What are my options for converting a wood-burning fireplace to gas — logs vs insert vs new fireplace?
In Brevard the wet climate shapes the decision: with 80-plus inches of rain a year spalling brick and rusting dampers, an old firebox may not be sound enough for a simple gas log set, pushing many conversions toward a sealed insert with a fresh liner or a full new built-in. And out here you're usually on propane.
What Brevard's weather does to a chimney
Transylvania County's 80-plus inches of annual rain, heaviest March through June, cracks crowns, spalls brick, and rusts dampers, and Brevard's crawl spaces and chimney chases are especially prone to moisture. A vented gas log set relies on a sound, open flue to carry exhaust; if yours is deteriorating, that's the wrong foundation to build on. A sealed insert brings its own stainless liner, and a new direct-vent built-in skips the chimney entirely. That's why so many Connestee Falls and Sherwood Forest conversions go straight to a sealed unit instead of gambling on a weather-worn flue, especially through the wet March-to-June stretch.
Propane, and the appliances built for it
Brevard is propane country, along with the cabins around it. Propane runs at different pressure than natural gas and needs the right orifices, which is exactly the kind of detail a licensed setup gets correct. For a real propane heater, a Kozy Heat Springfield 36 is made for cold cabins; for a luxury centerpiece in a timber-frame or mountain-modern home, the Mendota FullView FV41 is the most convincing wood-look we sell. It's a favorite for the timber-frame homes tucked up the mountain roads, where the fireplace is the room's centerpiece and runs much of this cool, wet year.
Permitted through Transylvania County
Connecting propane to a fireplace is licensed work in North Carolina; a showroom or mason legally can't do it. We handle the propane piping, regulator, and appliance setup, coordinate the tank with your supplier, pull the Transylvania County permit, and pressure-test the line. We're about 40 minutes from our Asheville showroom. Free in-home assessment: (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Brevard
We install and service fireplaces throughout Brevard and the rest of Transylvania County — just 40 minutes southwest from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- Should I install gas logs or keep burning real wood in my fireplace?
- What's the difference between a gas fireplace insert and gas logs?
- Which heats better, a gas insert or gas logs?
- Wood-to-gas vs wood-to-electric conversion — which is better for my fireplace?
- Which is the bigger installation job — gas logs, a gas insert, or a full fireplace replacement?