chimney flue repair, obstructed chimney

A chimney is designed to safely and effectively remove dangerous fire byproducts produced within the fireplace. When it becomes clogged, it can’t properly perform this important role. Birds’ nests, tree foliage, trash, and other debris can clog your home chimney, making it dangerous to use. Soot and crumbling bricks are also hazardous; if the chimney’s flue is not kept clean, your home is at risk every time you kindle the fireplace. Your home’s structure and age may also play a part in the overall health of its chimney. Determine if there is a blockage in your chimney, or if it needs flue repair, by looking at it yourself or hiring a professional maintenance company.

Warning Signs of a Blocked Chimney

A blocked chimney may be hard to diagnose on your own but there are some telltale signs to watch for. These warning signs include:

• A smoky smell when burning a fire

• Falling debris inside the hearth

• Water streaks inside the flue

• Excessive soot

• White residue on the flue walls

What can cause a chimney blockage?

There are three main causes of chimney blockages:

• An excessive build-up of soot or creosote (tar)

• Birds, squirrels, or other small animals nesting in the chimney

• The collapse of the internal chimney bricks

Inspecting the Chimney

1. Wear a safety mask or goggles for eye protection. Don a pair of gloves and place a handkerchief over your mouth and nose to keep you from inhaling loose, falling soot. Wear a hard hat to protect your head. Chimneys that have not been periodically cleaned may have a lot of debris.

2. Open the chimney’s maintenance door. Typically, it is located outside the house, but check your home’s blueprints for the exact location. Hold the mirror through the maintenance door, facing upward. With your other hand, shine the flashlight on the mirror. Adjust the angle to allow you to see up into the chimney.

3. Inspect the chimney flue from the outside of the building and again from the inside of the fireplace. Open the damper, and shine the flashlight up the walls with the mirror. See if you can insert a broom handle or long stick through the fireplace opening.

4. Feel the heat. When a clogged fireplace is operating, heat and moisture will back up into the home. When the chimney is unused, during summertime, for example, soot from a wood-burning fireplace or rust debris from the metal hood of a gas fireplace can amass. 

Chimney Flue Repair

Clearing a blocked chimney is a job best left for a professional. They have the tools necessary to reach and remove the debris clogging the flue. How quickly and easily the chimney is cleared will depend on how compact the blockage is. To prevent clogs in the future, an annual chimney cleaning is recommended. Regular cleanings will keep your flue clear while also warning you of any potential problems before they turn into costly chimney flue repairs. Installing a chimney cap onto the flue can also help limit the number of clogs your chimney experiences. Stopping debris from entering the system in the first place, caps can provide a proactive approach to chimney maintenance.

If you suspect a blocked chimney, contact a professional for assistance. We can diagnose and treat common chimney ailments both large and small.

insurance claim, insurance claims, chimney inspection, chimney cleaning



In a moment of planning, you may ask yourself “is my home insurance still valid if I don’t have proof that my chimney is properly maintained?” The answer is, that if something happens involving your chimney or fireplace, no. It’s likely not.

Many insurance policies specify that your chimney and fireplace are only insured when properly maintained. They may not ask you for proof of proper maintenance until you file a claim, but they will want it then. Your chimney is a vulnerable spot in your home’s defense against the elements. Even when covered by a chimney cap, the typical brick chimney presents a large vertical opening to the rain and snow. The mortar of chimney crowns can crack, and lightning can damage the bricks.

Fire statistics show that each year on average over 30 thousand houses have chimney fires. Chimney fires can not only destroy homes but also endanger the occupiers of the dwelling.

Homeowner’s insurance can cover damage to your property caused by sudden and unforeseen events such as fires, flash floods, lightning strikes, and wind damage. In the case of a chimney, an insurance company will closely scrutinize the facts and evidence in the claim. Your policy might exclude damage caused by poor maintenance or normal wear and tear on your house.


What Should You Do?

Have a camera-assisted inspection. This creates documentation of the condition your chimney is in, and allows you to know without a doubt whether your chimney is in safe condition for wood burning. The images will reveal whether you need repair, and what repair options are right for you if so. That way, when you do have a fire you can do so knowing your chimney is fully functional.

