Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - convert coal burning to gas or wood
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jessicawiser
06-22-04, 11:05 AM
Our 1935 cottage has the original coal burning fireplace which, needless to say, is not very useful in this day and age.
I would prefer to covert it to wood-burning, although I suspect the box is not deep enough for this (is there a way to extend/enlarge it?). Otherwise, I would put in a gas insert.
Has anyone ever done this? Does coal burn hotter than wood (heat resistance of chimney in question)? I believe the chimney is lined, but I would have someone confirm this and inspect it before I started.
Thanks,
Jessica
I would prefer to covert it to wood-burning, although I suspect the box is not deep enough for this (is there a way to extend/enlarge it?). Otherwise, I would put in a gas insert.
Has anyone ever done this? Does coal burn hotter than wood (heat resistance of chimney in question)? I believe the chimney is lined, but I would have someone confirm this and inspect it before I started.
Thanks,
Jessica
Sharp Advice
06-22-04, 06:20 PM
Hello: Jessica
First, I would highly suggest hiring a chimney sweeper to clean it. Have that person also inspect the fireplace and it's integrity and structual soundness.
Once that is known, you can more safely procede with the project of converting it to another fuel type. Anything other may turn out to be a money pitt and waste of time, etc.
Enlarging the hearth area may not be as easy as it looks or appears. Also, depends on the material used to build the fireplace. Bricks or stones? A fireplace professional may be needed to enlarge the hearths area.
If the existing condition does not appear to be of sound construction and or easily or safe to extend the hearth, a totally new replacement fireplace may need to be constructed, based on it's present age.
Might be wise to seek the advice of a few professionals prior to starting any conversion or expansion project. Just my opinions, based upon years of being in the nat gas industry and in contact with many home owners whom have attempted projects like these.
Only later, well into the project did they realize the extend of the project and the costs invloved. Might be best to find out up front what is involved and how much it will cost before hand.
First, I would highly suggest hiring a chimney sweeper to clean it. Have that person also inspect the fireplace and it's integrity and structual soundness.
Once that is known, you can more safely procede with the project of converting it to another fuel type. Anything other may turn out to be a money pitt and waste of time, etc.
Enlarging the hearth area may not be as easy as it looks or appears. Also, depends on the material used to build the fireplace. Bricks or stones? A fireplace professional may be needed to enlarge the hearths area.
If the existing condition does not appear to be of sound construction and or easily or safe to extend the hearth, a totally new replacement fireplace may need to be constructed, based on it's present age.
Might be wise to seek the advice of a few professionals prior to starting any conversion or expansion project. Just my opinions, based upon years of being in the nat gas industry and in contact with many home owners whom have attempted projects like these.
Only later, well into the project did they realize the extend of the project and the costs invloved. Might be best to find out up front what is involved and how much it will cost before hand.