Gas Fireplace Inserts FAQ: Everything First-Time Buyers Need to Know

If you’re thinking about upgrading your fireplace or adding an efficient heat source to your home, gas fireplace inserts are a popular and practical choice. They are cleaner to operate, simpler to use and they are much more consistent producers of heat than the old-fashioned wood burning fireplaces- and they replace right into your current firebox.  

However, as a first-time buyer it is only natural to have and ask questions. What, then, is a gas fireplace insert? What does it do? What kind of installation is required? And will it furnish enough heat for my home?  

At Fireside, we help homeowners understand their options and make informed decisions about gas fireplace inserts. We have tried to address the most commonly asked questions we receive from first-time buyers, so you can get a clear and confident start on your fireplace project. 

What Is a Gas Insert?  

A gas fireplace insert is a closed sealed fire box that would be inserted into a preexisting masonry or prefabricated wood burning fireplace. It is a gas-burning unit with ceramic logs or fire media to resemble a wood fire. 

In contrast to the old-fashioned open fire which can burn more heat than create, the inserts are designed keeping in mind their efficiency and performance. They are very reliable heat producers, and they are controlled using remote control, wall switch or thermostat. 

How Do Gas Fireplace Inserts Work? 

Direct-vent gas inserts do not take combustion air or gases into the home; they do not mix the exhaust and inside air and do not require any modifications to the chimney. The implementation of this design has the advantages of enhancing indoor air quality, higher efficiencies in the heating process, and no backdraft.  

Within the closed firebox a burner lights the gas, and the result is a flame which heats the air. Most of them have inbuilt blowers which assist them in pushing the heated air into the room. The glass front radiates the heat through its surface and then the heat travels by convection to heat and warm the space fast and even.  

Are Gas Fireplace Inserts the Same as Gas Logs?  

No — although both use gas as fuel, gas fireplace inserts, and gas logs serve different purposes. 

The gas inserts are full heating products that are intended to cover the fireplace aperture as well as enhance efficiency and give supplementary room heating. 

Gas logs are decorative burners placed on open fireplaces and give more emphasis to the appearance than the heating ability. 

You should choose a gas insert if you want to have reasonably priced room heating with low maintenance and good efficiency. 

What Are the Benefits of Gas Fireplace Inserts?  

The number of benefits that having an upgraded gas fireplace insert provides customers is often a revelation among first-time buyers. Its greatest benefits are: 

• Constant heat generation 
• High energy efficiency (up to 70-85 percent) 
• Less maintenance than wood-burning systems 
• Wall switch operation or remote operation 
• Sealed combustion as a way to keep the air clean within the house 

Safe and Code Compliant Installation 

Inserts also do away with awkward lugging, storing, and cleaning up of firewood. They are very well-suited to overworked homeowners who do not want the hard work of a fire but still enjoy the look. 

Can a Gas Fireplace Insert Heat My Whole House?  

In most cases, gas fireplace inserts are designed to heat one large room or zone within the home — not the entire house. They vary in the amount of heat they give depending on the BTU rating of the insert, size of the room, and the layout of your home.  

This can be a single insert that can add value to the overall comfort in a smaller house, an open concept or energy efficient house etc. A large number of people with an insert use it as a secondary source of heat to minimize dependency on a furnace.  

Fireside can help you choose the right BTU output for your space and heating goals.  

Will a Gas Fireplace Insert Fit in My Existing Fireplace?  

In many cases, yes, gas fireplace inserts are designed to fit into standard-sized masonry or prefabricated wood-burning fireplaces. Fireside technicians perform on-site measurements to ensure a proper fit and safe installation. The process includes: 

• Surveying the existing firebox and chimney  
• Putting in place a special venting through the flue  
• Using a gas line (in case, it is absent)  
• Installing the insert and fix the controls  
• Running a performance and safety test  

Wood fireplaces are about 10-20 percent efficient whereas many gas inserts are 70 to 85 percent efficient, meaning you do not lose heat as quickly into your home.  

The insert is then vented and sealed correctly when installed with a finished and clean look. 

How Efficient Are Gas Fireplace Inserts?  

Gas inserts are very efficient compared to open wooden fireplaces.   

Such efficiency means that they can have reduced costs of heating, particularly with the zone heating methods. You can set your central heating system thermostat lower and heat the room where you are most of the time so that you save on energy without compromising on comfort. 

Are Gas Inserts Safe to Use?  

Yes — modern gas fireplace inserts are one of the safest heating appliances available when professionally installed and maintained. Their combustion systems are closed and they safeguard the indoor air quality and undesirable contact with the combustion byproducts. 

The safety features can include: 

• Safety screens or barriers (should be in all the new glass front fireplaces) 
• Shut-off valves are auto shut-off valves 
• Child lock remote controls 

At Fireside, we follow all manufacturer safety guidelines and building code requirements to ensure every installation is secure and fully compliant. 

How Much Does a Gas Fireplace Insert Cost? 

The total price of such a gas insert installation depends on several factors: 

• The insert model and size 
• The need to construct a gas line 
• Chimney needs and status of chimneys 
• Surround materials, finish materials, or trim materials 

The average cost of a professionally installed insert will come to between $5,000 and $8,000 in total project cost. Fireside offers a range of product options to fit different budgets, and we’re happy to provide estimates during a showroom or in-home consultation. 

What Kind of Maintenance do Gas Inserts Need?  

In comparison to wood burning fireplaces, gas inserts are low maintenance. However, the occasional service and checkup will ensure safety and proper functioning. 

How Do I Get Started? 

The best way to begin is by visiting your local Fireside showroom or scheduling a consultation. Our fireplace specialists will take you through your choices, answer all your questions, and assist in selecting the correct gas insert to fit that space. 

We’ll also: 

• Make a thorough project quotation including installation 
• Confirmation of venting and access to gas  
• Suggest some models that suit your house 
• Submit a complete project quotation with installation 

Our team can help you evaluate, select and even service your needs, making it an effortless process that is also fun.  

Gas fireplace inserts are a smart, safe, and attractive upgrade for anyone looking to bring new life to an old wood-burning fireplace. They are a marriage of classic beauty and contemporary operation - they bring you warmth and efficiency and ease of installation in an indivisible installation. 

If you're a first-time buyer exploring your options, Fireside is here to help every step of the way. To learn more about gas inserts, visit your local showroom and view working models, ask questions and find out how gas inserts can change the way you live in comfort and style.