Gas logs, convert to remote control operation. Anyone completed this?

[gahrajmahal]

The holidays are upon us, so our gas fireplace will be getting used more…

Hello all, we wish to convert our manually lighted (using a match) and turning a valve handle manually, to having a pilot light and remote control
(battery operated) using a kit, or list of components to purchase.

Remote control gas log sets are available as my mother-in-law has them in her condo. If possible we would like to convert our existing burner and logs and not buy a whole log and burner pan, valve, log rack and logs, but we will if it is less hassle.

My internet research has left me frustrated. Of the many manufacturers providing gas logs, not one directly addresses my question via their websites. Chats and phone calls resulted in puzzled replies for products not saying specifically “ have manual gas logs? This kit will convert your logs to remote control”. And, the prices range from $80 up to $1500 (the high end is for new pan, rack, logs, valves and remote)

I ask you, learned members of the GJ, has any of you changed your manual gas log setup to one operated via remote control? If so, what did you buy and where can I buy the same?

Thanks in advance

 

[75gmck25]

You need to look for a brand name on your logs. Most of them come in different versions and with different options, and adding on a remote control is a very common option. The burner unit is usually the part that needs to have the remote capability.

We used an online store called Hansen Wholesale, and the logs we bought were by Peterson Real Fyre. We did not buy the remote, but it was an option if you had the right burner unit.

 

[yatg]

Don't forget to open the flue before you hit "start".

 

[billconner]

Find a fireplace shop and ask there. My brother's is too far from you but there must be a good locally owned shop near by.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

If you add the caveat "I'd be willing to replace the logs and burner if it's less hassle"...then DEFINITELY replace the log set and burner.

That's like a 30 minute job.

To add a pilot and remote to an existing log set that has neither would involve (at a minimum) finding a gas valve with pilot that is designed to work with a remote that is compatible with your burner (which you'd have to figure out, engineer, and test yourself), take the old set out, disassemble, reassemble with new parts, test it, verify it works when it should, verify safeties, put into operation, and hope to God your McGyvering doesn't lead to a large boom, fire, CO poisoning, etc.

You could go a long way into the retrofit process (spending wise), hit a snag and end up with nothing useful.

Even replacing the remote box on mine and getting it to work with an existing gas valve with pilot that was designed to work with a remote (just not the remote or control box I was installing) ended up taking me a few hours, a call to tech support (who advised me to abandon the project as it wasn't going to work) and a lot of head scratching and testing before I got it up and running right. I was a $150 into it and wasn't sure I was ever going to get it to work at one point.

 

[4x4Pete]

A company called skytech make remotes for gas fireplaces/gas logs. As simple as removing the tstat wires on the gas valve and replacing them with wires from a receiver box. The receiver is paired with a remote. Fancier ones have a thermostat, basic ones have just a simple on/off. They are available through Amazon and most fireplace retailers.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Thanks all, I will check out Hansen Wholesale!

My Mother-in-laws setup uses Skytech remote and receiver. She had a receiver failure after about 10 years. After ordering the replacement parts she had a local shop replace the old one. (we live 4 hrs. away)

If you add the caveat "I'd be willing to replace the logs and burner if it's less hassle"...then DEFINITELY replace the log set and burner.

That's like a 30 minute job.

To add a pilot and remote to an existing log set that has neither would involve (at a minimum) finding a gas valve with pilot that is designed to work with a remote that is compatible with your burner (which you'd have to figure out, engineer, and test yourself), take the old set out, disassemble, reassemble with new parts, test it, verify it works when it should, verify safeties, put into operation, and hope to God your McGyvering doesn't lead to a large boom, fire, CO poisoning, etc.

You could go a long way into the retrofit process (spending wise), hit a snag and end up with nothing useful.

Even replacing the remote box on mine and getting it to work with an existing gas valve with pilot that was designed to work with a remote (just not the remote or control box I was installing) ended up taking me a few hours, a call to tech support (who advised me to abandon the project as it wasn't going to work) and a lot of head scratching and testing before I got it up and running right. I was a $150 into it and wasn't sure I was ever going to get it to work at one point.

Our manual setup sometimes gives us the "BOOM" if the person lighting doesn't already have the match/lighter lit prior to turning the gas valve on. And it doesn't take very long for this to happen. It is one reason Mrs. Gahrajmahal is pushing for the remote setup. We have been living with it for only 25 years or so!

 

[gahrajmahal]

Don't forget to open the flue before you hit "start".

We have a two-sided sign that says, "Damper Open" and "Damper Closed" we flip back and forth. We recite the sequence with the grand kids on the basement level wood burning fireplace where all the marshmallow roasting takes place.

 

[TEXACMAN]

You would have to change the gas valve and a controller etc as it all would be needed to run an igniter . I’d say replace it all for safety’s sake and time!