How to Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas
Thinking of switching from wood to gas? Here's how conversion works, your options, and what to expect.
How to Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas
Plenty of Western North Carolina homeowners love the look of their wood-burning fireplace but never actually use it — the firewood, the ash, the cold-start smoke, and the effort just aren't worth it for a couple of fires a winter. Converting to gas fixes that, turning a decorative or rarely-used fireplace into a clean, instant, push-button fire you'll use all season. Here's how conversion works and what your options are.
Your Two Main Paths
There are two common ways to convert a wood fireplace to gas, and they suit different goals. The simpler, lower-cost route is a gas log set dropped into your existing firebox — vented for a tall, dramatic flame or ventless for maximum heat in the room. This keeps the open-fireplace look and gives you gas fire quickly. The bigger upgrade is a sealed gas insert, which slides into the firebox, connects to a liner run up the chimney, and converts that drafty open fireplace into an efficient, room-heating appliance. Logs are about ambiance and simplicity; an insert is about real, efficient, power-optional heat. Our wood-to-gas conversion service covers both.
The Part That Requires a License
Every conversion needs a gas line brought to the fireplace, and in North Carolina running that line is licensed work. This is the piece a general handyman or a showroom legally can't do — a showroom will happily sell you a log set, but connecting it to fuel takes a licensed gas contractor. That's why the smart move is to use one licensed company for the whole conversion: the appliance, the gas line, the venting or liner, the permit, and the pressure test. Your fuel depends on your address — natural gas along the Asheville and Hendersonville mains, propane out in Fairview and the cabins — and the appliance is set up accordingly.
What to Expect
For an existing working fireplace, a conversion is usually a straightforward, often one-day project: run and connect the gas line, set the logs or insert, confirm venting and clearances, permit and test. Many homeowners take the chance to add a millivolt or battery-backup ignition so the converted fireplace throws heat even during a power outage — a lesson a lot of WNC families took from Hurricane Helene. The result is the same fireplace you already have, now clean, instant, and genuinely useful. When you're ready, request a free assessment.
Why Choose Steady Flame Fireplaces
- NFI-certified technicians
- 20+ years of experience
- Free in-home assessments
- Upfront, honest pricing
- All major brands installed
- Financing available, subject to credit approval
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Written by the Steady Flame Fireplaces Team
NFI-Certified Fireplace Professionals · Serving Western NC Since 2005
This guide was written and reviewed by our team of NFI-certified fireplace technicians with over 20 years of combined experience installing and servicing fireplaces, stoves, and inserts across Western North Carolina. We provide honest, practical advice based on real-world experience in WNC homes.
FAQ
How to Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas FAQs
Related Guides & Services
Wood to Gas Conversion
Convert a wood-burning fireplace to clean, push-button gas — logs or a sealed insert, licensed and permitted.
Gas Insert Installation
Push-button gas fireplace inserts that turn a cold masonry fireplace into steady, power-optional heat.
Gas Log Installation
Vented and ventless gas log sets that bring instant fire to your existing fireplace — natural gas or propane.
How to Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas? We Can Help.
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