Not only is sweeping and inspecting your chimney a good idea in general, your home insurance policy may require it. So if you haven’t already, you’ll want to check with them for exact expectations they have regarding sweeping or inspecting your chimney.


Your Insurance Claim

Insurance companies differ in their approach to fires that may be caused by a lack of chimney cleaning. There are two dangers to not having a clean chimney: the fire itself and how the insurance company with handle it. Whether your policy is clear or ambiguous, you’ll fare better if you have documentation of annual chimney cleaning.

If a fire occurs you may be required by the terms of your policy to produce a cleaning certificate. However, whether or not required, without it the insurance company could refuse to pay out. If they believe a fire was caused by your failure to have regular chimney cleaning and inspections, your insurance claim won’t be paid.

Whatever the terms of your policy (and the difficulty of proving negligence), the greatest risk may, of course, be to your own personal safety. Also if a fire causes injury or death to third parties, you could well face civil or even criminal proceedings.

You need your chimney flue and ventilation pipes cleaned at least once a year. Having annual chimney sweep service will ensure you’re fulfilling your insurance obligations. Make sure to read your policy carefully. Most policies will require professional chimney sweeping annually. If you need to make a claim, having a recent chimney sweeping certificate shows that you actively maintain your home.


Do All Chimney Sweeps Provide Certificates for their Work?

All qualified chimney sweeps provide written documentation of their work. You may receive a digital or paper receipt. This is for the homeowner’s peace of mind and to fulfill insurance conditions.

In Conclusion, contact the Irish Sweep to discuss chimney and fire safety. You’ll benefit from using a quality professional chimney sweep.

artificial gas log set, choosing a gas log fireplace

Do you miss out on the joy of watching flickering flames in the fireplace because chopping, hauling, and storing logs just is not for you? With a cozy fire, the fireplace is often a favorite gathering place in the home. There’s no need to let your fireplace go to waste! Gas log sets provide the ambiance of a roaring fire without the hassle and smoke that goes along with wood burning. The natural gas or liquid propane gas used by gas logs is clean-burning. In fact, gas logs are an efficient and environmentally friendly choice, that is ultra-convenient and easy to use.

Gas log sets can change the look and ambiance of your existing wood or masonry fireplace and are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. Gas logs come in two basic varieties, vented log sets and vent-free log sets. 

How to Choose the Right Gas Log Set

A gas log set must be used in a regular fireplace, designed to burn a wood fire. The benefits are numerous and they can offer some unique advantages. With all of the different types and options, it can be hard to know what the set is right for you, so let’s take a look at the key differences between gas log sets.

How Do Gas Logs Work?

Gas log sets are used in a regular fireplace designed for wood that releases the gas fumes through the chimney. Flame size is typically large, lending to a more realistic look, however, they aren’t especially efficient for heating since the heat goes up the chimney. Log sets must be operated with the damper wide open. Only a few varieties of vented gas logs will give off heat, otherwise, you will want to look into a Gas Log Heater, which will provide up to 25,000 BTUs of heat into the room and can be used with or without glass doors. Gas log sets can be connected to a manual on/off  gas valve, or a manual safety pilot.

Gas Log Advantages:

  • Large flames not unlike wood-burning fire flames
  • Increased safety
  • Reasonable purchase price

Gas Log Disadvantages:

  • Higher fuel input than wood fires
  • Lower heat output that wood-burning fires

Vent-Free Gas Logs

You may have heard about vent-free logs because they do exist; however, they are illegal in California.

What Size Gas Log Set Do I Need?

Most gas log sets range from 18 “to 30”. The size is determined by the length of the front log, which is typically the largest. To choose a size you’ll need to measure your fireplace front width, back width and depth.

• Measure the front and back widths, the depth, and the height of your enclosure

• Choose a log size based on the available enclosure space

• Uncommon sizes of gas logs are available from 16 “up to 70” 

• Be sure to account for clearing of the gas valve or any added remote receiver box

Why Choose Gas Logs

Convenience: Lighting gas logs is quick and easy, which means there is minimum hassle to enjoy a delightful fire in your home.

