Gas Fireplace Logs

[TnWV]

How do you have "free" natural gas?

The main natural gas pipeline for our area crosses the longest part of my property. Its been there for alot of years and my grandparents worked it into the lease when the gas company installed the pipeline. It is only good for the original home or home that replaces the original home. The only negative is that I cannot build within 10 or 20 feet of the line, but that is fine by me. As of last year, my home is now the only residence on the property so I get the free gas. As my hot water tank, stove, dryer, and anything else I can run on gas, go out they will be replaced with gas appliances.

 

[kenmac]

The main natural gas pipeline for our area crosses the longest part of my property. Its been there for alot of years and my grandparents worked it into the lease when the gas company installed the pipeline. It is only good for the original home or home that replaces the original home. The only negative is that I cannot build within 10 or 20 feet of the line, but that is fine by me. As of last year, my home is now the only residence on the property so I get the free gas. As my hot water tank, stove, dryer, and anything else I can run on gas, go out they will be replaced with gas appliances.

If I had that deal. I would install an NG generator large enough to power the entire house:thumbsup:

 

[JB4310]

If I had that deal. I would install an NG generator large enough to power the entire house:thumbsup:

And a natural gas powered tractor and truck

Do you even have a meter TnWV?

JB

 

[TnWV]

Yes I do have a meter. I get a bill every month that states usage and there actually is a few cents per cfm charge, but some how I have $36 credit right now. I have paid s few bills that were between 6-8 bucks but they always end up getting credited back to me. I need to read the lease again. Anyway, I never pay more than a few bucks a year for gas, so i just call it free gas. When I build my new house eventually it will be all gas and include a gas generator that will be capable of powering the whole house.

 

[JB4310]

Yes I do have a meter. I get a bill every month that states usage and there actually is a few cents per cfm charge, but some how I have $36 credit right now. I have paid s few bills that were between 6-8 bucks but they always end up getting credited back to me. I need to read the lease again. Anyway, I never pay more than a few bucks a year for gas, so i just call it free gas. When I build my new house eventually it will be all gas and include a gas generator that will be capable of powering the whole house.

I'd call that free gas too, I think what kenmac was getting at was to run the house's electric needs off the generator full time and avoid having an electric bill. Not sure the gas company would go for that. Plus a genny like that is not cheap, Could take years of no electric bill to pay for it.

I would scrutinize that lease with a lawyer (if needed) to maximize the benefit to you.

JB

 

[TnWV]

I'd call that free gas too, I think what kenmac was getting at was to run the house's electric needs off the generator full time and avoid having an electric bill. Not sure the gas company would go for that. Plus a genny like that is not cheap, Could take years of no electric bill to pay for it.

I would scrutinize that lease with a lawyer (if needed) to maximize the benefit to you.

JB

Running the whole house off a generator full time would be nice, but without haveing a lawyer read my lease I would be afraid that would somehow violate it and I could lose the good deal I do have. The idea for me is to use gas for all heating related appliances (furnace, stove, hot water, dryer, etc.). Doing this will minimize the electric bill anyway. I could not use the "free gas" on my home do to the original house still being occupied when I first moved it in, so im just getting started changing over to gas now that it is available to me.

 

[meadowlarkponds]

Just installed the Vanguard vent-free gas logs in an existing old fireplace. It is wonderful so far...runs on propane. I got the remote, but doubt its worth the extra money.

The main reasons for going with gas logs was as a back-up heat source(heat pump primary) and the fact that after years of burning wood in the fireplace, I'm ready for an easier route.

I researched the topic a good bit and the vent free is the right choice for heat and the vent more for appearance....although I'm very pleased with the appearance on the Vanguard vent free while burning.

We generally have mild winters in East Texas so I'm anticipating only limited use of the gas logs, but that may change cause it it so convienient.

 

[JB4310]

Just installed the Vanguard vent-free gas logs in an existing old fireplace. It is wonderful so far...runs on propane. I got the remote, but doubt its worth the extra money.

The main reasons for going with gas logs was as a back-up heat source(heat pump primary) and the fact that after years of burning wood in the fireplace, I'm ready for an easier route.

I researched the topic a good bit and the vent free is the right choice for heat and the vent more for appearance....although I'm very pleased with the appearance on the Vanguard vent free while burning.

We generally have mild winters in East Texas so I'm anticipating only limited use of the gas logs, but that may change cause it it so convienient.

That was actually not even on the radar screen for me, but now with this latest storm and 3 million people without electricity in New England. I think that could be a deciding factor.

Anyone who has a fireplace and doesn't keep a decent supply of firewood around should have a gas log for emergencies.

Where do you get Vanguard?

JB

 

[JB4310]

Update:

I got a gas log set from Lowes, only $240. a 100 pound propane tank and 2 stage regulator, and 25 feet of flex line. About $600. for everything.

Installed it today, this was a learning curve for me since I never had a gas appliance of any kind. My case was a little tricky getting the line in thru the back of the chimney in the basement and up thru the ash dump. but I made a custom termination plate to fit and seal the ash dump opening.

tried it out tonight and it was pretty nice, the flame is not real high but is ok, but man it does make some heat, raised the room temp 6 degrees in an hour, plus the heat went up the stairs and 2nd floor hallway.

It was making the wood work and mantel very hot to the touch, even though they met all the minimum distance requirements. and just the slightest smell. Not a bad smell, but more a hot smell, could be due to the first use.
This was with the damper completely closed tight. I think if I crack it slightly, it will help with all those issues.

Only cell phone pics

JB

 

[kenmac]

I know that different size logs have different clearances to combustible mat. but that wood looks close to the opening to me. They make a heat deflector shield (black or brass )you can purchase to divert the heat away from your mantle