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Houston
281-497-4000

Beaumont
409-240-0013

Houston 281-497-4000
Beaumont 409-240-0013

We Can Help With Gas Log Conversions

We Can Help With Gas Log Conversions Image - Houston TX - Lords ChimneyDo you love your fireplace but are tired of the hassle of stacking firewood, shoveling ashes, and waiting for fires to ignite or extinguish? If so, converting your masonry fireplace to a gas log set may help you get more use out of your fireplace this winter! Converting your fireplace to gas gives you all the benefits of having a fireplace – without much of the maintenance and cleaning.

Benefits of gas

Gas fireplaces have come a long way from the days of fake blue flames. Modern gas appliances are available in a wide variety of realistic sizes and styles, allowing homeowners to choose a fireplace that reflects their home and style. Likewise, gas is extremely efficient; gas log sets can burn with as much as 90% efficiency, reducing heating costs as well as the amount of smoke and air particulate emissions produced.

In addition to being more efficient, gas fireplaces are extremely used friendly. The fireplace can be turned on and off with the press of a button, allowing you to enjoy your fireplace anytime you choose. Likewise, with no ashes to shovel or wood to stack, less time and effort is spent on maintenance while more time is spent enjoying sitting in front of the fire.

Gas log conversions

If you already have a masonry fireplace, your existing system can be converted to a gas log set. At Lords Chimney, we recommend Peterson Real Fyre gas logs. These high quality heating appliances are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and venting options. In addition, each log set is hand painted by artisans to realistically resemble a real wood burning fire; this lets homeowners enjoy a combination of the ease of gas with the beauty of wood.

Vented vs vent free gas logs

When it comes to choosing your gas log set, one major decision is how you want it to be vented. The two venting choices for gas log sets are vented vs vent free. If you are installing a gas log set into an existing masonry fireplace, a vented set can be used; however, vent free gas logs offer the flexibility of being installed and used anywhere in your home.

  • Vented: Vented gas logs use an existing chimney to vent to the outside. Vented gas logs are typically used in homes when an existing fireplace is being converted from wood to gas. However, this limits you to where in your home the fireplace can be installed.
  • Vent free: Vent free gas log fireplaces are unique in that they do not need to be connected to an outside air source to burn or vent. This gives homeowners unprecedented flexibility in choosing a location for their gas log fireplace. In addition, vent free gas logs may be able to move from room to room as needed for additional heating. Manufacturers guidelines may instruct homeowners to open a window nearby when using the fireplace or not allow it to run for more than one hour to avoid affecting a home’s air quality.

If you no longer love your masonry fireplace, converting it to a gas log can help you get more use and enjoyment out of your fireplace. For more information on gas log conversions, contact Lords Chimney today.

We Fix Gas Logs!

Year after year, sales of gas log fireplaces continue to increase. Homeowners love that they are easy to use, efficient, and have significantly lower maintenance costs than wood burning heating appliances. However, despite the relatively small amount of upkeep gas logs require, they can be damaged or deteriorate over time.

While gas create a clean burning and efficient heat, it can be dangerous if not used correctly. One of the most common problems with gas logs occur when homeowners continue to use them if they are damaged. If this happens, call Lords Chimney; we fix gas logs!We Fix Gas Logs! - Houston TX - Lords Chimney

Gas log maintenance

Just like any other heating appliance, gas logs need regular upkeep and maintenance in order to keep working their best. Both the interior and exterior of the fireplace should be cleaned at least twice per year; doing this removes any dust or soot that may accumulate an impact gas log performance. When cleaning the inside of the gas log, use a clean, dry cloth or soft bristled paint brush. Care should be taken not to bump, move, or shift the gas log components as even movements as small as a few millimeters can impact performance.

In addition, the fireplace’s glass or metal exterior can be cleaned as often as needed to removes dust, handprints, or smudges. However, homeowners should try to use specialized cleaners as often as possible, even for the fireplace’s exterior; some commercial cleaners do not react well with the ambient heat from the fireplace.

For all gas log fireplaces, the user’s manual is one of the most invaluable resources a homeowner has. The manual will often have specific information on cleaning, operating, and maintaining your specific fireplace unit. If you think something is wrong with your gas log or have noticed a change in performance, your user’s manual may be able to provide you with troubleshooting questions or tips in order to help you identify the problem,

When do I need a chimney sweep?

While gas logs have much easier maintenance than other heating appliances, many homeowners are still surprised to learn that they still need to have their chimney swept each year! Gas logs can still suffer from the buildup of creosote – especially if they are not regularly swept; likewise, some high efficiency units are at higher risk for water condensation or incomplete combustion.

If at any time you begin to experience usage problems with your gas log, it is important to call a chimney sweep as soon as possible. Things like smoke production, an oddly colored flame, a strong gassy or smoky odor, or staining on your chimney’s exterior are all signs that your gas log may be experiencing a serious problem. If you experience these or any other unusual chimney symptoms, stop using your gas log immediately and call a chimney sweep.

With regular maintenance, your gas log can last for years to come. However, even regular maintenance doesn’t guarantee you won’t have a problem that needs professional attention. When you need your gas log fixed, contact Lords Chimney to have the job done right!