Gunnison’s Team for Chimney Sweepings, Fireplace Installs & More: Stove Depot and Chimney Works

How Can I Convert My Wood Fireplace to Gas?

Converting your wood-burning fireplace to gas can be a smart move – whether you’re looking to boost home value, gain a cleaner burn, or just want to make starting and maintaining your fires easier, gas systems are a great investment all around. That said, fuel conversions can feel daunting – is it a complicated process to switch from a wood fireplace to a gas one?

The good news is that switching from wood to gas doesn’t need to be an extensive, time-consuming, or even wildly expensive ordeal. That said, before making the switch, it’s essential to understand your options.

There are three main ways to convert a wood fireplace to gas:

1. Add a gas log set. This is the most affordable – and typically the simplest – option. A gas log set includes ceramic logs that sit inside your existing firebox and connect to a gas line.
2. Upgrade to a gas fireplace insert.A gas insert is a sealed metal box that fits into your existing firebox, then is connected to a gas line and venting system. This option is more expensive than simply adding a log set, but it’s ideal if you’re looking to heat the room more effectively and modernize your fireplace – and an insert won’t take a lot of time or work to install.
3. Invest in a new built-in gas fireplace.In some cases, especially if a major remodel is being done anyway, homeowners opt to completely remove their existing wood fireplace and install a new built-in gas unit. This is the most extensive and costly option, but it allows for complete customization.

No matter which option you choose, gas conversions should always be performed by a licensed professional. Working with natural gas or propane can invite risks (like carbon monoxide exposure) if not handled properly, and any new fireplace installation or upgrade will require proper permits and inspections to meet local building codes.

If you’re looking to convert your fireplace, reach out today. We’ll inspect your existing fireplace and chimney, then work with you to forge the best path forward for completing the process per your needs, budget, and specifications.

Once the conversion is complete, you’ll get to enjoy instant flames (at the push of a button or flip of a switch), along with fires that produce no smoke, soot, or ash to clean up afterwards. Gas fireplaces are also known for their efficiency, providing more consistent heat output and extra warmth for your living space.

What’s the Difference Between Burning With Wood & Burning With Pellets?

Burning with wood and burning with pellets are two popular options for home heating – especially for those who don’t like the gas setups and want the ambiance of a real fire. Both are great options for maintaining a more classic ambiance, and both are eco-friendly, as wood logs are a renewable resource and pellet systems reuse wood waste and produce fewer emissions.

But what are the main differences between these two “real fire” fuel options?

• Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces use split logs, which can be either purchased or stored and seasoned yourself. Logs take up more space and wood fires must be maintained and re-fueled, but wood systems are definitely the most authentic and traditional option out there. They also have the huge advantage of being off-the-grid, so you can easily light a fire during a power outage.
• Pellet insert and stove systemsrun on pellets that are made from compressed sawdust and wood waste. They’re uniform in size and sold in 40-pound bags, making them easier to store in bulk – but pellets must be kept completely dry, as moisture can cause them to disintegrate. Pellet systems re-fuel on their own with the use of a loaded hopper, making them convenient to operate. That said, this requires electricity, so a backup power source may be needed during outages.

So, which is more convenient?

Most deem pellets the winner in this category. Wood logs require more hands-on effort – like starting the fire, adding logs regularly, cleaning out ash, etc. You’ll also need to stack, season, and store wood if you’re sourcing your own.

Pellet systems, on the other hand, are automated, meaning you just need to fill the hopper with pellets, set the desired heat level, and then the fire feeds itself. Ash cleanup is still required, but is more minimal and is needed less frequently – usually done weekly or biweekly.

It’s mostly about preferences – burning wood offers the rustic charm and natural experience of a traditional fire, while pellets provide convenience, efficiency, and cleaner operation…without totally losing out on that wood-burning aesthetic.

Need help exploring your options? We have great models to explore in our Montrose fireplace showroom, and our team would be happy to answer any questions you have – reach out today!

Gunnison, CO Chimney Company: Reach Out for Quality Service

You can find Gunnison, CO nestled right in the heart of the Rockies. It’s a town known for outdoor adventure and a rich history, and it serves as the county seat of Gunnison County. It’s also home to Western Colorado University, which draws students from across the region. Whether you’re exploring the nearby mountains or strolling through the historic downtown, Gunnison has a lot to offer.

For the outdoor enthusiasts, be sure to visit Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Just 3 miles south of Gunnison, this 14,000-acre area offers over 45 miles of singletrack trails for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. The granite outcrops also provide opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering.

There’s also Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is known for its steep cliffs and dramatic scenery. The Gunnison River drops an average of 43 feet per mile through the canyon – six times more than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon!

Other great spots around the area include the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Curecanti National Recreation Area, and the nearby Gothic Ghost Town.

Do you own a home in Gunnison? Then, make sure it stays in tip-top shape with fireplace products from us. We can set you up right with a new fireplace, stove, or insert, then provide any necessary chimney sweep or repair services to maintain it down the line. Reach out soon – we’d love to help you out!

For Gunnison Chimney Services & New Fireplace Products, Give Us a Call

We’re here to help you enjoy a safer, cozier, and more beautiful home – whether you need expert chimney care or you’re ready to add a brand new fireplace, stove, or insert. At Stove Depot and Chimney Works, we’re proud to serve the Gunnison area with reliable service and top-quality products. Give us a call today to learn more or schedule your appointment.