Converting a wood burning fireplace to a sealed gas fireplace is done with gas fireplace inserts. These units consist of a gas log set that is installed in a steel or cast iron heat exchanger. In most cases, they are sealed on the front with glass. You can also find them with fans to disperse the heat around the room.

Gas fireplace inserts also come with a remote control, wall mounted thermostat or a wall switch for easy control of the gas. Inserts are more effective than vented gas logs. The fact that the inserts use a sealed glass front makes these units safer as well. A good insert will provide BTU output that ranges from ten thousand btu's to forty thousand btu's.

Modern gas fireplace inserts are usually direct vent systems. This means they use a two-pipe system, which by design will bring combustion air into the insert. The second pipe will vent the exhaust. Another important point to note about this type of fireplace unit is that you must line the chimney with two flexible steel or aluminum pipes. This will allow for intake and exhaust to be properly balanced and safe as well.

If the gas fireplace insert uses a one-pipe system then it is a B-vent system. Since there is only one pipe, this system is not as efficient as a two-vent system. A gas insert is not an inexpensive project. The insert itself will cost between twelve hundred and three thousand dollars. The installation costs could add another thousand dollars.

The main reason for installing gas fireplace inserts is the energy savings homeowners should encounter. These types of fireplaces are much more efficient than a wood burning fireplace for heating a room. For better results, install a fireplace blower to help disperse the heat around your room.