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How Long Do Gas Logs Last & Gas Log Replacement

So you have a gas log fireplace, and you absolutely love it. From the efficiency to the aesthetic, you feel as if your gas fireplace offers all the benefits of a real, wood-burning fireplace, without all the hassle. Life is good!

However, like any home appliance, gas fireplaces require routine maintenance. If you’re wondering do gas log wear out, the answer is yes. While you certainly won’t be replacing your gas logs as often as you would with real firewood, there comes a point in time where they’ll need to be swapped out with replacement gas logs. The good news is, when this happens, you don’t need to replace your entire fireplace setup. Swapping out just the logs can give your fireplace the reboot it needs both in terms of performance and aesthetic.

But how long do gas logs last? In this blog post, we’ll talk about when to replace gas fireplace logs and how to replace them when the time comes.

How Long Do Gas Logs Last?

So, when exactly should you replace your gas logs? The answer depends on some different factors, including:

  • Material: Gas logs are usually made of ceramic, which allows them to withstand very hot temperatures. Log sets that use cement logs will fade in appearance over time. Depending on use, they can begin to lose their appearance in 2-3 years.
  • Type of gas logs: A well maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last a very long time, in some cases 10 or more years. A well maintained ventless log set with ceramic logs can also last a long time, but, if heavily used, will begin to wear in 3-5 years.

The short, concise answer is — the higher the quality and the less you use your fireplace, the longer your gas logs will last. However, even with regular use, a high-quality gas log set should last you for a few years or more.

So, how do you tell if your gas logs are high quality? Made in the USA is a good indicator of a quality set of gas logs. Additionally, you’ll want to pay attention to the material. Ceramic is durable and able to stand up to the hot temperatures of a fireplace.

A gas log replacement project also gives you the option to change up the style of your fireplace. There’s a wide variety of gas log styles available, so changing them out gives you the chance to transform the overall look of your setup.

If you’d like to use your gas fireplace without logs, you also have the option to use fireplace glass instead. This will require a burner pan that is made for fire glass.

How to Replace Gas Logs

The replacement process for gas logs varies depending on the model you’ll be installing. However, in general, the process looks somewhat like this:

  1. Turn off the gas.
  2. Remove the old logs from the fireplace. You may want to wear protective gloves to keep your hands clean and protected.
  3. Remove the grate. Your grate is likely secured in place with screws, so be sure to have a screwdriver on hand to remove those and then the grate.
  4. Disconnect the burner and gas line.
  5. Clean out your fireplace. This will ensure a safe installation process of your new gas logs.
  6. Connect the new log set’s gas line to the burner.
  7. Secure the burner and grate. Again, you may need to use a screwdriver or other tools to do this — check your log set model for specific instructions.
  8. Inspect the log set for leaks. This is very important! Don’t skip this step. To test for leaks, turn on your gas supply. Then, use a spray bottle to spray a small amount of water and soap on the gas line connection. If bubbles form, you’ll know there’s a leak. Tighten the connection or replace the gas line altogether.
  9. Install the gas logs. Again, be sure to look at your instructions for specifics on how to place your gas logs on your burner and grate.

Best Gas Log Sets

The cost to replace gas logs varies depending on the size, material, and brand. Typically, log sets can cost anywhere from just over $100 to over $1000. The average sets cost somewhere in the $400-$700 range. We’ve pulled some of our popular sets below.

White Mountain Hearth Ponderosa Log Set (Vent-free)

Image of White Mountain Hearth Ponderosa Log Set
White Mountain Hearth Ponderosa Log Set

The White Mountain Hearth Ponderosa Log Set offers an authentic-looking burn and is available in three sizes to accommodate a variety of fireplace sizes.

White Mountain Hearth Ponderosa Log Set - Choice of Vent Free Burner
Price: $1,098.00 White Mountain Hearth Ponderosa Log Set - Choice of Vent Free Burner

Specific burner and log set combinations may be on backorder. Please contact us to check availability for the combination you are interested in. White Mounta...

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White Mountain Hearth Sassafras Log Set (Vent-free)

Image of White Mountain Hearth Sassafras Log Set
White Mountain Hearth Sassafras Log Set

The Sassafras Log Set from White Mountain Hearth also offers a realistic aesthetic and comes in three sizes: 18″, 24″, and 30″.

