Need ideas to replace gas heater

[Justin_B]

Hi Community, 

We have recently purchased a property and we are thinking about what we can do with this fireplace: Ideally we would like to remove the gas burner, however, not being in the house yet we are not 100% sure if its an open chimney. Would love to hear anyone's experiences. Ideal scenario, we can add a wood burner, however if we cant, then what are our options. Would love to hear ideas. 

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @Justin_B 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your gas heater.

Just a friendly reminder that any gas pipe work and disconnection must be done by a licensed gas fitter for safety and compliance.    

I propose having a quick look at The benefits of a Dimplex linear electric fireplace. Please note that this product needs to be specially ordered at the special orders desk. Aside from the realistic LED fire display, the Dimplex electric fireplace does not need gas or a flue to operate. It is a full electric appliance and there’s also no need to worry about moisture or mould created by condensation, and you can forget any concerns about oxygen depletion, carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke in your home. 

In regards to your chimney, I suggest closing it off to prevent vermin from coming in through the top. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Justin_B 

Excitment builds for you guys!  

So here is a story that may help you out. My last place had a pretty nice mantle with an oil burning heater, loved it but was a pain to fill and maintain. When we renovated the lounge we found out the mantel was just that, a mantel!.. Even tho it had a stone surface it was fake! Right down to the brick footing in front. It looked very similar to your place. 

My suggestion would be to check and see, gas is handy and heats well. Maybe leave the outlet where it is and have a removable heater that can be stored for summer and free up the space in your lounge? I have a 1.8m lead on my 5 burner gas heater. If you want the mantel piece to look like a fireplace but not have rthe gas on, then you can get fake wavy flame ones from various mainstream stores They dont heat but look great. (they use light and a piece of material plus fan to give that fake flame look)

Dave

[Nailbag]

I grew up with one of these gas heaters that had replaced an even older briquette one. If you have a chimney, then it's highly likely there is already a flue running up the inside. If you have safe roof access, you will see it capoed on the top of the chimney. This means a relatively easy replacement to a newer style model that requires a flu, even thought it would need to be up-graded.

If your looking to replace it with a real log fireplace, then one with a fully enclosed firebox will offer the most efficient wood burn

Nailbag