How to Convert a Gas Fireplace to Electric

Tips on How to Convert from a Gas Fireplace to an Electric Fireplace.
Adding a fireplace to a room doesn’t have to be a challenge. With an electric fireplace and a little design help, it’s easy to create an inviting space that you’ll love to share with friends and family.
Did you know that an electric fireplace gives you more control than a gas or wood- burning fireplace? Adjust the heat levels to best accommodate you room size and desired temperature. Or choose to only display the visual beauty without any heat!
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[@LucasAllen]

This is a bigger project than I realized, especially upgrading the electrical.

[@stylishfireplaces]

It does require a bit of planning

[@justindyke2170]

Why would you need a dedicated circuit/line for a 120v electric fireplace? If I plug in a 120v portable fireplace with the exact same BTU output, I dont need to run a line. This is making things seem more difficult than they need to be.

[@stylishfireplaces]

Great question! You need to know the electrical requirements of your fireplace. Almost all of the electric fireplaces we sell (99.9%) have heaters with a maximum draw of 1500 watts on 120 volts. Since that's the maximum output of the circuit, they will need the entire circuit when set to maximum heat output. For that reason, installation instructions from the manufacturers call for a dedicated electrical circuit, to avoid repeated tripping of the breaker. While you can plug into a regular, already-existing outlet, you may find that such a shared circuit will not be enough to support your heating needs. We always advise that if someone wants to plug in a fireplace to an existing outlet that is not on a dedicated line, they experiment with different heat settings to learn the limits of that particular outlet/circuit. Of course, with the heaters off, electric fireplaces draw very little power and having a dedicated circuit will not make a difference. It's always best to consult your owner's manual to avoid risk of electrical fire, and consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure.

[@emgee9775]

In my country electric prices are sky high, and they use coal in the power stations to make the electric! A well maintained gas fire is lovely to come home to, and don’t dry out the skin like central heating.

[@stylishfireplaces]

Sadly, that is the case for electricity in some areas. However, as the electrical grid becomes cleaner, we need to make the switch from gas, to reduce our carbon emissions. Everyone has to be aware of the situation in their own area :)

[@boorayin2773]

I'll have to Google to even know if I have an insert - not sure what that means versus what else I might have? I suspect this video'll start getting more views as people make the connection to their fireplaces after learning more about their gas stoves. As a sustainability person, I love the look the of my gas fireplace, but can't run it in any good conscience as I know how incredibly bad it is for the environment and my family's health.

[@keithwheeler1905]

You guys must be from California. This is definitely a DIY project. With a very basic understanding of gas lines, electrical circuits, and the simplest ability to make things fit, just about anybody can do this.

[@stylishfireplaces]

Hi, Keith. We're not in California; we're in Ontario, Canada. Working with electrical connections and gas lines requires licensed technicians in our part of the country. I'm sure there are folks out there who DIY these projects, but we don't recommend that, out of an abundance of caution for safety. Getting those things wrong can also void product warranties.

[@shepdog213]

This is not a how to video… unless you mean how to google a licensed professional to do it for you

[@stylishfireplaces]

This is meant to be a first-step, how-to list for anyone considering a fireplace conversion. Many of our clients need to understand the steps, so they can plan ahead. We would never presume to go into the kind of detail that a licensed professional needs to go through. Plus, those building code requirements may vary across North America.