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Wood AND gas fireplace?

We just moved in and we're both fireplace idiots. There's a gas pipe in the back of the fireplace and it works, but we don't know what to do next. Can we burn regular logs in there? Will the house blow up? lol Do we have to use gas logs? Know of any websites where we can learn how to use it? Thanks a lot. Its a big brick old fireplace with a chimney. Do we need a log "cradle" to burn logs or just put them on these two bars that are in there. Thanks

Public Comments

  1. if it has a lined chimney, either clay tile or a stainless chimney liner, you can burn both.
  2. That may be a gas starter for the fire. You need a wood grate for the logs. I would get a plumber to check out that gas pipe before I lit any fires in the fireplace and also I would get a chimney sweep to be sure the chimney is not blocked or and he can clean it too also give you some fire lessons.
  3. If you want a wood burning fireplace it would be a good idea to have the gas line safely removed.
  4. The gas pipe is to help in starting the wood fire. But, you need the fittings/burner to attach to the pipe. Do not just open the valve and light the pipe. Since you have a brick chimney you should be able to use any type of log you want- real wood or the manufactured type. The cradle that you mentioned will allow you to start fires much more easily. The gas burner is typically placed under the cradle , allowing it to ignite the wood above. If you are unsure about how to attach the burner, get a professional to install it. A DIY project like this is not worth the risk.
  5. The gas line in the fireplace is probably a log lighter. You turn on the gas and light it and it helps the logs light. After the logs are burning, turn off the gas. There should be a gas valve close to the fireplace. Probably recessed into the brick and you will need a "key" to open the valve. They could of had gas logs in there also. Check the gas line in the fireplace. A log lighter has a pipe that runs under where the wood goes in the rack. They usually have a piece of pipe with holes drilled in the top and a cap on the end. As always before you light a fire in the fireplace, check the flue to make sure the chimney is open and clean. Also make sure the damper is there and works properly. If everything looks OK, the fireplace should be good to go. If any doubts, have a HVAC dealer look at it, or a chimney sweep look. They will surely check it out fr you!! Hope this helps!! Good luck!!
  6. Some modern home are only capable of burning gas, the flue and chimney will not handle the large volume of smoke. In an older home where wood has been burnt there may be an accumulation of creosote on the chimney wall, this will create a fire hazard. Have you fireplace checked by a reputable, licensed and bonded Chummier witch. A log cradle allows air supply to the fire. It will help you achieve a complete burning of your logs.
  7. I would have the chimney checked FIRST. FIND the MAIN shutoff for the FIREPLACE gas line BEFORE using the fireplace. (It should be OUTSIDE the fireplace somewhere.) Based on your question, I would suggest you contact a professional about the matter. In some cases, you CAN use either wood or gas logs. IF using wood, the gas should be turned off at the MAIN fireplace valve, and the line capped with a pipe cap (metal) so that NO gas can get into the fireplace. I have never heard of a gas "starter" for wood fires as described in another answer. (Possible, I guess, but I wouldn't trust it!) My fireplace uses EITHER, because it was BUILT that way! I suggest a set of andirons (log cradle) for burning wood, mine has 4 connected "bars" 6" apart, on 6" legs.
  8. The geniuses that owned our house last burned oil and wood in the same chimney; once we had a chimney sweep clean out the chimney he gave us a lecture about mixing fuels in the same flue; the mortar has rotted out from the mixing of smoke and now we need a liner installed so the chimney won't leak into the house. So first you should get the flue cleaned out; the sweeper will tell you all about everything else you need to know about your chimney and fireplace!