Depends- some as "gas assist"- a woodburning fireplace with gas jets- you can use either. Some are gas only- never meant to burn wood. Which do you have?
It is not as bad as you think, the most difficult part is deciding whether to keep it as a gas fireplace or a wood burning fireplace with a gas lighter; so you can have both. Decide the gas to be used, Natural gas or LP (pretty much determined by what is already available) The fireplace itself needs little modification except the gas supply and available electrical circuit (depending what type/style gas fireplace you want.) If you decide on gas with artificial logs, then running black pipe to copper lines is all you need. If you are going to burn gas and use wood then run black pipe throughout (remember to use a cement product, for high heat, to seal any new whole in the fireplace.) Note: Either way you decide thoroughly clean the chimney and fireplace and inspect the doors, damper, flue, and look for cracks in the fireplace. I mention this because it is probably the last time you will need to do that. I have converted fireplaces in both ways; gas to wood burner and wood burner to gas. The insert is the biggest expense you will have, you can easily spend $600 on just those parts; not installed. And please don't forget to install and easily accessible gas shutoff valve.
Well is the question the total amount of heat, or total USEFUL heat? In general, a wood fire burns a bit hotter than gas- hence the wood fired pizza ovens. Hoever, gas fireplaces usually have a heat exchanger that draws in room air, warms it, and returns it to the room. It has less air going up the chimney than a wood fireplace (a major point of heat loss) The chimney of a wood fireplace may be more massive brick, which will hold heat after the fire burns out.
fireplace
Depends on the rating and installation information from the maker. Some are "zero clearance" appliances- they can be attached directly to wood studs.
It is indeed difficult to install a ventless gas fireplace. Anytime you deal with gas you should call a professional.
what is the question, you don't put anything in a gas fireplace, especially wood, gas comes from the gas line coming in to the fireplace
first off you need to turn off the gas then, cap the gas line then remove the gas line and the vent pipes up in the chimney, then remove the insert or gas log, then install damper doors, put on a suitable door to the fireplace, and put a basket in the fireplace to hold the wood The above paragraph assumes that the fireplace was originally a wood burning fireplace that was retrofit to accommodate a gas fireplace insert and in that circumstance the information is accurate. However, if the fireplace was originally designed as a gas appliance it cannot be converted to solid fuel ( wood ).
The pros of intstalling a gas fireplace are no smoke, it looks like a real wood burning fireplace, and not having to chop wood. The cons are paying for the installation and having a higher gas bill every month.
Electric fireplace inserts are perfect for the individual wanting the warmth and feel of a real fireplace, without the hassel. They replace your current gas or wood fireplace with safe, clean electric inserts.
Some of the benefits of a wood burning fireplace include the lower cost of heating a home versus the cost of gas. Wood is also considered a renewable resource so it could be argued is better for the environment than the fossil fuel of gas.
remove burnt coal, replace with seasoned firewood The above will not work! If you've ever seen a coal fireplace you would realize it is MUCH smaller than a wood burning fireplace. It would require major changes, probably not possible. A normal fireplace will burn either coal or wood or a mixture of both. If the size of the logs is controlled then their is no need to adapt the hearth.
Check with Martin for an owner's manual. Unless a fireplace is specifically rated as multi-fuel, a gas fireplace cannot safely burn wood.
Yes, travertine tile can be used on the floor of a gas fireplace.
It is not as bad as you think, the most difficult part is deciding whether to keep it as a gas fireplace or a wood burning fireplace with a gas lighter; so you can have both. Decide the gas to be used, Natural gas or LP (pretty much determined by what is already available) The fireplace itself needs little modification except the gas supply and available electrical circuit (depending what type/style gas fireplace you want.) If you decide on gas with artificial logs, then running black pipe to copper lines is all you need. If you are going to burn gas and use wood then run black pipe throughout (remember to use a cement product, for high heat, to seal any new whole in the fireplace.) Note: Either way you decide thoroughly clean the chimney and fireplace and inspect the doors, damper, flue, and look for cracks in the fireplace. I mention this because it is probably the last time you will need to do that. I have converted fireplaces in both ways; gas to wood burner and wood burner to gas. The insert is the biggest expense you will have, you can easily spend $600 on just those parts; not installed. And please don't forget to install and easily accessible gas shutoff valve.
Usually refers to a gas fireplace, since wood fireplaces are vented by the flue (chimney) Gas fireplaces can be vented (flue) or unvented (no flue)
Often the most efficient way to do this is to buy an insert for your wood burning fireplace. There are many professional companies who can do this and ensure that the job is done correctly.
The average gas fireplace installation cost is about $500. It is cheaper than a wood burning foreplace installation.