One of the most effective ways to cut down on heating bills is to put in your own gas fireplace. A home energy audit is also a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into your house’s systems and discover ways to save costs and consumption. Installing a portable gas fireplace is a breeze if you follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
If you switch off the gas connection and store the gas bottle safely (ideally outside, away from the house), you can relocate a gas fireplace to any room in the home.
The choice to relocate a gas fireplace might seem like a big one, but it’s really not that bad.
I think it’s a wonderful place to start if you want to improve the beauty of your home or provide an extra heating boost without spending a lot of money on a contractor or gas company.
It’s safe to assume that your gas fireplace is the showpiece of your home.
Because of the radiating heat they provide and the welcoming atmosphere they create, fireplaces are an excellent focal point for any living space.
Installing a brand-new fireplace is a thrilling but potentially challenging undertaking.
Planning ahead is essential when relocating a gas fireplace, and prior experience is recommended.
However, not all gas fireplaces are created equal in terms of portability.
Disconnecting the gas connection and removing the fireplace doors may be all that’s required to relocate a freestanding fireplace, but if the fireplace is installed into the wall, you may need to undertake some additional work or contact a professional.
To make sure your fireplace relocation goes off without a hitch, consider the following tips.
Reasons to think about relocating your gas fireplace
It’s not uncommon to consider relocating a gas fireplace to a different room in the house.
This is a common query in DIY message boards, where I frequent, and it has me stumped.
You may wish to relocate your gas fireplace for a variety of reasons, including improving the flow of traffic in the room, or just because you prefer it in another setting.
As far as I can recall from my youth, fireplaces were rarely relocated outside of home renovation projects.
There has been a dramatic increase in the installation of gas fireplaces over the past decade, and as a result, many homeowners are relocating their existing fireplaces to more convenient locations, such as the great room or family room.
You may wish to relocate your gas fireplace, either with the help of a professional or on your own, if it is located in the main living room or if it is located in the basement and the smell of gas lingers for an extended period of time.
A minimum of three feet of space is required between the fireplace and any nearby ceiling or wall.
A spot without a lot of obstructions to the left and right of the fireplace is ideal.
Moving a gas fireplace: how to disassemble, pack, and transport
Having a fireplace that actually works is a real luxury.
Unfortunately, relocating a gas fireplace requires a lot of work (and money).
It’s a lot of effort to relocate a gas fireplace, even if you hire a contractor to do it.
It’s not something I’d enjoy doing on a weeknight after work.
However difficult it may be, it can be done.
It is possible to relocate a gas fireplace on your own, but doing so requires meticulous preparation, the right equipment, and attention to detail.
1. Find an appropriate location
While fireplaces are a stunning addition to any house, they aren’t always practical.
There may not be adequate space in the wall of a younger home, or there may not be any chimneys at all if the home is older.
You can still have a fireplace, though.
Gas fireplaces provide the same warm ambience as traditional fireplaces without the need for, or high cost of, a chimney.
Even in areas with low ceilings, gas fireplaces are so efficient that they only use one gallon of propane each hour.
The location of the gas line is something else I’d think about when considering where to put a gas fireplace.
For safety’s sake, make sure the gas line is close to the hearth. You should think twice if, however, it is in dead centre in the living room.
Next, think about how much room you actually have.
Standard fireplace dimensions are 24″–34″ in width and 23”–46” in height; these measurements do not include the mantel, which can add another 34”–12” in width and height.
The width and height of a fireplace may not be an issue in a spacious living room, but in a more intimate space, they can quickly become prohibitive.
Consider whether or not the fireplace can be readily navigated and how your furniture will fit around it.
A gas fireplace shouldn’t be installed in close proximity to other heat sources like a wood stove, and it needs to be at least 3 feet away from any draughty windows before you settle on a new location for installation.
Furthermore, it is not good to locate a gas fireplace near furniture, such as a couch.
2. Disconnect the Gas supply
Once you’ve settled on the ideal spot, you’ll need to disconnect the gas line that once supplied fuel to your furnace.
To prevent gas leaks or, at the at least, lessen the likelihood of an explosion, you can turn off the gas supply at the gas shut off valve in the gas line.
In the first place, you need to turn off the gas to the home.
In order to accomplish this, the gas metre must be disabled. Depending on the design, the gas shutoff valve may be either in the basement or beneath the hearth.
Assuming you have already turned off the gas at the metre, you should now detach the gas line leading to the fireplace.
In the meanwhile, you should wait for the gas to disperse before continuing your task.
Additionally, you should disconnect any utility attachments and turn off the power to your fireplace.
3. Disassemble the fireplace and remove the unit
One of the trickiest elements of relocating a gas fireplace is figuring out how to take the device apart.
Likewise, if there are any barriers blocking your way to the fireplace, they must be removed.
Dismantle the fireplace by opening the doors and turning off the power at the wall.
Then, take down the wall moulding and the glass windows.
It’s important to take your time when moving the fireplace so you don’t get frustrated.
It is risky to relocate a fireplace, which can weigh hundreds of pounds.
Newer models may include a glass fireplace that can crack during shipping, while older models may have glass doors that must be removed gently.
4. Move the fireplace to the new location
The gas fireplace units you purchased from Home Depot represent a considerable financial outlay, and you obviously don’t want to risk harming them in transit.
If you’re wondering how to transport a gas fireplace, it’s actually fairly simple.
To pull this off, you need nothing more than a sturdy upper body and a dolly to move.
The mobile dolly is positioned under the unit, and the unit is lifted and set on top of the dolly.
Once the system is loaded onto the dolly, it may be moved to any location.
It seems like a fairly easy chore to accomplish. A professional moving firm can help if you’re not confident in your ability to lift the item.
5. Assemble the fireplace
Gas fireplace installation is an added chore after a move.
The good news is that a screwdriver and a willing friend are all you need to put together a gas fireplace.
Since every gas fireplace is slightly different, the first step is to read the instruction booklet that came with the equipment you purchased.
To ensure the unit’s safe operation, you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the gas being used (propane, butane, or natural gas), the unit’s size, and the amount of clearance needed for the unit to operate.
Make use of a carbon monoxide detector to check for gas leaks.
Final words
Make sure your gas fireplace is portable before you try to move it.
Freestanding gas fireplaces that are somewhat old may require rewiring before they can be safely relocated.
DIY fireplace relocation calls for at least two strong individuals and some lung power.
Taking the fireplace apart, transporting it to a new site, and reconnecting it are the steps involved.
Some fireplaces, particularly older ones, may require fireplace cement or straps to properly connect the fireplace to the rafters.
Or you may hire someone to do it all for you.
