How Do I Know When to Replace My Gas Logs?

Some Can Last 10-15 Years

Many Tennessee residents have decided to convert their old wood fireplaces to propane gas logs. And they certainly have plenty of options because there is a wide range of styles and sizes available.

When deciding on your options, it’s only natural to have some questions about this transition. One of the most common questions is this: how often should I replace the logs in a gas fireplace?

The short answer is, it depends on the type of propane gas logs you choose. Ceramic refractory gas logs, which are made from reinforced cement, can last 8-10 years before showing signs of wear.

On the other hand, lightweight ceramic fiber gas logs, which are made from a material similar to hard foam, can typically show signs of wear after about five years of use. However, if not subjected to heavy use, these logs can typically last 10-15 years before they need to be replaced.

Choosing Your Type of Propane Gas Fireplace

If you decide you want to get a propane gas log set, one popular choice is the vent-free gas fireplace log set. This is a self-contained system that can be installed in walls or even open areas, with no outlet to the outdoor air. These gas log units can also be installed in place of old and unused wood-burning hearths that connect to a chimney but where the flue has been sealed shut.

A ventless gas fireplace is a great choice if you are looking for the highest heating efficiency possible. As its name implies, this type of fireplace is not vented to the outside. Because of this, all the heat produced is contained in the living space. Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you’ll save money on fuel.

Please consult with an expert about this option since there are a few downsides. First, because vent-free gas logs introduce moisture to the air, adequate room ventilation is still necessary to prevent mold and mildew growth.

And since vent-free gas logs do produce a small quantity of exhaust into your indoor environment, they are not appropriate for bedrooms or other small, closed spaces like bathrooms or RVs.

Vent-free gas logs are also prohibited in some local building regulations. Before going ahead with your ventless gas fireplace installation, make sure vent-free gas logs are permissible in your community.

Propane Gas Fireplaces Vs. Wood Fireplaces

If you’re on the fence about the value of replacing a wood-burning hearth with a propane gas fireplace, here are a few points to keep in mind.

• Convenience. With a propane fireplace unit, all you need to do is touch a button or flip a switch to get heat on the spot. Whenever you do that, consider all the time you have saved by not having to haul wood to your fireplace—not to mention cleaning out the ash afterward.
• Safety. With a propane gas fireplace, when you’re ready to leave the room, it’s just as easy as starting the fire. Just turn off the fireplace. That’s it. No smoke, no dangerous embers, no ashes, no soot, no problem.
• The environment. A wood-burning fireplace emits up to 4,000% more emissions than a propane-fueled fireplace!
• Efficiency and availability. Propane fireplaces, along with stoves used for heat, are more efficient than wood-burning units, and they run on a fuel that’s readily available even in the rural areas of our state.

Read more about the benefits of having a propane gas fireplace in your Tennessee home.