Easy Maintenance

Chimney Fire Prevention: Maintenance and cleaning are still important. Because gas logs produce a lot less creosote and soot in the chimney lining, they bring safety. There is much smaller risk of a dangerous chimney fire when you enjoy the warmth provided by a gas log set.

Environmentally Friendly

Affordable Installation: The total cost involved with buying and installing a gas fireplace in your home can be as little as $ 5,000, and the potential return on your investment if you sell your home is high. In fact, if you sell, you can count on getting back about 90% of the cost to add a gas log set to your home.

Authentic Appearance: Today’s gas logs are much more than realistic than the sets of the past. You can now find artificial logs that are very convincing! 

Lower Utility Costs: You can practice zone heating with convenient gas logs sets. When zone heating, you only heat the part of your home that you are currently occupying.

Style: There are a wide variety of gas log sets to choose from, and you’ll find one that fits into your decor.

Choosing Your Gas Log Accessories

There are a large variety of accessories available for gas logs, so we’ll just highlight a few. Platinum Embers are a low-cost addition to your set that really makes it sparkle. They are significantly brighter than regular embers, mix both regular and Platinum for the most realistic look. You can connect your set to a thermostat, a remote starter, or both.

Does Your House Use Natural Gas Or Liquid Propane?

Always make sure you buy a gas set that matches the gas already in use in your home. You will have either liquid propane or natural gas already set up for other appliances. When you buy vented and vent-free log sets, they are often pre-set to either natural gas or liquid propane. 

In Conclusion, gas log sets are a great way to reinvigorate your existing fireplace and create a more convenient and affordable heating solution. The safety and reliability of a gas log set are matched only by the efficiency and convenience they offer. Be sure to find a unit that matches your preference and enjoy the many benefits of a gas log set.

fire extinguisher maintenance, how to use and maintain


Wе all have different wауѕ we hope tо fight a fire. Sоmеtіmеѕ wе рrеfеr рrеvеntіоn rаthеr thаn solution in the moment. Evеn though there аrе mаnу ways tо рrеvеnt fires, ассіdеntѕ still happen. Fire extinguisher maintenance is an important way to plan for the best.

People gеt hurt by in-home fires, lоѕе thеіr hоmеѕ оr еvеn lіvеѕ іn thе process. Thаt іѕ why every home should have properly maintained fire extinguishers, tо еnѕurе that ѕmаll incidences оf fire won’t turn out bіg. Many реорlе ѕurvіvе home fires with thе аіd of a fire extinguisher.

The presence of an extinguisher іѕ important іn making your home fіrе safe. Dеѕріtе it being mаndаtеd by buіldіng codes tо hаvе thеm, реорlе still want to have extinguishers for personal peace of mind. Yоur gаѕ tаnkѕ оr ріреlіnеѕ, grіllеrѕ, burnеrѕ, hеаtеrѕ аnd оthеr еlесtrісаl devices аrе аll fіrе hazards. Hopefully you’ll never need your fire extinguiser, but there is no reasonable excuse to not have one or to not maintain it, considering the risks and rewards of having a safe fire extinguisher.

Dіd you knоw there аrе different tуреѕ of fire extinguishers fоr dіffеrеnt tуреѕ оf fіrеѕ? Planning аhеаd and ѕtосkіng the right type of fire extinguisher іn each area оf уоur hоmе whеrе it’ѕ mоѕt lіkеlу tо be used іѕ a grеаt іdеа. All іt takes іѕ a lіttlе education аnd рlаnnіng ahead аnd you ѕhоuld bе rеаdу for anything.


How to: Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Fіrе extinguishers ѕhоuld bе mаіntаіnеd аt rеgulаr іntеrvаlѕ, аt lеаѕt оnсе a уеаr, or when specifically іndісаtеd on the canister. This maintenance іѕ a thоrоugh сhесk of the еxtіnguіѕhеr. It іѕ іntеndеd tо gіvе maximum аѕѕurаnсе thаt аn еxtіnguіѕhеr wіll ореrаtе effectively аnd ѕаfеlу. There should be a thorough еxаmіnаtіоn аnd аnу necessary rераіr, recharging оr rерlасеmеnt. You should take your extinguisher to an expert for hydrostatic testing every 12 years.

