Can a wood burning fireplace be converted to gas?

Yes and it's popular due to both efficiency and convenience. Natural gas is inexpensive and burns much cleaner than that of wood burning fireplaces. Have a professional install the gas line so that everything will be up to code.

What is the cost to heat a gas fireplace?

This depends on the amount of time will use your fireplace. An average cost of a thermostat for 100,000 BTUs runs $.50. If you calculate that, to operate a 12,500 BTU fireplace for one full hour you would use approximately $.12. When you weigh out the difference between gas and wood burning fireplaces; using natural gas can provide you with as a 75% savings.

Will a gas fireplace operate during a power failure?

Gas fireplaces with a standing pilot light will operate during a power failure because there is a continual gas supply.

What are BTUs?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit; a measurement that represents heat output. Typically 10,000 BTU can heat approximately 500 square feet.

What is a direct-vent fireplace?

A direct-vent fireplace is a sealed combustion appliance where air is drawn from outside and all smoke and vapor is vented directly outside.

Can I use vented gas logs in a stove?... In a fireplace?... In a coal burning fireplace?

Vented gas logs can only be used in a wood burning fireplace. A coal burning fireplace is too shallow. Vented gas logs are not recommended for a stove due to safety concerns.

I am remodeling my basement; should I go with direct-vent or vent free?

Direct-vent will give you a great look and a good amount of heat with little moisture. Vent-free will give you lots of heat and looks good but the number one complaint about vent-free is it puts out too much heat. If the vent-free is sized correctly to the room, you will not have a problem with heat or moisture.