While cozying up to a warm crackling fireplace sounds like a great way to heat up and save energy it is actually one of the least efficient ways to heat your home causing many people to convert their traditional fireplaces to electric fireplaces fireplaces are inefficient because they remove the warm air from inside the house and send it out through the chimney.
Turn gas fireplace into electric.
There should be an electric outlet in the fireplace.
Electric fireplace inserts are a special type of electric fire which can be used in an existing fireplace.
But if you think about it this conversion makes very good sense in certain instances.
How to convert a gas fireplace to electric.
In order to replace a gas fireplace with an electric insert you will need to remove the existing unit seal the gas line and pop in the electric unit.
They can be fitted into pretty much any gas fireplace.
Step 1 choosing your electric fireplace insert.
If the fireplace was wired directly into a junction box disconnect the power at the breaker panel and disconnect the wires.
They are desired not only as a heating source but also as a means of establishing a cozy zen like ambiance in the living room family room or bedroom.
This must be done by a qualified gas technician and is not a do it yourself project.
Let s look at a few of them and then talk about some tips for making this conversion.
Electric inserts can be fitted into just about any existing fireplace.
To get the clearance you d need for gas you d probably need to redo the cabinets.
At first glance it may seem strange to hear about someone wanting to convert their traditional fireplace that runs on either wood or gas into an electric fireplace.
The gas fireplace may have an electrical.
Remove the trim surrounding the gas fireplace.
The average 120v outlet will produce just over 5000 btus which can warm up about 500 square feet.
Step 2 removing the gas fireplace.
So fire safety rules require cabinetry to be a lot farther away from a gas fireplace than an electric one.
Keep the gas insert in case you want to reverse the procedure.
Electric fireplaces have an output that is based on the electric current.
There are 3 main steps to convert a gas fireplace to electric.
If i were you i d get a qualified gas guy to cap and turn off the gas.
The dimensions of the insert must fit within the fireplace cavity.
They do convert all their energy into heat however they cost around 25 a year to run.
Turn off the shutoff valve on the gas line supplying the fireplace.
These are provided as they are without any grills or surrounds.
Run a dedicated electrical line to the site of the fireplace.