If those logs are the vented kind, you can buy a conversion kit for them. A conversion kit usually consists of a valve regulator, pilot orfice and burner orfice(s).

If the logs are non-vented you're out of luck. No vent-free product can be converted. If it were a fireplace system you'd have to replace the burner unit. Since that's all you have you might as well sell that and start over.

I assume your gas long are unvented since they are giving you useable heat. If they are in-fact vented logs, disregard the O.D.S. statement below and move to the next paragraph...

All unvented gas products such as logs, stoves, inserts & fireplaces are required by law to have a safety shutdown device called and Oxygen Depletion Sensor, or ODS. This device is very sensitive and is easily manipulated by pet hair, lint or dust that gets sucked into the device. A little dust can fool the ODS into believing that the oxygen level in the room has reached an unsafe low and shut down the logs. This can also cause the pilot flame to be too cool to generate enough electricity through the thermocouple and cause a shutdown as the valve is fooled to believe the pilot ligh has gone out.

Either of these scenarios can be remedied with cleaning. Here is the procedure;

Get your vac out with the small hose and brush attachment. Look at your log setup very well and try and remember where they all go. Now, remove the smaller top logs one at a time and vac them off and lay them asside in a position relative to their reassembly. repeat until all logs are cleaned and removed. Go ahead and vac your burner system and the firebox itself. Next locate your pilot assembly. The ODS will be integrated into that part. Use NON-FLAMABLE computer duster in a can to blow out the pilot and ODS devices. Reverse blow through the pilot hood. Brush off any carbon deposists you may see on the thermocouple or pilot hood.

IF a dirty ODS is not the problem or the unit is vented and has no ODS, this is a sign of a weak thermocouple. Most ODS devices have integrated thermoucouples now and are non-repairable. A new assembly will need to be installed. Don't hate that though as this is the core safety unit for the logs. You want it to be right.

If the thermocouple is not integrated to the ODS (welded to the side of the pilot hood) it can be replaced. Simply remove the thermocouple and replace with a new one.

Always try cleaning first. at least 8 out of 10 service calls I go on with vent-free logs is just dust or hair causing the problem.

I have a set of gas logs that I heat my home with. For some reason randomly my pilot lite has been going out. Does this mean that it needs cleaned or could it be something else? If i do need to clean it, what is the best way to do that.

Thanks,

Bill

I sense a little bit of "not worth my trouble" syndrome with the information you received about your fireplace conversion.

What you heard was true. Ventless stoves, fireplaces, logs, etc CANNOT BE CONVERTED to natural gas. HOWEVER, there is a simple solution to your plight.

While you cannot convert the fireplace to natural gas with a conversion kit, you can convert the fireplace by replacing the burner plate. That means the whole assembly. Depending on your model, the entire burner assembly is removable by removing a couple to a few screws and disconnecting the gas supply. Once done, the entire pan with burner and logs will lift out and the new natural gas assembly can be put in. It is an expensive fix but you will essentially have a brand new fireplace without removing the cabinet or doing any demolition. The new assembly will come with new rating tags with the natural specifications as if the fireplace were always natural gas. This is the only suitable conversion for a vent free fireplace.

I don't think I have your number but let me know what model monessen you have and I will get you a quote. Your logs can be re-used if they are in good shape so let me know if you need logs too.

Stay in touch.

My problem here in Charlotte is that I have a built-in vent free fireplace. We only use it occasionally and it is installed very elegantly with carved marble mantle and surround.

We have used LP but natural gas is now on our street. I have converted to natural gas and upgraded to gas hot water and kitchen appliances. When I tried to get a conversion kit for my Monessen fireplace I was told that vent free fireplaces cannot be converted. What is the deal with that? Am I going to have to keep LP just for the fireplace or tear it all out just to use natural gas?

I have gotten great info from you in the past so I figured if anyone would shoot straight with me it would be you. Thanks in advance, Jack. Love the new site. Best wishes with the new store. It's about time!

Perry