Fireplaces fulfill the purpose of room/house heating, and of creating a relaxing ambiance in the room. Recently, demand and use of gas fireplaces have been rising, as it is much cleaner, convenient, and easy to use. Though it may sound difficult, yet in a few steps anyone can learn how to install a gas fireplace easily.
The modern gas fireplaces keep rooms warm and add an aesthetic touch to our home. The fireplaces may vary in heat efficiency and environmental friendliness, depending on their design and use of energy sources. Once you learn the gas fireplace installation process, you can install them in a few easy steps, described below.
Why Use Gas Fireplaces?
Before learning the gas fireplace installation process, we shall know why we shall use the gas fireplace and its potential benefits:
- Quick and constant heating – Gas fireplaces provide a faster and constant heat supply.
- Warmer surrounding – Units with built-in blowers keep the surrounding even warmer, by circulating warm air throughout the house.
- Cleaner – There are no ashes or fly or soot, which always has to be cleaned.
- Environmentally friendly – Healthier for the environment as no fumes or particles are released in the house or into the air.
- Ease of operation – Combustion process and the heat output can be controlled, high-end variants even have comfort control systems and remote controlling.
- Stylish looks – Installation of a gas fireplace (available multiple designs) adds to the aesthetic and beautiful look of our rooms/houses.
- Safer than traditional fireplaces – Gas fireplaces have no fly-away sparks or flames, so it is much safer for children and pets.
- Need little maintenance – Gas fireplaces require minimum maintenance, the only maintenance obligation is a simple annual inspection.
- Easy installation – The cost of gas fireplace installation is often cheaper than the log fireplace’s; it can be easily installed by the user or a professional.
How to Install a Gas Fireplace?
Let’s discuss the step-by-step process of how to install a gas fireplace. Remember the gas fireplace installation is easy, yet safety measures and care must be taken while working. The installation process is mentioned below:
1. Place selection and buying the materials
Select a suitable location to install the gas fireplace – An ideal place is where the installation of a gas line, electrical circuit, and exhaust pipe will be most convenient. Usually, it is easier to install the gas fireplaces on the outer walls.
Purchase the gas fireplace – Do a little research on what size, style, design, and features will fulfill your needs. Visit showrooms and online stores, to choose from the variety of gas fireplaces available.
Buy the parts for exhaust piping – You will need to buy the exhaust piping parts and materials such as: pipe between the fireplace and the wall, a wall-pass-through, and exterior pieces for the pipe.
Prepare or buy a platform for the fireplace – The fireplace unit is small and not safe to keep on the floor, so you will need a platform for it. Follow the instruction from the fireplace manufacturer to select the perfect platform, made from a non-combustible material(s) to keep the fireplace.
2. Preparing the Area for Gas Fireplace Installation
Watch some tutorial videos and read the installation manual – For self-installation, the user may see/read tutorial videos, articles, and the installation manual to know in detail about gas fireplace installation.
Place the platform and gas fireplace – Place the platform and gas fireplace in the predetermined space and ensure that there is clearance from any nearby combustible materials/objects.
Install exhaust piping at the top/back of the stove – Following the manufacturer’s instructions, using stove cement attach a straight pipe to the starting collar, on top of the fireplace. Try to attach till the section that will through the wall, trace a circle using a pencil on the wall’s surface. This will help to determine the area on the wall, in which the hole for the exhaust pipe has to be made.
Cut hole in the wall for direct venting system – At first, ensure that no utility lines fall within the location of the hole. To get closer access to the wall move aside the platform and gas fireplace. Then in the drywall cut a small square across the pencil traces, check whether it is safe to drill a hole in there. Drill holes from the inside through the outside wall to see where the corners are on the outside of the wall. Finish the hole from the outside, using appropriate tools for the wall material.
Framing the hole’s inside edges – Inserting a frame (usually wooden) will create a base on which the pass-through can be attached.
3. Gas Fireplace Installation
Install the wall-pass-through – The wall-pass-through has to be installed by pushing it into the hole. Putting high-temperature caulk on the hole’s inside surfaces will work as a seal. Then screw the wall-pass-through into place.
Install your Direct Venting System – After that, Install the remaining pipes you have through the house as per the manufacturer’s installation manual/instructions. Place the gas fireplace in the right place and secure all piping between the stove and the wall-pass-through.
Seal the area around the pipe and the fire stop – Use high-temperature caulk as a sealant. Then simply Install the exterior fire stop you have along with the drip cap. In that case, make sure to use appropriate tools for the exterior wall.
Install and connect utility lines – The gas fireplace will require a new gas line, and depending on the placement may require new electrical outlets. If you are qualified you may do it yourself or else hire a licensed contractor to complete these steps.
Build a frame around the gas fireplace (optional) – You may build a frame around the fireplace, once you finish the installation. It is important to maintain space between the fireplace and the frame, as per the recommendations of your manufacturer. If possible, replace any drywall you have removed during the project and paint, and finish the fireplace frame and wall to make it match the room.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to install a gas fireplace and hopefully have completed the gas fireplace installation project. You may enjoy reading another page from your favorite book or have a sip of coffee, around the gas fireplace. Your home will be cozy and look beautiful once the gas fireplace installation is completed, using these easy step-by-step instructions to “How to Install a Gas Fireplace”.
The convenience of installation and maintenance has led to the rising market of gas fireplaces in recent years. Comparatively, the gas fireplaces are usually better, cleaner, and affordable options than the traditional coal/wood (log) fireplaces and electric heaters. Make sure to perform only an annual inspection of the gas fireplace at home.