skip to main content

Trash To Treasure

Alternative to burning fireplace logs

15 years ago

We don't want to burn wood in our fireplace because I have a fear of soot being scattered throughout our home. And, we've heard that propane burns "dirty" and it's our only option where we live for gas logs.

In the interim until we find a solution, we took a large piece of firewood and DH drilled round shallow holes into it (the diamter of tea lights). We then placed tea lights in the holes and it really does provide a nice, warm glow that we're really enjoying!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

lady_alicia Zone 5/6 PA
15 years ago
Good idea. It's a nice alternative to get some ambience! :)

Alicia
sunnyca_gw
15 years ago
Is your draft closed? Maybe that isn't right word-long day. A very safe way is with the tealights that are battery operated & no flame. They last a long time & safer to fall asleep to. Most soot is caused by smoke stack or chimney not tall enough(or if you forget to open vent). Dr. I did some work for had soot all up his fireplace front, I got builder over & asked why . 2 reasons he said, burning too hot of fire but mainly he figured the smoke stack was too low. We went outside & yes, it was about a foot lower than all the other houses. I got to redo the front of his fireplace tho, cleaning that mess off & repainting. They lengthened the smoke stack by about 18 in.& no more problem. I'm allergic to all smoke, fire, BBQ,cigarette so if anyone gets headaches from smoke this would be good solution to use log with battery tealights. They last quite a long time also. Jan
Related Discussions
getting started with gas logs for existing wood burning fireplace
Q
Comments (6)
First, DO NOT get a ventless system. Many building codes actually outlaw them. I think they all should because the build up of fumes can be dangerous. Therefore, the choice is between a VENTED gas log system and something called DIRECT VENT system. A vented system works pretty much like your present conventional wood burning fireplace. It will provide some heat, but most of the heat will go up the chimney. It is not an energy efficient system. A direct vent system is comprised of a sealed firebox equipped with 2 vents that go up the chimney -- one to exhaust the fumes and the other to bring in fresh air to feed the combustion. It is very energy efficient, and can give off some serious heat. Direct vent systems are costly and take close to a whole day to install, assuming you already have a gas line in place. You really should consider this option if you want more than just the pleasant appearance of a flame. One more consideration: Since direct vent system can get very hot, it's a good idea to get one with a remote thermostat. Otherwise you'll wind up turning the thing on and off over and over again. But if you live in a climate zone where a kit of heat is not the primary consideration, for instance in Florida, a vented gas log system would be a reasonable option. If a really DRAMATIC dancing flame is what you're looking for, I think the Eiklor brand is the gold standard. But it will use a LOT OF GAS, and most of the heat will go up the chimney. So you're almost literally burning money with that one. I'm partial to direct vent. We have one here in North Carolina, and we love it. Make sure you find someone with a good local reputation to do the installation. Otherwise you'll wind up with buyer's remorse.
...See More
Fireplace log in a gas fireplace?
Q
Comments (2)
You probably can so long as it has a flue. To be sure, try to get the manufacturer's name and the model number and google it.
...See More
Wood Burning vs Vented logs...
Q
Comments (4)
Gas log sets are good for decoration but lousy as a source of heat. Like all regular fireplaces, they suck a lot of heated air from the room they are in up the chimney, and the cold air that replaces that heated air must be heated by your furnace at considerable cost. Also, the considerable heat produced by the burning gas mostly goes straight up the flue, with little being radiated into the house. A conventional fireplace can be thought to be perhaps 10% efficient, often a lot less. My suggestion would be to have a fireplace repairman come in to inspect and maintain the gas log set, which may be useable pretty much as it is, if you are lucky. A year ago I would have charged $95 to do this kind of job. (now retired) If there are repairs needed, you will learn how much it would cost to make those repairs beyond the basic labor charge. If you chose to remove the gas burner and piping, I could have done that for the same charge. But think carefully about burning wood. That's a lot of work and rather dirty. Most people with wood fireplaces use them only rarely. Many people with gas log sets use them quite a bit or a lot. But they aren't cheap--- probably about $1.00/hour to operate based on your cost of gas. And for that you get very little net heat added to your home. Gas log set can be quite attractive, but nothing can really beat a wood fire if you are willing to do the necessary work and pay the costs.
...See More
Alternatives to wood burning fireplace?
Q
Comments (10)
We installed a Dimplex Revillusion electric fireplace last fall. I can use it only with the light for ambiance or with the heat. It heats up pretty good (we wired it for 220V) and the embers look much more realistic than gas. I like the flames better than the gas fireplace that was there before. We also used to have a wood burning fireplace (w/glass doors) in another house and I am so glad I don't have to deal with the ashes and dust, chopping and storing the wood, and waiting for the thing to heat up anymore. Finally, the cost is much lower than a decent looking gas fireplace, too.
...See More
kraftymom
15 years ago
Long fireplace candles just like the one you made with votives used to be very popular for use during the warm season when your fireplace wasn't burning. We finally went to a gas insert and I will never go back, it burns much cleaner. Have you considered an electric fireplace insert? My mom has one of those and loves it.
concretenprimroses
15 years ago
A very pretty simple idea. Ambiance with out the dirt.
I'm sometimes jealous of people with fireplaces but I have enough trouble keeping the house clean. I am glad we moved our woodstove to the cellar since the upstairs is now so much cleaner! (and the cellar is dryer).
Kathy
txcountrygal
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks! We live in the country on a hill with no houses around and where we live, it's super windy. We think that has a lot to do with the downdraft that we experience. DH is checking into a woodstove insert where there are iron (?) doors that completely seal and close and the stove generates heat to warm the room. Supposedly, no smoke or soot at all escapes into the house with that setup. We're still checking it out.

