Can I Install a Gas Fireplace Into Existing Chimney?

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Yes, you can easily add a gas fireplace insert into your existing chimney. In fact, a fireplace insert is an appliance designed to fit into an existing fireplace. Inserts are usually cut in various sizes to suit your preferences and needs. However, before you spend thousands of dollars on an insert, evaluate the pros and cons of gas fireplace installation inserts below.

A vent free gas insert is a great option. A gas insert is a complete, compact system that fits right into your existing fireplace structure. A vent free gas insert means there is no costly pipe to run or maintain.

Advantages of a Gas Fireplace

Efficiency

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Gas logs and inserts are convenient, as you can turn them on with a flip of a switch. Some come with remote controls, which allow you to turn them on from the comfort of your couch. Some also come with timers that control the amount of fire burning at any given time.

Economical

Gas fireplaces burn natural gas and propane just like a traditional wood fireplace. However, the glass doors enhance the conversion of most of the fuel into usable heat, preventing significant heat loss. The heat generated remains inside the room rather than vanishing through the chimney. The fans preinstalled in the insert control the amount of heat entering the room.

Safety

Unlike traditional fireplaces, which need a flue through the roof, gas fireplaces are vent free. This means that they eliminate the need for back drafting, since they can be placed anywhere in your house and fitted with fire-caulked flange for additional safety. The vent free technology that comes with inserts clean the air leaving the combustion chamber, so your home does not have the smell of wood burning.

Simplicity

Gas fireplaces are hassle-free and straightforward since you only need to purchase the fireplace insert. This saves you the time to gather firewood, set up, and extinguish a fire after use.

Disadvantages of a Gas Fireplace

While a gas fireplace may seem like the perfect addition to your home, understand that one might not be the best fit in every situation. Below are a couple reasons you might think twice about investing in one:

Oxygen depletion sensors fitted into the gas inserts turn the fire off when they detect the presence of excess carbon monoxide emissions in your house. While this is a safety precaution, it can be disturbing particularly in the cold weather when there are guests and power outage.
Not all buildings allow the installation and usage of gas inserts. You have to be cautious and check the codes and rules of the building before installing them.
In order to dry off all the natural gas, unvented fireplaces are extremely hot, as there is no chimney for the outflow of smoke. In a homestead where there are children and pets, you have to be careful as these fireplaces can cause irreversible accidents.

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State	Current Code	Status	IECC Status
Alabama	2003 IMC, IFGC statewide	V-F appliances allowed throughout the state.
Alaska	2003 IMC, IFGC and in some areas UMC	V-F appliances allowed in various parts of state.	Adopts residential provisions of 2006 IECC November 08
Arkansas	2003 IMC, IFGC statewide	V-F appliances allowed throughtout the state.
Arizona	2000, 2003 and 2006 IMC and 2003, 2006 UMC	State is adopting new codes and V-F appliances allowed in various parts of the state. Yuma is 1996 IMC.	Arizona HB 2275 introduced to require statewide adoption of the IECC
California	One or more International Codes® adopted statewide with future enforcement date	The state does not allow vent-free appliances. The state law has been changed but regulations have not been promulgated.	Energy Commission to pesent draft language for 2008 IECC
Colorado	One or more International Codes® enforced within state at local level, 2006 UMC in some areas	V-F appliances allowed in various parts of state. Because of higher aaltitutdes, some code areass do not accept.	Colorado HB 1146 introduced to require municipal adoptions of the IECC
Connecticut	2003 IMC statewide	V-F appliances allowed throughout the state.	New Committee to Develop Energy Standards for State Buildings
Delaware	2000 - 2003 IPC and IMC	V-F appliances allowed throughout the state.
D.C.	2000 IMC	V-F appliances allowed but not in bedrooms and bathrooms	DC Green Building Act passed City Council and considering 2006 IECC requirements
Florida	2003 IMC statewide	V-F appliances allowed in most parts of the state. Some ventilation requirements are in effect.	Automated Energy Code Compliance System
Georgia	2006 IMC statewide	V-F appliances allowed throughout the state.	New amendment to 2000 IECC in effect, task formed to review 2006 IECC
Hawaii	One or more International Codes® adopted statewide with future enforcement date and UMC in some areas	V-F appliances allowed throughout the state.
Idaho	2003 IMC statewide and UMC in some localities	This state was an UMC state but is now a mixed state and vent-free appliances are allowed in most areas of state.	2006 IECC expected for 2008
Illinois	2000 IECC throughout the state, 2000 - 2003 IMC	Some cities do not allow V-F, City of Elgin does not allow for vent-free appliances	2006 IECC to become effective for State Commerical Buildings
Indiana	ICC Statewide	V-F appliances allowed throughout the state.
Iowa	2003 ICC Statewide	V-F appliances allowed throughout the state.
Kansas	2000 and 2003 ICC	There are some cities that do not allow.
Kentucky	2000 ICC and 2003 IECC	State is under different codes but V-F products allowed	Considering adoption of 2006 IECC
Louisiana	2000 and 2003 ICC and 2003 IECC in some areas	2006 IRC takes effect
Maine	2003 ICC Statewide
Maryland	2003 and 2006 ICC and 2003 IECC in some areas	Permission to use VF units in Baltimore from Housing Dept.
Massachusetts	One or more ICC codes and UMC	V-F products allowed with permits from Plumbers and Fire Departments. Not allowed in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Michigan	2000, 2003 and 2006 IMC	V-F products allowed in various areas of state.
Mississippi	One or more ICC codes accepted in state
Minnesota	The state uses the IECC