What are the steps to convert a wood-burning fireplace to gas?
In Arden, those 1980s-90s open masonry fireplaces in Royal Pines and Skyland actually pull heat out of the room — so here the conversion decision leans hard toward a sealed insert that turns a heat-loser into a real heater. You're on natural gas, 15 minutes south of the showroom. We assess the firebox, run the licensed line, install a sized liner, set, test, and permit through Buncombe County.
Why the insert wins here
Arden's housing skews to 1980s and '90s homes in Royal Pines and Skyland, and their open masonry fireplaces share a flaw: they pull warmed air straight out of the room and up the chimney, so the fire you light is quietly costing you heat. That's why, in these houses specifically, the conversion decision leans hard toward a sealed insert.
Drop one into the existing opening and a firebox that ran a net heat loss becomes a heater that commonly runs 70 percent efficient or better — a Napoleon Oakville X4 or a Kozy Heat Chaska are typical fits. Bigger isn't better, either — we size the insert to the room. If you truly only want the look, a gas log set works, but here the insert usually pays you back.
Line, liner, permit
You're on natural gas in Arden, so once the unit's chosen the fuel side is direct — no tank, just a tap. What can't be shortcut is the gas connection: extending a line in North Carolina is licensed work, and a showroom or mason legally can't do it.
We run and pressure-test the line, install a correctly sized stainless liner so the insert vents and draws right, pull the Buncombe County permit, and meet the inspector. Permitted, inspected work stays on record and keeps your homeowner's insurance intact. We also handle the commercial spaces around Biltmore Park the same way. Arden is 15 minutes south of our Emma Road showroom — call (828) 545-0525 for a free in-home assessment.
Fireplace help in Arden
We install and service fireplaces throughout Arden and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes south from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- How long does a wood-to-gas fireplace conversion take from start to finish?
- Does converting to gas take longer if my house doesn't have natural gas service?
- Is a fireplace conversion done in one visit or several?
- Does my chimney need to be inspected or cleaned before a conversion or insert installation?
- Is a wood-to-gas conversion reversible if I ever want to burn wood again?