Have to admit, though, that I don't miss cleaning fireplace ashes and where we live in this area of Texas, we don't have extremely cold winters. Fireplaces in our area are mainly for ambiance (in my opinion).

Just love the look of a fire, though!

Thanks for the tip on using tapers- that would be a neat look as well!

Related Stories

LIVING ROOMS How to Convert Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

By Laura Gaskill

Learn about inserts and other options for switching your fireplace from wood to gas or electric

REMODELING GUIDES Clean-Burning Woodstoves Ignite a Greener Heating Trend

By Laura Gaskill

No need to rely on oil or gas to heat your home — new woodstove designs burn cleanly and are beautiful to boot

FIREPLACES Updated Woodstoves Keep Home Fires Burning

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Better technology means more efficiency than ever for modern woodstoves

FIREPLACES Heat Your Space in Style with Today's Wood-Burning Stoves

By Shawn Gauthier

Cleaner burning and streamlined, new wood-burning stoves warm up the room

STORAGE Stylish Log Storage for Traditional Homes

By Becky Harris

From one fire's worth to a full cord, these wood-storing options will have you stacking in style

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Luxurious Log Home in the Canadian Mountains

By Vanessa Brunner

Live-edge wood and other details reflect nature's gifts in a spacious family getaway nestled in the Canada's Okanagan Valley

FIREPLACES Stack in Style With a Creative Woodpile

By Mary Jo Bowling

Firewood storage goes beyond the utilitarian with attractive and artistic log arrangements inside and outside the home

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Eco-Friendly Fire Pits: Casting Backyard Campfires in a New Light

By June Scott Design

Wood burning may be discouraged — even illegal in places — but that needn't mean forsaking the fire pit. Try one of these alternatives

FIREPLACES What to Do With That Fireplace You’re Not Using

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

Make the extra space work for you with artfully arranged logs, books or decorative objects

LIVING ROOMS 10 Fresh Ideas for Your Fireplace Alcoves

By Karen Wilson

Not sure how to make use of the space on either side of your chimney? Check out these alternatives to the standard built-in bookcase

Sponsored

More Discussions

Experience with PlayerBoost

0