gas conversion

19 years ago

I have an offer in place for a nice older house, conditional in getting insurance coverage (for my protection). I shaved about $12,000 in the price to cover upgrade costs.

For background, the house is hot water heated by oil fired boiler and radiators. I was considering converting to gas furnace and boiler anyways. Now, because my insurance company will not insure the house with a oil tank over 26 years old, I surely will have to.

Another potential roadblock is they are throwing up all kinds of signals about the state of the old wood fireplace, and I see all kinds of hassles in the way. So, I thought what if I converted the fireplace to gas at the same time. They should not have any problems, should they?

So, here I am, somewhat clueless about how to go about this.

First, are these fireplaces recommended for efficient and meaningful supplementary heat, and how is the visual effect?

Could I look at gas fireplace inserts that fit within the masonry wood burning fireplace, as they seem to look natural? What venting is feasible or recommended for this? Is it problematic to the insurer regarding the new flue pipe running up the existing flue/chimney? Does the old flue chimney have to be conditioned or blocked off? Is a new flue chase required?

Is freestanding the only choice I have, although I don't like it?

What set-up would you recommend?

I wonder if I could get an idea of the cost for this fireplace and related installations?

Thanks for the help.

Ted

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Comments (2)

Xanndra
19 years ago
You've gotten ahead of yourself in some of this. The solution is very easy.

You get a direct-vent gas insert. Yes, they heat. Have the stove shop install it for you or have someone that they recommend install it for you. Do not attempt it yourself. It may require a permit to install. Not to mention the gas line.

Go to a few local stove shops and see what they have. If you buy the house and are going to buy a particular insert, have the installer come out and inspect the fireplace prior to purchasing the unit to make sure the fireplace is strucurally sound and to give you a total price. Don't trust the house inspector's inspection.

No one on these boards can give you an accurate price, because we don't know what kind of work the fireplace might need prior to installation.

It sounds like they might not insure the home with the current condition of the fireplace. But, you can't have the insert installed unless you buy the house first. Hmmmm.
naturelle
Original Author
19 years ago
Xanndra,

I would have had to get the wood fireplace/flue inspected, and cleaned, etc in any case.

I would prefer the gas fireplace over wood anyways, as I had already expected to convert the heating system to gas. I talked earlier this evening to my friend who has two gas fp's, and he loves them.

I truly do not expect any structural problems with the fireplace or any problems with the chimney/flue. The inspection is this Tuesday, and I will dutifully fill out the requisite questionaire and take pictures and have the inspector make special note of the fireplace. The present owners are an elderly couple, who have not used the fireplace in many years, as the husband has a respiratory problem. Hopefully, the fireplace will not be a problem, but if there are problems, I think I would be able to convince the insurance company that the fireplace will be converted. The closing for the house is June 24, and the fireplace would not be required to be put into service at that time of year. They should be able to give me a conditional insurance, based on the non-use of the fireplace until conversion is completed, and the permits secured as proof.

My policy is set to expire Feb 23rd, and I have two other quotes in hand for the extension. If my current insurer dooes not cover me, I'll be looking at the others on Monday. They would lose my vehicle insurance as well, which also expires on Feb 23rd. The way I see it, the present owner has coverage with that same fireplace. There are several 100's of thousands of other people in this city alone who live in older houses with fireplaces.

I'll be at the stove store tomorrow, and per your suggestion I will be looking at direct vent inserts, and get a feel for the prices and options.

Thanks,

Ted
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gas conversion

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Xanndra

naturelle
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naturelle
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