Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas?
Yes — converting a wood-burning fireplace to gas is one of the most popular upgrades we do, and there are two paths. A gas log set drops into your existing firebox for ambiance at lower cost, or a sealed gas insert with a chimney liner gives you real, efficient, power-optional heat. Both need a licensed gas line run to the firebox — that's our lane.
Log set or insert — pick your outcome first
Every wood-to-gas conversion starts with one question: do you want the look, or do you want the heat? A gas log set — like a Real Fyre Charred American Oak set, hand-painted and cast from real oak — drops into your existing firebox, burns with a tall realistic flame, and costs less because it reuses the fireplace and chimney you already have. Vented logs are ambiance-first; most of their heat goes up the chimney, same as wood. A sealed gas insert is the other path: a self-contained firebox that slides into the old opening, seals it off, and pushes real, efficient heat — inserts commonly run 70% efficient or better where an open masonry fireplace can actually run a net heat loss. Insert brands we like for this include Napoleon and Kozy Heat. Our guide at /guides/convert-wood-fireplace-to-gas walks both routes in detail.
Why the gas line is our lane and no one else's
Here's the part that catches people. In North Carolina, running or extending a gas line is licensed work — a furniture showroom or a mason can sell you a beautiful firebox, but they legally can't connect it to fuel. We can, and we permit and pressure-test every line we run. On a conversion we bring the gas supply to the firebox, whether that's tapping a natural-gas main along the Asheville and Hendersonville corridors or setting up propane out in Fairview, Candler, Brevard, and the cabins. One licensed company handles the appliance, the line, the liner, the permit, and the inspection.
The outage angle worth weighing
After Helene, a lot of neighbors learned which fireplaces actually work when the grid's down. A sealed insert with millivolt or battery-backup ignition keeps throwing heat with no electricity — power-optional heat you own. A vented log set lights and burns without power too, though it's built for ambiance rather than serious warmth. If backup heat is part of why you're converting, tell us, and we'll steer you toward the right unit. Call (828) 545-0525 or request a free in-home assessment.
Related questions
- Can a gas insert be installed in my existing masonry fireplace?
- Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to electric?
- Can a gas fireplace be converted back to wood-burning?
- Can gas logs be installed in any existing fireplace?
- Does a gas fireplace insert need a chimney liner?
- Can I put a gas fireplace in my bedroom?
Still deciding? Talk to a real installer.
Free assessments across Western North Carolina — no pressure, straight answers.