No matter how gооd quality a fіrе еxtіnguіѕhеr is, none have аn infinite lіfеѕраn and they all nееd to be mаіntаіnеd оn a regular bаѕіѕ. Thеу’rе nо dіffеrеnt other mechanical devices that will fail if not maintained.

You’ll nееd to mаkе sure the fire extinguishers in your home аrе properly mаіntаіnеd ѕо thеу wоrk when you need them. Sоmе thіngѕ to kеер іn mіnd include havіng thе extinguisher іn аn area whеrе іt’s mоѕt likely to bе nееdеd. Make sure thе еxtіnguіѕhеr іѕn’t blосkеd bу оthеr іtеmѕ thаt wоuld lіmіt access durіng аn еmеrgеnсу.

Kеер the рrеѕѕurе on your еxtіnguіѕhеr at thе rесоmmеndеd lеvеl. Chесk thе gаugе indicating where thе рrеѕѕurе is. Make sure аll parts оf the extinguisher аrе ореrаblе аnd nоt dаmаgеd оr restricted. Check extinguishers оnсе a mоnth аnd ѕhаkе them tо kеер thе chemicals frоm ѕеttlіng.


How to Use Your Extinguisher:

When іt соmеѕ tіmе to асtuаllу uѕе thе еxtіnguіѕhеr, there іѕ a fаіrlу еаѕу асrоnуm tо hеlр rеmеmbеr hоw to uѕе it соrrесtlу: PASS.

Here’s how іt brеаkѕ dоwn:


Pull thе pin оn the top of thе fire еxtіnguіѕhеr. Thіѕ ріn rеlеаѕеѕ a lосk whісh allows уоu to discharge thе еxtіnguіѕhеr.


Aіm аt thе base of the fire instead of thе flаmеѕ, оr tор of thе fire. In оrdеr tо еxtіnguіѕh a fіrе, you must extinguish thе ѕоurсе оr the fuеl at the bоttоm оf the fіrе.


Squeeze the lever slowly. This rеlеаѕеѕ thе еxtіnguіѕhіng agent іn a ѕtеаdу stream untіl thе lеvеr іѕ released аnd thе discharge will ѕtор.


Sweep from ѕіdе to side, mоvе thе fіrе extinguisher in a back аnd fоrth sweeping motion untіl the fіrе is соmрlеtеlу еxtіnguіѕhеd. Mаkе ѕurе you аrе several fееt аwау frоm thе actual fіrе, аnd you can bеgіn moving towards іt оnсе thе fіrе begins tо lеѕѕеn.

With proper fire extinguisher maintenance іn уоur hоmе оr business, you саn avoid have the peace of mіnd that comes аlоng wіth knоwіng thаt уоur fire еxtіnguіѕhеrѕ are wоrkіng рrореrlу.

Chimney inspection, fireplace inspection, safety


Chimneys keep you warm and can provide a home with a beautiful focal point. However, they can hold hidden dangers and it’s important to regularly check for these signs. Failure to do so can lead to very expensive, dangerous, and preventable conditions.

White Staining

When moisture is seeping into the chimney, white staining may result. While this is actually salt and can be cleaned off easily, identifying the underlying cause needs to be identified to ensure it doesn’t get more serious. A common term for this condition is efflorescence. This can be remedied or prevented through chimney repairs.


As with most other things, rust is a sign of trouble. It should not arise in the fireplace or damper.  Rust is another sign of moisture issues. Poor sealing or issues with the damper could be the source of this issue. However, these areas may not always be visible so this is why an annual chimney inspection is recommended.

Mortar Joints Deterioration

If you see any mortar joints that are damaged, they should be promptly replaced. These joints could be a source of excess moisture coming in and thereby speed up damage to the chimney. This could be particularly troublesome in very cold conditions where the moisture could freeze and cause much larger cracking within the chimney.


A damaged flue lining is a major issue with chimneys. A sign of this issue is small thin shaling or tiles at the bottom of a fireplace, this can look like the ridges on the back of a sea shell. This is a sign that your flue lining may not be in good working condition for your safety. As a result, having this inspected annually is essential for your safety.

