Many of Georgetown’s row houses and townhomes were built in the Federal and Victorian periods and feature chimneys with original masonry and wood-burning fireplaces that were built to last a lifetime.
Homes in this neighborhood were built decades before modern venting standards, clearance requirements, or manufactured fireplace systems existed. That means the original masonry was built to accommodate open wood fires, and any subsequent modifications (gas line additions, insert installations, surround updates) were retrofitted into the original structure.
When we open up the chimney in a home like this, it’s not uncommon to find several different modifications pieced together. This is exactly what happened when a Georgetown homeowner decided to convert the existing gas fireplace in their home into a new electric unit. They started pulling apart the existing surround, disconnecting components, and opening up the fireplace wall when they realized that they were facing too many challenges to continue on their own, and called Priddy Chimney Solutions to help.
What Our Technicians Found Inside This Georgetown Fireplace
The homeowners removed several layers of the original fireplace, which revealed a number of problems that needed to be addressed. The photos from this project tell the story clearly: exposed brick from the original chimney chase, an aging gas line still active in the cavity, cracked firebrick at the base of the firebox, and rough framing that needed to be reconfigured to accept the new electric unit at the proper clearances.
The specific issues requiring immediate attention before any new installation could begin were:
Active gas line: The existing gas supply line was still live. Capping a gas line isn’t a DIY step – it requires a licensed gas fitter to safely shut down the supply, install a proper cap, and test for leaks. This is both a code requirement and a safety issue.
Cracked and deteriorated firebrick: The firebox was significantly cracked at the base and along the sides, the kind of damage that results from years of thermal cycling in a firebox that was never properly lined or maintained for the appliance it was serving.
Open flue: With the old gas unit removed, the original chimney flue was now exposed and needed to be properly sealed off. An open, unused flue is an entry point for moisture, animals, and cold air infiltration.
Incomplete framing: The framing that would support the new fireplace surround and drywall had been started but was not built to manufacturer spec for the selected unit. Getting the framing right matters as it directly affects the clearance requirements and the finished appearance of the surround.
Electrical: The Regency E800LCD electric fireplace selected by the homeowner requires a dedicated 240V circuit. The home’s existing outlet configuration near the fireplace was not adequate to support the new unit.
How We Completed the Gas to Electric Fireplace Conversion in Georgetown
Once the existing conditions were assessed, our team developed a plan to bring everything up to code and complete the conversion cleanly. The full project included:
Fireplace Removal: Removal of the existing gas fireplace unit, all piping, and associated components, salvaging the original surround material where possible.
Gas Line Shutdown & Closeout: A licensed gas fitter shut down and capped the active supply line, with post-cap leak testing to confirm safe closure.
Throat Plate & Damper Sealing: Installation of a fireplace throat plate and damper sealing kit to prevent heat loss and air infiltration through the now-unused flue.
Flue Sealing: The exterior flue opening was sealed with cement to properly close off the abandoned chimney flue.
Framing & Drywall: Reframing to manufacturer specification, installation of cement board, and drywall finishing around the new unit.
Electrical: Dedicated 240V circuit run from the breaker to the firebox; connection to the new appliance.
Electric Fireplace Installation: Installation of the Regency E800LCD electric fireplace, supplied and installed by Priddy Chimney Solutions, with Oak Log Set and Brown Brick Panels, including glass, media, and surround assembly, operational testing, and homeowner walkthrough.
The New Fireplace: Regency E800LCD Electric
The homeowner had selected the Regency E800LCD, a large-format traditional electric fireplace that was well-suited to the proportions of the Georgetown living room. The E800LCD uses an advanced LCD flame display system, which produces a more nuanced and layered flame picture in comparison to the simpler LED refractions used in lower-end electric units.
The unit was configured with an Oak Log Set and Brown Brick Panels, which complement the warm tones of the original brick surround and fit naturally with the character of a historic rowhouse.
Common Questions: Converting a Gas Fireplace to Electric
Can I just remove a gas fireplace and install an electric one myself?
Gas line disconnection and capping must be performed by a licensed gas fitter. Installing an electric fireplace also typically requires a dedicated circuit that meets the manufacturer’s electrical specifications, work that must be performed by a licensed electrician. Beyond the licensing requirements, the existing firebox, framing, and flue conditions need to be assessed for potential hazards before any new appliance is installed.
What happens to the chimney flue when you switch from gas to electric?
Once a gas or wood-burning fireplace is removed and replaced with an electric unit, the original flue may no longer be needed for venting. However, other combustion-based appliances may use the flue, such as your furnace, boiler or water heater – something that will need to be addressed. If the flue is no longer in use, the opening should be properly sealed, both at the firebox level with a throat plate and damper sealing kit, and at the exterior top of the chimney with a cement cap. An open, unused flue allows moisture, cold air, and animals to enter the home through the chimney.
Do electric fireplaces require special wiring?
Many full-size electric fireplaces, including models in the Regency E800 series, require a dedicated 240V circuit rather than a standard 120V outlet. This is distinct from smaller plug-in electric fireplace inserts, which run on 120V. If your home’s electrical panel doesn’t have a dedicated circuit near the fireplace location, that circuit will need to be run as part of the installation which may involve routing wire through finished walls and ceiling spaces.
How realistic do modern electric fireplaces look?
Higher-end electric fireplace units use LCD display technology rather than basic LED reflectors, which produces a noticeably more nuanced flame picture. The Regency E800LCD, for example, offers nine flame settings with independently adjustable fuel bed lighting. The result looks materially different from the flat, uniform glow of entry-level electric units. The visual realism of an electric fireplace is directly tied to the technology and price point of the unit selected.
Electric Fireplace Conversion Washington D.C.. Maryland & Northern Virginia
Whether you are interested in converting an existing fireplace or adding a new electric fireplace unit, Priddy Chimney Solutions is ready to help you explore the best options for your home.
Contact us at (301) 530-4262 to request an appointment.
