We have a house (built 2009) with a gas fireplace that we have never used. In fact, I've never lived in a house or an apartment with a working fireplace so I have no experience.

We did a LITTLE research and bought a set of gas logs that is compatible with our fireplace, but as it turns out it's not just logs. It's logs, plus a grate, a dual burner bar, pan, granules, glowing embers, assorted hardware, etc.

Well, our fireplace already has a grate and burner bar that were installed at construction. So do we just put the logs on top of that and forget all of the other stuff, or am I supposed to deconstruct what came with the house and completely install the new one? The whole thing now makes me a little nervous.

Take original grate and log lighter out. Replace with burner pan. Lava rock granules go around pan on floor of fireplace. Sand goes inside burner pan. Ember fiber top of the sand. Log grate that came with logs on top of that and then the logs arranged however you feel, but we usually go with how the manufacturer has them set up. You may want to find an anti whistle flex line so you can get it centered in your fireplace. I'm assuming this is a natural gas set up?

Do the instructions make any reference to using a different burner? I'm not an expert but we have gas logs and typically the burner, grate and logs are designed to work together.

[This message has been edited by Texker (edited 12/15/2013 10:42p).]

Pants--

You're describing pretty much step-by-step what the manual says to do, except it ignores the fact that the builder already set up their own burner and grate (only with no logs).

If we are reluctant to mess with de-installing and installing all of this hardware (along with the natural gas that comes with it), what type of professional would we use to do this for us?

Texker--

No, the instructions pretend that you're installing from scratch in a brand new fireplace. And I'm sure what we bought would certainly work best with all of its own parts...

I guess we were just thinking that with the existing burner bar and grate that all we'd have to do is go out and just buy the gas logs themselves. No fuss or real install.

Guess not.

call a plumber to install it if you are uncomfortable doing it. good gas connections are serious business.

Agree with Mookie, but I installed one in my fireplace. Followed the directions and then did a soap test on the connections. Worked fine. But if you are not comfortable, have a plumber do it.

Plumber +3

I think what you have is a burner that is to start wood fires. Is it a single pipe with holes in it? If so, it's not meant for gas logs.

Hawk beat me to the comment but that's my guess as well. You need a burner system specifically made for gas logs.

+4 on the plumber to help ensure a safe installation or return it to the big box retailer(making an assumption here) and purchase from a dealer that offers installation.

Here's a resource with lots of good info. http://www.hansenwholesale.com/gas-logs/gas-log-installations.asp

Did a little more digging today, and you guys are right. The existing pipe is a burner for a wood fire, which doesn't really do us any good if we don't want a wood fire...and we don't.

Yep, it was from a big box store, which does not do installation. Went today to a local store that specializes in gas fireplaces, the guy was helpful and set me straight, but they only do installation on their own products, which are much more expensive (and probably better).

So unless we want to return it AND spend a lot more money, we'd have to decide on a plumber who doesn't necessarily do this on a daily basis.

Considering this whole thing was on a lark anyway, and there's not much need for this item (we do live in Conroe after all, with a great heater)...we'll likely return it to the big orange store with nothing lost and some knowledge gained.

Thanks for the help.

I bought a cheap set (~$100) from home depot with no experience. 4 years later it still works like a charm. I literally only had a threaded pipe coming into the fireplace. This kit had everything. There were no logs when I bought the home. Installation was a breeze.

We had this done 2 months ago in West Houston.

Call Texas Gas Grills for installation. The guy's name is Ismael. He did an awesome removing the old gas pipe that has been there forever and installing the new set up, logs, sand, and embers.

Charged us $100, which I thought was pretty cheap. If he doesn't work in your area he may know someone that does.

832.567.4290

Some of you mention a plumber. I already have a gas log set and gas insert. Just need to add a switch and remote to it. Could a plumber do something like that? The fireplaces companies here locally want to charge an arm and a leg. Told me it takes about 45 minuts to install and I am having a hard time after Googling the product needed not believing they are charging a massive markup. Maybe a plumber would be more reasonable?

For a switch and remote you need to have electrical power right next to it. Do you really want to add that? If you already have power then great, but its not worth running a visible cord even 1 foot to "save time".

It takes me 10 seconds to open the damper, turn on the gas, and hit it with a grill lighter.

Same in reverse, just have an oven hit handy to close the damper if the sway bar is above the flame.

Yeah, I have lived in my house forever and never used the fireplace, never would in that case. I feel very strongly this would make me use it. Wanted a wall switch, but was told remote was cheaper option than wiring to light switch....and no, I do not get the impression that means having to have some cord go an electrical outlet, but even if it was a foot, yes I would rather have that.

It is a product something like this: http://www.fireplaceremotecontrols.com/skytech-afvk-sp.html?___store=frc_en&___store=frc_en&gclid=CKTmrc_Q1bsCFaxr7Aod12IAag

[This message has been edited by LeighJ (edited 12/29/2013 8:29a).]