Chimney Crown Damage

During the holidays, you may go on your roof to put up lights. This is also a good time to take a look at your chimney crown. If you see it’s damaged, contact us promptly as this can cause moisture to go into your chimney and result in substantial cracking and damage.


Spalling is a moisture problem. Should the masonry towards the bottom of a chimney be flaking or popping out, this could be another sign of moisture seeping into the chimney. This is repairable, and it’s important to repair the masonry to protect the chimney.

Damaged Wallpaper

When the wallpaper near a fireplace looks damaged, this can be another sign that you need to have your chimney repaired. When you are in your Bay Area home, periodically check the areas near your chimney.

Most of the above items can be observed by anyone, but there are some that should be done through an annual professional inspection to identify needed chimney repairs. If you have questions or want to have your Bay Area home inspected, please contact Sal at the Irish Sweep.

Many older homes have fireplaces that hearken back to a time when fire was relied on as a major heating source. However, with the advent of central heating, your fireplace may no longer be in use, and be kept for decoration and pleasure. Fireplaces make a great centerpiece for a room, making it look more classic and even stately. Fireplaces are becoming standard features even in areas of the country with warm climates, where a fire is not even practical.

Many people never use their fireplaces because there’s no need or because they don’t really like fires. You may think that if you never use your fireplace, you can get away with never having it cleaned or having chimney maintenance. There are many reasons you still need to have your fireplace serviced.


Chimney Maintenance Protects a Whole Home


If your fireplace is powered by gas or oil, then it is connected to the larger systems in your home. A malfunction in your fireplace, if left unnoticed, could have greater repercussions on the functioning of your central heating, water heater, and stove. These are resources and appliances that you likely do use every day. Having your fireplace regularly maintained helps catch problems before they grow into something worse and harder to address.

Your gas burning fireplace chimney is also connected to the exhaust venting for your whole-home. This is the path that toxic gases and by-products (such as dangerous carbon monoxide) leave the home. If there is a blockage, these things can’t exit, which is very dangerous.


Keeps the Chimney Clear


You may know that when you have a wood-burning fireplace that you use, the chimney can become coated with creosote. Oil-fueled fireplaces can also generate soot. These substances can become dangerous and flammable when they build up in the chimney, risking a fire if left unattended.

Now, you may be thinking that if you don’t use your fireplace there’s no reason to have that chimney cleaned. After all, there is no soot or creosote built up and no risk of fire. However, with the use of other oil-fueled appliances, soot can build up in the chimney system, which needs to be cleaned. Left unchecked, that soot build-up can lead to flue deterioration or cause blockages that prevent fumes from exiting.

Many more things than creosote can enter and block your wood-burning chimney. Leaves and debris can blow into the chimney opening and create a block. Insects and rodents can also enter and set up nests. This is even more likely when the chimney is not frequently used. Their nests block the chimney and they may leave behind materials that over time decay and cause a foul odor.


Maintains Chimney Structure


Even when you don’t use your fireplace, the structure of the chimney is there, extending to the exterior of your home and exposed to the elements. Weather events such as storms, drought, and earthquakes can all effect the structural integrity of your chimney. It is important to have your chimney inspected, maintained, and repaired when damage occurs, to protect your entire home structure from chimney collapse.

There are many reasons to have fireplace and chimney maintenance, even if you don’t regularly use your fireplace. Consulting with a professional fireplace maintenance company can be helpful. A professional chimney sweep company can even put you on a cleaning schedule, according to their safety recommendations, so you will be assured regular cleaning and maintenance, without needing to keep track of it yourself.


As winter approaches, you may be looking forward to cozy days around the fire. If you are lucky enough to have a wood burning fireplace, it can be easy to neglect through most of the year up until time to set up that first winter fire. Wood burning fireplaces do require chimney cleaning, inspections, and maintenance. Now you may be wondering, why should I have my chimney cleaned and when?

