Can I put gas logs in my Heatilator wood-burning fireplace?
In Swannanoa, a lot of this question comes up during rebuilds — and that's actually the ideal time to decide. Grovemont's 1940s-60s homes have original masonry fireboxes that take vented gas logs, but if you're already renovating after storm damage, speccing a sealed gas insert now gives you real backup heat. Call (828) 545-0525.
Rebuilding is the moment to get it right
Storm recovery has Swannanoa homeowners opening walls and redoing hearths anyway, and that's the low-friction time to run a proper gas line and choose deliberately — vented logs for ambiance in a sound masonry firebox, or a sealed insert for efficient, power-optional heat. Deciding during the rebuild beats retrofitting into finished rooms a year later, and demand for new fireplace and stove installs here reflects exactly that.
1940s-60s masonry, valley damp
Grovemont's mid-century homes have original open fireboxes that are usually vented-log candidates, but the river-valley fog, cold-air pooling, and damp air are hard on masonry and rust dampers early. We inspect the flue and firebox as part of the rebuild scope, so nothing goes back together over a chimney that won't hold up.
Power-optional heat after the last outage
The homes that stayed warm through the region's multi-day outage were the ones with a working hearth. A millivolt or battery-backup gas insert throws heat with the grid down; vented logs give light and some warmth but aren't a primary heater. The line is licensed work — Buncombe County permit, pressure-test, inspector, 15 minutes east. See /guides/backup-heat-power-outage-wnc.
Fireplace help in Swannanoa
We install and service fireplaces throughout Swannanoa and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes east from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- Where do I find the model number on my Heatilator fireplace?
- Is Heatilator a good brand or just builder-grade?
- Where can I buy replacement parts for a Heatilator fireplace?
- Is Heatilator a brand name or a generic term for a heat-circulating fireplace?
- Can I put gas logs in a Superior or Majestic wood-burning fireplace?