Converting a gas fireplace to electric may just be the perfect upgrade for your home. Who doesn’t want to get warm without worrying about gas leaks? Whatever your reason for converting to electricity, it is valid. However, it is important to receive guidance for the process.
Converting a gas fireplace to electric may seem so easy, but you need help to get it done. Here, we take you through a step-by-step process to achieve this. We will also show you the benefits of converting a gas fireplace to electric. Let’s dig in already!
Why Convert a Gas Fireplace to Electric?
While gas fireplaces look nice and bring a cozy vibe to your home, the annual cost is very high. Converting to an electric fireplace may just be all you need to save money this year. Besides saving costs, carbon neutrality is a great reason to convert from a gas fireplace to electric. You can reduce carbon emissions and keep your home safe from toxic fumes.
Benefits of an Electric Fireplace
Want to know why you should convert to an electric fireplace? Read the benefits given below. Knowing what electric fireplaces can offer will help you understand better.
Benefit
Reason
Health and Safety
Gas fireplaces use propane to produce flames. So, if proper venting is not done, it may cause improper combustion, which produces a toxic gas. On the other hand, electric fireplaces don’t use real flames, which removes the risk of exposure to toxic gasses, safeguarding your overall health.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Installing an electric fireplace is very easy. You don’t need to worry about gas lines, venting, or a chimney. Basically, you don’t necessarily need a professional to do it. Electric fireplaces work like any other home appliance – plug it in an outlet and use it! Also, maintaining it is very simple because you don’t need to clean any chimneys.
All-round Usage
You can use electric fireplaces year in, year out! It doesn’t matter if it is hot or cold. In fact, some people use it for aesthetics – turning on the flames without activating the heat. Also, you can use them during fire bans because they’re not real flames.
Energy-efficient and Cost-Saving
Electric fireplaces help you reduce the cost of gas usage in your home. It doesn’t use excess electricity – especially if you use it as a supplementary heating source. An electric fireplace uses 120 volts to power its heater and draws up to 1500 watts. Compared to the monthly cost of running a gas fireplace, electric fireplaces help you cut costs.
Safety Cautions for Converting a Gas Fireplace to Electric
Converting a gas fireplace to an electric one may seem very simple. However, you must ensure that you are not putting yourself or others in harm’s way. So, how can you protect yourself from hazards? The best way to do it is to get a professional to do the conversion.
Some local codes allow only licensed professionals to remove gas devices. This also applies to gas fireplaces because there are risks involved. You shouldn’t attempt doing this on your own!
Also, you must hire a professional to remove the gas fireplace in the following instances:
If your gas line sticks out to the fireplace opening – especially in a way that will affect the electric fireplace.
If the gas supply line doesn’t use a distinct shutoff valve.
Installing the electric fireplace will involve heavy electrical connections – especially those that are direct-wired.
When it comes to electricity or gas, always choose safety first! Also, ensure compliance with state and local codes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Your Gas Fireplace
If you want to stay in a warm environment, you may consider using an electric fireplace. You upgrade from a gas to an electric fireplace using the steps below.
Gather Your Tools
As with all home improvement projects, you’ll need some tools to do the work. These tools are quite common, so getting them shouldn’t be hard. You’ll need the following:
a pipe wrench,
pipe sealing tape,
screwdriver,
groove joint pliers (or a wrench).
You’ll also need a safety cap (for the gas line) and
an electric fireplace insert.
Turn off the Gas Line
Next, disconnect the gas line. To do this, shut off the gas valve – the one supplying gas to the fireplace. Also, disconnect the wires and shut off power from the breaker panel.
Remove the Gas Fireplace Insert
Next, remove the fireplace insert. You can do this by pulling it out of the opening. If there was a trim around the fireplace, ensure to remove it too. Also, unplug any electric power to the fireplace – to clear and prepare the area.
Seal the Gas Line
After removing the insert, put the pipe sealing tape over the threads on the gas line stub. Then use the pipe wrench to tighten the screw on the safety cap. After that, mix detergent and water in a ratio of 50:50. Turn the gas on and spray the solution on the cap to ensure it is tight. If you don’t see any bubbles, then it is tight! Now, turn off the fireplace gas supply valve and let it be.
Prepare the Fireplace
Now, you can start preparing the fireplace for insertion. First, measure the fireplace opening and trim the surrounding. Remove any vent connections and seal off the air inlets using a cap. You should also install a chimney cap to seal the chimney – both top and bottom.
Install the Electric Fireplace
After you finish clearing the fireplace opening, slide the electric fireplace inside. For this, use the manufacturer’s manual. The instructions help you install it in line with the specifications. After the installation, you can then connect it to a power source and viola! there you have it.
Maintenance and Safety Tips for Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are very easy to install and maintain! Usually, they have a very long lifespan based on how well you maintain it. You can easily maintain an electric fireplace by doing the following:
Routine cleaning
Run heat at optimal levels
Troubleshoot common issues
Instantly repair damages
Proper installation
FAQs - People Also Ask
Can I convert my gas fireplace into electricity?
Yes, you can convert a gas fireplace to an electric one if you want! However, you should hire a licensed professional to disconnect the gas fireplace. That way, you avoid the risk of any outbreaks or accidents.
How can I convert my fireplace to electric?
You can convert your fireplace to electric by doing the following: Remove the gas fireplace, clear the fireplace opening, and slide in the electric fireplace.
Is it safe to leave my electric fireplace on all night?
No, leaving your electric fireplace on all night is unsafe! You shouldn’t leave an electric fireplace unwatched – it may overheat and cause a fire outbreak.
Do electric fireplaces use a lot of power?
Electric fireplaces use about 120 volts of electricity – about the same as a space heater.
Our Final Thoughts
Converting a gas fireplace to electric could be the best upgrade for your home! Especially if you want to get warm without worrying about gas leaks. Electric fireplaces don’t use real flames to supply heat. To convert, disconnect the gas, clear the space, and insert your electric fireplace. And you’re all good to go. Pretty easy, right? However, ensure to hire a licensed professional to remove any risk of danger.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