Advantages of Regular Chimney Cleaning

As wood burns in your fireplace it releases smoke and ash, and over time, creosote can build up. If you have not heard of creosote, it is a flammable substance that builds up like a glaze, coating the interior of your chimney. Creosote needs to be removed regularly so it doesn’t build up and prevent the flow of smoke leaving the chimney. Also, because creosote is flammable, it needs to be removed to prevent chimney fires.

You should have your chimney inspected at least yearly and cleaned as needed. If you recently purchased a home, have the chimney inspected before using the fireplace. Regular maintenance and cleaning help to prevent larger problems and more expensive repairs. Having your chimney inspected, cleaned, and maintained each year will help keep your home and family safe.

When professionals clean your chimney, they remove soot and dangerous creosote built up on the interior. They will also check for any blockages, which could cause smoke to build up in your home if not removed. A professional will make sure everything is in working order for safe and effective operation.

chimney cleaning, the right time to clean your chimney, get your chimney swept.Advantages of Spring or Early Summer Chimney Cleaning

Some say that spring is the best time to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. This is because winter weather might have damaged the masonry, which you would want to catch and repair right away during warm summer months. Additionally, a spring cleaning will get you ready for fall and winter fires, well ahead of the peak cleaning season, so you can avoid waitlists and have it done quickly.

Advantages of Late Summer or Fall Cleaning for your Chimney

Others would argue that fall is the better time to have your chimney cleaned. This is because when your fireplace has not been used in a while, such as during the spring and summer months, pests can enter and set up their homes. Rodents and birds can build nests that clog the chimney. This could be dangerous as smoke is then unable to flow through, and additional creosote could build up, increasing flammability.

Contracting a chimney cleaning company that will provide regular inspections and cleaning is your easiest option. They will remind you when it is time for your inspections. Given the advantage of both spring and fall cleanings, you may opt to have them both in order to maintain your fireplace if you use it often. During inspections, the professionals will look for any problems, clean as needed, and perform or recommend necessary maintenance on your chimney. This can all help to prevent more serious operational issues and maintain a healthy, efficient function of your fireplace all year round.

Bay chimney sweep, smoke from fireplace, chimney cleaning

If smoke is coming out of your fireplace instead of going up the chimney it indicates there’s an issue that you need to correct. A smoky fireplace is not only unpleasant it can also be a health and fire hazard in your home. Here we look at some of the causes of smoky fireplaces and what you or a San Francisco Bay chimney sweep can do to alleviate the problem and improve air quality.

Chimney Needs To Be Cleaned

One of the reasons that smoke may not be able to exit through your chimney is because the chimney is blocked with creosote buildup. Without smoke being able to exit your home through the chimney, it instead since spills out of the fireplace and fills your rooms. You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once yearly, and immediately if you notice any change in the performance of your fireplace. If it’s been a while since you’ve had your chimney cleaned, a blockage or build up in your chimney could be the culprit of a smoky fireplace.

Damper Is Closed Or Broken

The damper allows air flow through your fireplace with which is essential to feed the flame and create an airflow through your chimney. If the damper is closed, your fireplace will smoke and the smoke will not pass out through the chimney. Check that your damper is fully open when you’re starting to light the fire. If you still experience problems with a smoky fireplace it might be worthwhile having a professional North Bay chimney sweep look at the top of the chimney to check the rain cap or chimney top damper that might be obstructed.

Flue Is Obstructed

Blockages in the flue can be caused by anything ranging from creosote buildup to a birds nest or dead animal stuck in the flue. Having a professional inspected thoroughly clean the chimney flue can help reestablish airflow and reduce chimney smokiness again.

Chimney Is Too Cold Or It’s Too Warm Outside

When the chimney is too cold, the layer of cold air in the chimney can block the smoke from rising to the top of the chimney and instead pushes smoke out of the fireplace. This problem can be fixed by preheating the chimney by either lighting the end of the newspaper and holding it up to the damper for a little while, or blowing hot air from a hairdryer up the chimney to warm the air and establish airflow.

Negative Air Pressure Inside The House

Negative air pressure inside the house can be caused by airtight insulation or exhaust fans within the house. Negative internal air pressure can prevent the fireplace from drafting correctly which causes smoke to flow inside the house rather than out through the chimney. You can correct negative air pressure by opening a window in the fireplace room while burning.

