begins again.

Schedule your annual maintenance services now by phone or by visiting our showroom at your convenience!