Steps to Plan Your Fireplace Makeover with a Gas Insert

A fireplace insert is a self-contained fireplace designed to fit into an existing wood fireplace opening. Fireplace inserts can be fueled by gas, wood pellets, wood or electricity, and are installed by a hearth professional. Depending on size, elective features (ie. media, logs and fronts), installation costs, and venting, a fireplace makeover project starts at around $6,000.

Homeowners often purchase fireplace inserts to eliminate the issues of soot, ashes, and odor associated with burning wood. Furthermore, open wood fireplaces can be drafty and inefficient, making them rarely used. The solution to all these issues? Installing a gas fireplace insert!

The process of replacing a traditional wood-burning fireplace with a fireplace insert is straight-forward and can typically be completed swiftly by a hearth expert.

Why do gas insert installations require a professional? Both a gas line and electricity need to be run, and there’s also necessary roof work to ensuring your fireplace insert vents properly. Your local authorized fireplace professional can also obtain necessary permits and hire any necessary subcontractors. The number of professionals involved in your install comes down to where you live and your specific project. Whereas larger cities require multiple licensures and permits, smaller towns might allow a single contractor to do it all. Leave it to our installing professionals to sort this out.

Easy to Use: Gas fireplace inserts redefine convenience with their user-friendly features. The ease of operation, often facilitated by remote controls, allows users to enjoy a real fire at the touch of a button.

Beautiful: Embracing modern design elements, gas fireplace inserts effortlessly blend functionality with aesthetics. From traditional aesthetics to more modern and contemporary designs, gas inserts enhance the visual appeal of a living space.

Safer: Safety takes center stage with gas fireplace inserts. Equipped with protective glass and screens, these inserts mitigate the risk associated with traditional wood-burning fireplaces. The controlled, contained flames reduce the chances of fire sparks, making them a safer choice for households with children or pets.

Warmer: Gas fireplace inserts deliver consistent and adjustable warmth, ensuring a cozy atmosphere without the unpredictability of a wood fire.

Efficient: Efficiency is a hallmark of gas fireplace inserts. They create an airtight seal that not only eliminates cold drafts but also maximizes the utilization of heat, making them a more energy-efficient option for heating your living space. The gas fireplace insert is designed to contain and radiate heat back into the room, rather than sending the most of that heat up a chimney flue.

Value: Investing in a gas fireplace insert adds significant value to your home and is a cost-effective solution. Their energy efficiency translates into potential cost savings on heating bills. Adding a fireplace to your home can also increase its resale value. According to the National Center for Real Estate Research, fireplaces can increase the value of the average home by up to 12 percent.

Begin by printing off the Pre-Consultation Checklist to help you get started on your fireplace makeover. The first step is measuring your existing fireplace to ensure you select the appropriate size and model. See below for our fireplace insert sizes and dimensions. Once you complete the form, you will want to bring it with you when you visit an authorized dealer.

Research your favorite gas insert fronts, surrounds, interior panels, and media to match your style. See chart below for options.

Now find a local authorized dealer near you and request a consult. Our authorized dealer showrooms will have fireplace insert examples for you to get inspiration.