There is a traditional beauty in wood-burning fireplaces, and despite their lovely appearance, they take a lot of maintenance and bring into your home smoke, ash, and uneven heat. That’s why more homeowners are turning to gas inserts, particularly those powered by propane. If your home lacks access to natural gas, an LP fireplace insert (liquefied petroleum) offers the look and warmth of a traditional fire—with none of the hassle.
At Fireside, we help homeowners transform outdated wood-burning fireplaces into efficient, clean-burning heating systems. Having been in the business of fireplace selection and installation over several decades, we have witnessed the benefits of LP inserts first-hand in terms of increasing comfort, safety and home value.
What Is an LP Fireplace Insert?
An LP fireplace insert is a sealed combustion firebox fueled by propane. It is made to slide into an existing masonry or prefabricated fireplace and instead of an open wood-burning cavity, it is replaced by a high-efficiency unit that provides consistent and clean heat. The vast majority of LP inserts are direct-vent, which implies that they are connected to the outside air and exhaust combustion gases in the outside air via a twin pipe system.
An LP fireplace insert typically includes:
- Gas-filled glass window
- Flame control that is variable
- In-built blower to enhance distribution of heat
- Remote or wall-switch ignition
- Log sets or realistic ceramic sets
Used to replace an old fireplace or create an addition to a remodel project, propane inserts furnish one of the most classic features in your house with new technology and convenience.
How LP Inserts Compare to Other Gas Inserts
Gas inserts come in two fuel types: natural gas and propane (LP). They both are reliable performers, efficient zone heaters, and are easily installed. The most important distinction is in the way they obtain fuel:
- Natural gas inserts connect to municipal gas lines, which are typically available in cities or suburban neighborhoods.
- LP fireplace inserts run on propane stored in a dedicated tank on your property, making them ideal for rural, off-grid, or natural gas-inaccessible areas.
Propane burns hotter than natural gas, therefore it is possible that LP inserts can provide more intense heat with less fuel. It’s a smart, self-contained option that offers the same benefits as other gas inserts, with even greater flexibility.
Advantages of Converting Wood Burning Fireplace to an LP Insert
1. Increased Heating Efficiency
Wood-burning fireplaces with open flames are notoriously inefficient. Around 80-90% of the heat they produce goes up the chimney. An LP insert in contrast, keeps the combustion process in a sealed system, and a direct-vent exhaust removes it to hold up to 70 percent of the heat in your home.
This renders the propane inserts warmer besides being much energy conscious. It is a perfect solution for homeowners who want to save on the cost of heating but prefer not to compromise on comfort.
2. Stable, Reliable Heat
Wood fires are uncontrollable. There is never any certainty just how long they will burn or how much heat they will generate. When you have a propane insert, it allows you to have instant flame and a variable amount of heat. There are models that are linked to a wall thermostat, and this enables you to adjust and control the temperature of a room easily.
This is a good degree of control, particularly in the colder regions or in winter evenings when constant, long-lasting heat is needed.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Wood smoke brings in particulates and pollutants into your house. Wood-burning fireplaces can still create a poor quality of indoor air despite a properly maintained chimney. This concern is removed by the use of LP inserts. The burning process is enclosed in glass and all the exhaust fumes are released outside, so your air remains clean and healthy.
This is very useful for a household that has allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivity.
4. Minimal Maintenance
To have a wood-burning fireplace requires no insignificant upkeep: the transportation of logs, ash removal, soot cleaning, and scheduling frequent chimney inspections. With an LP fireplace insert, that upkeep vanishes. Propane burns cleanly, and maintenance is typically limited to an annual service appointment—which Fireside offers as part of our ongoing customer care.
5. Fashionable Design Solutions
Contemporary LP inserts are not only useful but they are also designed with a lot of beauty. Regardless of whether your home is classic, rustic, or contemporary, it will have a model to go with. There are ceramic logs in oak, birch or driftwood or you can use a more modern appearance by selecting glass beads or crushed rock logs.
The appearance of your new insert fits perfectly into the original fireplace framework, using the trim kits and customizable surrounds that help renew the area with new visual qualities.
6. Instant Ignition and Simple Operation
One of the biggest selling points of gas inserts—especially propane-fueled models—is convenience. The fire can be lit with a push of the button or a switch. No delays, no fire building and no fuss. In the majority of models, you can also regulate a height of the flame and blower speed.
It makes homeowners use their fireplace more frequently and takes its advantages with much less effort.
7. No Requirement of a Natural Gas Line
Not all households can be served by natural gas; however, propane can be installed into almost any household. The work of LP insertion is done with a dedicated propane tank that is either above or below the ground. Fireside helps homeowners coordinate installation with local fuel providers and ensures that venting and tank access are safe and compliant.
This utility-infrastructure independence is particularly attractive to:
- Vacation homes and lodges
- Farm and rural houses
- New construction and home renovations
How to Choose the Right LP Fireplace Insert
Not all LP fireplace inserts are the same. At Fireside, we work with you to choose a model that meets your heating goals, space requirements, and style preferences. Among some factors we take into consideration include:
- Fireplace sizes: Measures give the right size and safe fitting.
- Heat output:This is defined by the BTUs that are produced, and the insert must be equal to the size of the room and its insulation properties.
- Venting needs: We ascertain the most appropriate venting route (through chimney, through-wall or through-roof) within your space.
- Design style: The style of design has to be considered as well: whether the fire is more traditional in logs to more modern in glass media.
We also provide showroom consultation whereby you can see live-burning models to compare the patterns of flames, blower output, and visual design face to face.
The Installation Process
Fireside handles the full installation of your LP fireplace insert, including:
- Measurement of fireplace inspection
- Selection of insert and accessory
- Propane tank arrangement (in case required)
- Installation of direct-vent system
- Last minute safety check and performance test
Our technicians are certified and make sure that all the units are effective, safe, and fit perfectly into the interior of your house.
Homeowners who switch from wood to an LP fireplace insert often report:
- Cheaper heating since it is zone heated
- Fewer dust and smoke filled houses
- The increased use of fireplaces because they are easy to operate
- More fun in living areas in winter months
These advantages are not only about comfort, these advantages improve the appearance of your home, its performance, and its ability to accommodate your lifestyle.
Visit Fireside to Learn More
Whether you're replacing an aging wood-burning fireplace or remodeling your space for more comfort and efficiency, an LP fireplace insert is a practical and stylish solution. It can provide all the atmosphere of a conventional fire, but not the disadvantages.
At Fireside, our team is ready to help you evaluate your existing fireplace, choose the right model, and manage the entire installation process. Our expertise in gas inserts and personalized service ensures your upgrade adds both value and daily comfort to your home.
Stop by a Fireside showroom or schedule a consultation to explore how an LP fireplace insert can transform your space. We will assist you to add warmth, beauty and simplicity to your home, beginning with the fire.