Heat Your Home With Professional Gas Log Installations by Mason’s Chimney Service

When a fireplace springs to mind, you’ll likely picture a big, traditional masonry fireplace with a crackling wood fire that reminds you of your childhood. As nice as a memory of it is, it’s not always a practical scenario for modern homeowners. Whether it is the overall inefficiency of a wood-fueled fire, the lack of space, and the inconvenience of safely storing firewood, or you simply prefer a different source of fuel, installing gas logs can be a better fit for your home and your lifestyle.

If you’re interested in learning more about gas logs or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for installation, call Mason’s Chimney Service at 800-559-6276 or book with us online.

Are There Different Types of Gas Logs?

There are two main types of gas logs – vented and ventless. Vented gas logs require a chimney or other venting system to properly exhaust combustion gases, smoke, and toxins. They’re popular because they have the appearance of realistic flames and can be more efficient heaters than their ventless counterparts. However, they may not be suitable for all homes.

As you may have guessed from the name, ventless gas logs can work without a chimney or vent system. They’re known for their improved efficiency because all of the heat that is produced is circulated directly back into the room. On the other hand, they cannot be used in all areas of your home and may have limitations on how long they can be run which could render them ineffective when Northeast temperatures are most frigid.

Gas logs

Can I Use My Existing Chimney With Gas Logs?

Installing a set of gas logs is a good solution to bring new life to your fireplace if you already have an existing masonry chimney system in place. In most situations, you can use the existing structure for vented gas logs depending on the following:

  • The type of fireplace you have. Gas logs are only compatible with a traditional wood-burning fireplace, and aren’t intended to be used with every system. For example, if you have a factory-built unit, gas logs will not be an option for you.
  • The chimney system is in good shape. Your chimney should be inspected for blockages and other damage. If anything is found during the inspection, it will need to be repaired before you can have gas logs installed.
  • You have access to gas. To use your gas logs, you will need consistent access to natural gas or propane gas. If you don’t have a gas line or you do but it isn’t adequate to support the addition of another heating appliance, you may have to lay a new gas line.
  • Proper ventilation. Vented gas logs are one option, but you can also consider ventless gas logs. With ventless, you don’t need a working chimney structure but you will need other suitable points of ventilation like windows. If you want to install gas logs in a closed-off room, ventless is not the way to go.

 

How Do I Maintain Gas Logs?

Compared to masonry units and factory-built fireplaces that use wood as a fuel source, gas logs are relatively low maintenance. Creosote is a byproduct of burning firewood and without wood in the mix, you can also look forward to a drop in soot production.

Another great benefit of having gas logs is that you don’t have to worry about cleaning up ashes after you use your fireplace. However, you should wipe the logs down with a cloth or hand brush in between uses to be on the safe side.

Although day-to-day maintenance differs between a standard wood-burning fireplace and gas logs, annual maintenance should be very much the same. You still need to book a yearly chimney inspection and sweeping for your gas logs with a chimney professional who is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). A Mason’s Chimney Service technician can check for faulty gas connections and malfunctioning electrical components.

Can I Install or Replace the Gas Logs in My Fireplace Myself?

You’re feeling handy and you want to try to tackle a gas log installation or replacement all by yourself? We get it, but slow down and ask yourself a few important questions: do you have experience working with chimney systems that can be intricate? Do you know how to spot chimney damage that would make gas logs unsafe? How much do you know about working with dangerous gas?

Likely, most of the questions don’t produce comforting or reassuring answers and that’s okay. This is why we started Mason’s Chimney Service in 1955 to help homeowners improve their houses safely. We have the background, expertise, and knowledge to navigate even the most complex chimney systems. You can rest assured that you can count on our team to get the job done right the first time.

Schedule an Appointment for Gas Log Installation Today

Gas logs aren’t necessarily what you would think of when picturing the perfect fireplace, but there is no reason they can’t be an even better fit than you dreamt of. To schedule a gas log installation or if you have a few questions about the process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Call us now at 800-559-6276 or reach out online.

 

If the only thing missing from your fireside enjoymnent is the beauty and protection offered by glass doors, call on us today for this fireplace installation service