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Gas Fireplace Installation |
If you are considering installing a gas fireplace and are a skilled
person when it comes to home repair, installing a gas fireplace may
be something you could handle. However, the majority of people, even
if a little handy, are not skilled enough to complete this
installation. Check with your local fireplace or home improvement
store to locate qualified installers that are bonded and insured.
A direct vent fireplace allows fireplace installation to be done in
any room of your home since no chimney is needed.
A gas fireplace installation has three primary components. The first
is the gas piping into the home, the second is installation of both
fireplace, and flue system, and the third, is that electric wiring
will need to be installed for the switch, plug, and thermostat.
The size of the gas pipe is determined by size and location of the
actual fireplace. This piping is often done in a threaded black
metal gas pipe that is approved. For safety purposes, a shutoff
valve is also required and is specified by your building code. You
can also find codes and specifications from the manufacturer that
will help guide you to the type and size of the hearth you will need
as well as clearances between the fireplace and combustible materials
located behind and on the sides of the fireplace.
In most cases, a
gas fireplace cannot be vented into an existing masonry chimney or
use woodstove flue pipes. Therefore, you will need to determine the
type and size flue piping required for your specific fireplace. All of
this will depend on the shape of the fireplace and the location that
you are putting the fireplace in. You may have to make some adjustments in
order to get the proper venting. Be careful not to cut into any areas of the
wall of house that you might regreat later. The venting is one of the most
important things since it controls where the smoke will go.
Another piping option is to use copper, which is a great option that
is flexible yet durable. This type of piping is very helpful when
it comes to retrofitting installations and eliminates messy cutting
and threading of steel pipe. An advantage of copper piping is that
it is easier and faster to install and requires no special fitting
or techniques for joining. Additionally, unlike steel pipe, copper
is interchangeable and easy to find.
The switch, the plug, and the thermostat may be easy to install depending
on the type of firepalce that you have chosen to purchase. Generally, these
items are part of a semi complex electrical installation. Some fireplaces
have easy to read and follow instructions that can help you to get this done
efficiently. The switch will be used to turn the fireplace on and off. It can
also be set up to a wall unit or even a remote control. A key element of installing
the fireplace is to make sure that you have the proper wiring in the location
so that it can be connected to the fireplace. If the location that you have
selected does not include wiring, you may need to run some in.
Many fireplaces can be set up to have controls that can be used to make the
fire hotter or cooler. These controls can also help to change the color and
type of the flame for gas fireplaces. If you are setting this up with a remote
unit, make sure the wires and the romote unit are compatable.
Just remember, regardless of where you live, you will have to obtain
a mechanical permit for gas piping and a permit for the installation
of the fireplace and flue, which is an important part of the process
and should not be overlooked. Not only are these permits required by
law but also your homeowner's insurance company. Before you delve
into the process of a gas fireplace installation, check with your
local building department to make sure you have all the information
needed.
If you do happen to run into any troubles along the way during your fireplace
installation, there are a number of trained professionals that you can turn
to. Many professionals have has years of experience with the type of installation
that you are attempting and might be able to save you time and headaches.
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