Wet Firewood

Wet firewood is a common cause of smoky fireplaces. Wet firewood smolders or makes hissing sounds while burning, and can’t create sufficient heat for the chimney to draw well. Ensure you use dry wood to build your fire to prevent an overly smoky and smoldering fireplace.

Faulty Fireplace Design

And incorrect or poorly built fireplace will not be able to draw in air properly and have smoke vent through the chimney correctly either. If you’ve exhausted all other reasons for your overly smoky fire place it could be that your actual fireplace design is faulty. Have a fireplace professional inspect the dimensions and measurements of your fireplace to ensure that it’s actually functional.

A smoky fireplace can contribute to greater fire risk and increased air pollution in your home. Correct a faulty smoky fireplace as quickly as possible by calling an East Bay chimney sweep or fireplace professional to inspect your problem and provide the right solution.

Wood burning fireplaces offer a certain charm and ambience to your home, but when it comes to heating and environmental efficiency they are far from the best choice. If you have a fireplace at home, you may want to keep it, while also making it safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. That’s where fireplace conversion can be the ideal way to transform your inefficient wood burning fireplace into a more efficient and functional heating installation.

Gas fireplace conversionThe Problem With Wood Burning Fireplaces

Wood burning fireplaces can be one of the most inefficient options, with much of the heat from within the home and as well as the heat generated from the fire simply being lost through the chimney. Wood burning fireplaces also add smoke, pollution, and particulate matter to the air which can trigger allergies and asthma and contribute to environmental pollution. Wood burning fireplaces increase the risk of chimney fires and home fires due to the buildup of creosote as a byproduct of wood burning.

Fortunately, when it comes to switching out your wood burning fireplace for a cleaner, more efficient version, you have a number of options.

Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts

Wood burning fireplace inserts retain the charm of traditional wood burning fireplaces, while lessening the environmental impact. Wood burning inserts reduce drafts and heat escaping from the fireplace, while ensuring wood burns hotter and more completely. Wood burning fireplace inserts can fit right into a traditional fireplace, converting it into a more efficient option.

Artificial Gas Logs

Artificial gas log fireplaces can offer an economical option that gives the effect of a real wood-burning fireplace without the pollution and the mess. Artificial gas logs may still need to be installed with glass door enclosures to reinforce insulation and prevent heat loss. Gas log fireplaces use gas as a fuel which can be more economical than firewood (if you need to pay for firewood). Gas log fireplaces provide reliable heat without the pollution of smoke and the mess of ash and creosote.

Gas Fireplace Insert

A gas fireplace insert is like a gas heater installed within the firebox of the existing fireplace. Because they are sealed, they are more efficient than gas logs and can provide reliable heat with adjustable flames. Gas fireplace inserts can cost more to install initially but can offer a more efficient heating solution without the health and environmental concerns of other fireplace options.

Electric Fireplace Insert

Electric fireplaces can be useful as they don’t require a chimney to vent. That means if your chimney is not functioning you can still create the effect of the fireplace with an electric insert. The drawback of an electric fireplace is that there are no flames, so it doesn’t have the same effect as other installations. While Electric inserts are inexpensive to install, electricity is generally not the most efficient fuel source. However electric inserts can provide a good source of heat as a nonpolluting alternative to an open fire place.

For environmental, health, and economical reasons, swapping out your traditional fireplace for a more efficient version makes sense. If you’re not sure which fireplace alternative is right for you, talk to our fireplace experts today to learn more about which fireplace conversion will work best for your home.

3201894-450pxFirst of all, let me be clear, artificial gas log sets can only be installed in a fireplace that is suitable for wood burning.  The only way we can determine the fireplace is fire safe is to clean the chimney and then look at the interior surfaces with our remote vision camera system.

These sets come in various sizes and include ceramic logs of your choice with a burn pan, decorative silica sand, volcanic cinders, dual effect embers, a pedestal grate and damper stop.

A plumbing contactor is required to install a gas valve on the floor or wall near the fireplace and a gas supply line into the firebox.

Vent-free artificial gas log sets are illegal in the State of California.