not likely. does the chimney with a working damper travel to an
altitude above the rooftop by [local feet varies]?
check neighbors homes for tips if this common in your area.
note natural gas burns cleaner, more efficient and even heat, less
asthma concerns.
if your fireplace is only a decorative one see if you actually have a
fireplace for heat or decoration. you can not burn any other fuels in a
decorative gas fireplace.
check for wall insulation before you change to wood heat, lots of heat
can be lost up the chimney.


wrote:
We recently bought a house and want to replace the gas insert with a
wood-burning one. The gas insert vents out the side of the house --
about 6' above the fire box. I imagine this will be a problem. What I
wonder is: can it be done without building a flue to the roof? We live
in Washington State.

Thanks.