fireplaces

[Deb]

I think I posted in the wrong forum, so I'm reposting this over here in first time.

Am still exploring buying this Palm Harbor home. I am now looking at an optional fireplace. PH only does wood burning, (it has to do with transporting gas) but they will stub it for gas. My question is since I will convert this fireplace to gas once it gets here, am I better off just leaving the fireplace out completely and purchasing my own later. Is it to my advantage not to have the hole in the roof for the flue if I don't intend to use it, as I understand gas is not vented through the roof?

[trmimo]

In order for your warranty to be valid, your gas fireplace MUST be vented to the exterior. Some gas fireplaces do vent through the sidewall. I think that you will find it much more convenient to order the fireplace from Palm Harbor and have a gas log put in later. Installing a fireplace later is a very dusty, dirty affair. Also, by ordering the fireplace from the facory you know you won't have structural issues such as having a rafter in the way of installing the fireplace. The installation would also have to be done to Palm Harbor's specs to ensure code compliance and to keep your warranty intact. It should only cost you a couple of hundred dollars to add the gas log to the fireplace, because it will be prepped to receive gas logs already.

[Mark]

I know I replied to this message, but don't know what happened to it..

Anyway..

You'll save about $1200 by NOT having PH install a fireplace you don't want anyway.

Installing gas has nothing to do with them 'transporting', since the home isn't connected to a fuel supply until it is setup, they either don't want to, don't know how or aren't licensed to do so.

As for venting, some fireplaces are vented, some aren't. I'd suggest either way that it be vented. While it's possible the wood fireplace they'd install would have the same venting requirements and placement that the gas one you want does, it doesn't seem likely. Unless like the previous poster suggest, you just convert to a gas log insert, which usually means using a small logset than you might otherwise have opted for.

There are MANY choices out there for fireplaces, PH is probably only offering 1 or 2. Shop around.

BTW, a fireplace is not difficult to install.

[Kevin C]

When I asked a Southern Energy home dealer about a gas fireplace, he told me they could not do it because the home was not certified by HUD for a gas fireplace. So, I guess my question is, if the home is not certified for a gas fireplace doesn't that raise warantee and insurance issues if an aftermarket gas fireplace is installed?

[trmimo]

All of the hud approved fireplaces installed by manufacturers are designed and approved to be used as a gas fireplace. A carbon monoxide detector is required for a gas fireplace in a bedroom. In most cases, the excuse from the manufacturer is just that an excuse, because they have not decided to offer gas fireplaces yet. Gas fireplaces actually produce less exhaust and less ambient heat than a wood burner.

[rmurray]

Actually the sales person is being a little simplistic....but HUD has substancial requirements for gas lines and installation and many plants do not want to bother with them...

There is no problem if you add the logs later...it will not have anything to do with your warranty...insurance does not care..

[Eugene]

Any fireplace or other fuel burning apliance must be listed for use in a manufactured home. The HUD code requires all fuel burning appliances, except ranges be exhausted to the exterior of the home.
If you install a ventless gas fireplace yourself, you will void your warrenty, plus as mentioned above, if you hit a rafter and something, you are screwed, have PH install a fireplace and install an insert in the future, after the warrenty runs out!

[rmurray]

I am sorry Eugene...I sell for Palm Harbor....we encourage folks to make additions to the home...The 5 year warranty and protection plan will not be effected...except for the modified parts...put in a fireplace...your plumbing is still covered..

Many folks do garages...screen room...move doors..move windows..add doors..on and on...none of this effect the warranty except for the modified part..

[Eugene]

rmurray.
I stand corrected,
But you are the excpetion rather then the rule!
Glad to hear that news!