We are going to install a gas log set in our wood burning fireplace. I was wondering if one could install a vent-less gas log set since they are more efficient. Are there any problems associated with this?

Yes, you could have significant issues. Please read my past articles about vent-free logs. You will find it in the Fireplaces category.

Hi Tim

We just moved into a home that has a gas fireplace, I just wanted to know if we can put a regular fire log in it to burn when we use the fireplace. I thought the heat might mess with the unit. Please let me know.

Tina,
That is a great question. The answer is a big No. The ashes from the log will clog the holes in the gas-log set.

Hi Tim,

I have a gas fireplace in our home that has a lot of sand and debris in the bottom. What might this be and is it better to have it or discard it so that we can use the fireplace?

Kim in MD

Kim,

Maybe it is mortar dropping down the chimney..... Santa caused this to happen as he slides down. Send him the cleanup bill.

We have a gas vented fireplace. 2 of the 6 "gas hole's don't work therefore there is no flame there. I suspect there is too much sand in front of them What is the correct amount and height of sand needed? Much thanks, a former log burning fireplace owner.

Mike,
Uncover the holes and see if they light. Make sure they are covered with the approved sand as specified by the mfr.

I see your comments about sand over the gas holes. One plumber told me this was not supposed to be there so I removed it. I had asked him about my FP because it seemed to me the inside of the FP and some logs had turned really super black last year after using it, so I was concerned. Then a fireplace specialist said, yes the gas hole apparatus was supposed to be covered with this sand. He gave me some more, but I have not yet put it in the FP. Is it true that it is important to cover the gas holes/pipe in the metal box with sand? I don't see an answer above to how much or the Height of the sand. Just barely cover? or pile it on top? Any reason why the logs were turning so black? I have since taken them out and cleaned them. Thank you so much!

Carlene,
I would only use sand to partially cover the pipe. I would never cover the gas outlets *unless* the log manufacturer says it is okay to do. The black is from soot. Soot is BAD. It means the gas is not burning right.

I recently bought a new home with a vented gas FP. There is a glass cover over the front of it. This seems to keep any heat that might be created inside the FP from escaping. Will it hurt the operation to take the glass cover off? I have had wood FP up till now and this confuses me.

Jim,
Test it........

I recently purshased a house and it had a gas fireplace. I had the gas company come and cap it off. Can I now burn wood in it? I have burned store bought logs in it with no problem. What is the difference? The vent on top of the house is round and the house douse have vinyl sidding.

In the cold we had this past week I lit my ventless gas fireplace. The smell of gas was overwhelming. I can't believe it is suppose to be like this. To what point should I be concerned. I bought my house with the ventless gas fireplace about 3 years ago. Should I get it inspected?

Carla,
Have a great chimney sweep inspect it and certify it is ready for wood fires.

Shelley,
You are not the first person to complain about odors from those devices. If you have any safety concerns, call your local fire department. They prefer to talk to people like you rather than carry you out of your home in a large, dark bag.

Hi Tim,
I have a set of vent-free gas logs in a see through fire place. When I attempt to start the logs, they shut off after just a few seconds. I have no problem keeping the pilot lit and there is plenty of ventilation. What do you think may be the problem?

Franklin,
This has been discussed in many of the other comments before you posted. When possible, read all comments before posting a question.

We have a direct vent propane fireplace which we use quite often. Lately a black soot film has been building u on ceilings, toys, windows, etc. Are builder is stating that it is from burning a candle. But the soot is in nearly every room. Is our problem the fireplace? how do we find out? What potential harm should I be concerned with for my two young children?

Marc,
Candles give off vast amounts of soot. This is simple to test. Clean the soot off of the surfaces. STOP burning the candle(s). Use the fireplace for weeks. If you notice soot again, this means both things were contributing.

Our home was built with a 2-sided, vented gas decorative fireplace facing the living room (with high ceiling) and master bedroom (with low ceiling). We have an ample supply of wood and wonder if it's feasible to convert to a wood burner in order to help heat our home. Even if it's possible, would the master bedroom get too hot and the living room not warm enough?
Thanks for your insight.

Tim,
We recently went under contract in our first home (Yay!). As part of the contract, it is written that if "buyer will purchase fireplace, seller will install." We purchased a gas ventless firebox and were excited to have it installed extending out of the existing wall when the developer informed us that we would have to pay for a surround, mantle, etc etc etc.....they said that a fireplace can't be installed without additional equipment that we would have to buy. Their solution: buy it or pay us $700 to do it. Our position: we bought a fireplace, we want the seller to install it modestly in drywall as was stated in the contract. They say that isn't possible, but to us it seems like they just want to avoid the effort of what was promised in the contract. Squabble, squabble, you can imagine.

Getting to our question...is a firebox in itself a working fireplace entity? Can it be directly installed into drywall? The instruction manual says only the distances it must be from other surfaces, not what those surfaces can be. We aren't looking for all the extra decorative elements, we just want it tastefully placed in the room and drywalled in, with a flat drywall surface on top (essentially a mantle without the wood, etc.), then painted to match our walls.
Please advise if that is possible, and also what steps would be involved to do so safely.
Thank you!

Lindsey

I have seen gas fireplaces that use sand instead of fake logs. It is a dramatic presentation. Where can I get information to safaly do this with my gas fireplace?