White Mountain Hearth Sassafras Log Set - Choice of Vent Free Burner
Price: $993.00 White Mountain Hearth Sassafras Log Set - Choice of Vent Free Burner

Specific burner and log set combinations may be on backorder. Please contact us to check availability for the combination you are interested in. White Mounta...

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RH Peterson Real-Fyre Mountain Birch Designer Log Set (Vented)

Image of RH Peterson Real-Fyre Mountain Birch Designer Log Set
RH Peterson Real-Fyre Mountain Birch Designer Log Set

The RH Peterson Real-Fyre Mountain Birch Designer Log Set can be customized to meet your specific needs. Choose your log size, fuel type, vented burner and valve type and you’ll be well on your way to a warmer, cozier home.

RH Peterson Real-Fyre MBW-30 30" Mountain Birch Designer Replacement Logs for Vented Burners (LOGS ONLY)
Price: $562.00 RH Peterson Real-Fyre MBW-30 30" Mountain Birch Designer Replacement Logs for Vented Burners (LOGS ONLY)

Log Sets are certified to work with SPECIFIC burners only. They are NOT universal. Using a log set with a non-certified burner can lead to Fire, Carbon Monoxide...

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RH Peterson Real-Fyre Charred American Oak Log Set (Vented)

Image of RH Peterson Real-Fyre Charred American Oak Log Set
RH Peterson Real-Fyre Charred American Oak Log Set

Similarly, the RH Peterson Real-Fyre Charred American Oak Log Set is totally customizable, but offers more of a charred appearance.

RH Peterson Real-Fyre CHAO-24 24" Charred American Oak Replacement Logs for Vented Burners (LOGS ONLY)
Price: $548.00 RH Peterson Real-Fyre CHAO-24 24" Charred American Oak Replacement Logs for Vented Burners (LOGS ONLY)

Log Sets are certified to work with SPECIFIC burners only. They are NOT universal. Using a log set with a non-certified burner can lead to Fire, Carbon Monoxide...

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Replacing & Installing

Replacing gas logs can be a daunting task, so it’s important to pay close attention to the step-by-step instructions that come with your specific log set. If you feel uncomfortable installing gas logs yourself, contact a trusted professional for assistance. And as always, our trained specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to speak with our team about our gas log sets.

Mickey Luongo

Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

15 thoughts on “How Long Do Gas Logs Last & Gas Log Replacement”

  1. Types of Gas Logs for Fireplaces: A Guide to Different Options says:

    […] cement. Each material is rated to withstand high amounts of heat, and you shouldn’t need to replace your gas logs for at least 2-5 years, depending on frequency of use. A good way to know when your gas logs need […]

  2. Will the gas company install the new logs if not who does? I am a senior citizen who lives alone so I will need help as to what to buy etc….thank you

  3. james Gray says:

    I have a Pierce Engineered Natural Settings Direct Vent Zero Clearance Gas Fireplace Model DVF-550. One of the main gas logs broke. I live in the Denver, Co area. I tried to call a couple of suppliers and they tell me the logs are specific for the fireplace and no replacements other than the original logs.. Big issue. the DVF-550 is obsolete. Can anyone help?

  4. Fireplace Glass - What is Fire Glass is How Does it Work? says:

    […] are a lot of fun ways to use fire glass. Majority of the time glass is used to replace fire logs as well as to cover up the area surrounding the spickets in gas fireplaces. Some people have […]

  5. Gas Log Styles Most Realistic Gas Log Sets & Other Gas Log Styles says:

    […] matches your decor or desired look is a top priority. If you already have a gas fireplace and are looking to replace your current log set, there are many styles […]

  6. Gas Fireplace and Log Set Brand Options says:

    […] log set choices. The Everwarm Palmetto Oak Log Set is refractory cement log set that’s durable, long lasting, and makes for a beautiful focal point in your […]

  7. Catherine Green says:

    I have a new home with a gas fireplace with decorative logs that operates off a wall switch. Is it possible to switch out the logs for the decorative glass/crystal pieces?

  8. LIONEL HERNDON says:

    MY VENT LESS FIRE PLACE IS 20 YEARS OLD . I USE IT A LOT IN THE WINTER. AS OF LATE I DETECT AN ODER. IS IT TIME TO REPLACE MY LOGS?

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