Can I switch from a gas insert back to wood-burning in my Ottawa fireplace and what does the conversion cost?

Yes, you can convert back to wood-burning in most cases, but it is not as simple as pulling out the gas insert and lighting a fire — the chimney system needs to be thoroughly evaluated and likely upgraded before a wood fire is safe to burn. The good news is that Ottawa homes with original masonry fireplaces often have the structural foundation to support this kind of conversion, but the details matter enormously.

The first step is a Level 2 WETT inspection of your existing chimney. When a gas insert was installed, the flue was likely lined with a smaller-diameter stainless steel or aluminum liner sized for gas appliances — typically 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Wood-burning requires a larger flue, generally 6 to 8 inches minimum depending on your firebox dimensions, and it absolutely must be stainless steel rated for solid fuel (not aluminum, which is only approved for gas). If your current liner is aluminum or undersized for wood, it will need to be replaced entirely. Budget $2,000 to $5,000 for stainless steel relining depending on chimney height and liner diameter.

The chimney crown, cap, and masonry also need careful assessment. Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on masonry, and a chimney that sat relatively protected while venting a gas appliance may have accumulated years of unnoticed deterioration. Cracked crowns, spalled brick, and failed mortar joints are common findings on Ottawa chimneys that have not been actively maintained. Tuckpointing runs $500 to $2,500 depending on extent, crown repair $300 to $1,200, and a new chimney cap $200 to $600. These are not optional extras — water infiltration through a compromised crown will destroy a masonry chimney within a few Ottawa winters.

The gas insert itself needs to be properly decommissioned by a TSSA-licensed gas fitter, who will cap the gas line and remove the appliance safely. This is a legal requirement in Ontario — you cannot simply disconnect a gas appliance yourself. That work typically runs $200 to $500 depending on complexity. Once the insert is out, the firebox opening may need to be modified or a new firebox liner installed if the original masonry has deteriorated.

One important consideration specific to Ottawa: if you are planning to use the fireplace as a meaningful heat source rather than purely for ambiance, an open masonry fireplace is only 30 to 40 percent efficient — far less effective than the gas insert you are removing. A wood-burning insert installed into the existing masonry opening would give you the authentic wood fire experience with dramatically better heat output (70 to 80 percent efficiency), and the total installed cost of $3,500 to $7,000 is often comparable to the full conversion cost once you factor in relining, masonry repair, and gas decommissioning. It is worth considering before committing to the open-fireplace route.

All-in, a full conversion from gas insert back to a functional, code-compliant, insurable open wood-burning fireplace in Ottawa typically runs $4,000 to $9,000 depending on chimney condition, relining requirements, and masonry repairs needed. Get at least three written quotes that clearly spell out who is responsible for permits, WETT documentation, and gas line decommissioning. If you would like to connect with experienced chimney and fireplace professionals in the Ottawa area, you can browse contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com/directory.