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cindy tatum · Nov 12, 2006, 09:07 AM

We are thinking of purchasing a home that has gas heat, stove and fireplace (I've never seen a gas fireplace before and am stumped by this). I would much prefer an all electric home. The location is central Texas.

1) Is is possible to do such a conversion (including the fireplace to be a wood burning rather than gas); 2) what will need to be replaced and 3) what is the ballpark cost of a job like this?

Thank you.

bharr07 · Nov 12, 2006, 10:31 AM

To get a better idea on the cost of replacing your heating system first we need to know what type of heat do you have, forced air system or a hydronic? if you have forced air and a ducting system , it may be more economical to install a heatpump , but if you hot a water system that changes things and could be a real issue. changing your gas stove simple, pull out the exsisting stove , shutoff , disconnect and cap the gas line, have an electrician run the elecric supply 230v 1phase cable and an outlet to the wall behind the stove , approx. $ 400.00 to 500.00 , for the cost of the stove, well , that all depends on what you want but they can run from cheap models about $350.00 to more very elaborate electric rediant range $2500.00. and as for the fireplace to covert that to burn wood that too is possible with some modifacations to the hearth or there are complete wood burning fireplace units that can be installed but there are a lot of safety issues and fire codes that have to be adheard by ,and price wise that all depends what you have there now and to price that you really need a contractor to see what's involved. Let me know what type of heating system you have , and I hope this helps in your decisions

labman · Nov 12, 2006, 11:25 AM

There is a good chance your current electric service entry won't accommodate the additional demands. Converting to all electric could mean replacing everything from the pole outside clear to your breaker box. More dollars if you have underground lines.

Have you ever used gas? Maybe you should see how it goes for a while. Long term, who knows where energy prices are going other than up.

NorthernHeat · Nov 12, 2006, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by labman

There is a good chance your current electric service entry won't accommodate the additional demands. Converting to all electric could mean replacing everything from the pole outside clear to your breaker box. More dollars if you have underground lines.

Have you ever used gas? Maybe you should see how it goes for a while. Long term, who knows where energy prices are going other than up.

Yes you will need at least 200 amp service to go all electric. Many areas, like Florida are going to NG to avoid the electric brown outs when they get cold weather. Gas typically is cheaper to operate too.