Because the existing chimney liner used by the wood fireplace is designed to burn only firewood a gas fireplace insert would require the installation of a collinear gas insert liner in the fireplace flue to the chimney top.
Converting wood fireplace to gas insert.
Options usually depend on the type of fireplace.
Conventional masonry wood burning fireplaces are ideal for converting to gas because they already have the look of a traditional fireplace and all you have to do is install the gas burning guts inside the firebox.
These include converting the unit to use gas logs using a gas fireplace insert which also makes the fireplace much more efficient or converting the fireplace to a vent free appliance.
The cost to convert a wood burning fireplace to gas depends on the type of insert or log set you choose venting gas plumbing electrical work and finishing materials needed along with labor costs.
A wood burning prefabricated fireplace will need a conversion kit but masonry fireplaces have several options.