Converting a Conversion?

I just purchased a mountain home in Southern California that has an old brick fireplace with what appears to be "Heat-a-lator" oultets in the brick wall facing. The fireplace at some time has had a metal fireplace insert installed (ugly thing at best) which I want to remove and convert the old fireplace into a "Gas-Log" fireplace with a glass door. I realize that I will need to make sure I have a combustion air supply from the exterior and properly install a gas line (there's already one next to the fireplace, but I'll need to reroute it).

My intention is to reface the existing brick with cultured stone but I will maintain the heat outlets.

What sort of problems might I encounter when I remove the metal insert?

Thanks, Joe

 

Cover floors to protect from soot when removing wood burning insert. Having chimney professionally cleaned and inspected is recommended. You should check with local building codes to see if there are any restrictions.

 

Joe,
I have seen inserts for gas logs that look decent. You may need to have the chimney relined for gas (code question here). Difficulties with removal of the old insert will depend on how it was installed (secured). I don't see any big problems. Good luck.