Installing a Natural Gas Fireplace Insert: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Natural gas fireplace inserts provide a fantastic way for homeowners to not only improve their homes efficiency and warmth but add a beautiful ambiance to it. Switching your wood-burning fireplace for gas inserts allows you to enjoy efficient and easy-to-maintain heat, all while keeping your home's classic character. Natural gas fireplace inserts are the perfect way to enjoy all the benefits that come with having a fireplace while maintaining a safe and clean home.  

So, just what steps will you need to take for this installation to be completed? What services should you count on when having a natural gas insert installed? What are some tips for making sure your house is ready for installation? This guide will take you through each step to ensure you feel prepared to make this upgrade.  

Reasons Homeowners Prefer Using Natural Gas Fireplace Inserts  

Before we go ahead with the installation, let's have a little space to comprehend why natural gas fireplace inserts are such a beloved choice among the majority of the people:  

• Efficiency: An ordinary fireplace tends to lose most of its heat up the chimney, whereas gas vented inserts keep more of the heat inside your home.  
• Convenience: Instead of wood, you can get the heat and the glow of a fire by just pushing a button—you don't need to remove the ash anymore!  
• Eco-friendliness:Choosing natural gas over wood will decrease the amount of pollutants and contaminants released into the environment.  
• Safety: The insert is framed by glass, meaning it prevents heat from escaping up the chimney and keeps you safe from the fire's flames.  
• Aesthetics:The fireplace inserts come complete with faux logs and customizable surrounds that closely resemble a traditional fireplace.  

Next, we'll go over the steps involved in installing your gas fireplace insert.  

Step 1: In-Home Consultation and Assessment  

The first step in getting your new natural gas fireplace insert is meeting with a trained fireplace technician for an on-site evaluation. You'll partner with a knowledgeable specialist from Fireside at this stage.  

The installer will perform the following tasks during the consultation:  

• Check the condition of your current fireplace or firebox.  
• Have the size of your existing fireplace opening measured to find the right insert size.  
• Ensure that your chimney is in good shape and suitable for venting gases from the insert.  
• Find out if an existing gas line already exists or install one if necessary.  
• Share what kinds of temperatures you're looking for, the style that appeals to you and any design plans you've already.  

The inspection ensures proper sizing of the insert, so you avoid extra expenses and any complications down the line.  

Step 2: Choosing the Right Insert  

With so many natural gas fireplaces inserts available, choosing the right one for your home requires some personalization. Here's what to think about:  

Heating Capacity  

The inserts come in different sizes and have varying BTU ratings. A large space may require a powerful insert with a blower, while a smaller space can get by with a more basic unit.  

Style and Aesthetic  

Classic log sets that give off a warm light or contemporary fireplaces with media made of glass or stone. You can rely on your installer to match the insert with your home's style.  

Features  

Many modern inserts are now equipped with up-to-date capabilities like these:  

• Remote controls  
• Thermostats  
• Variable flame height  
• Blower fans  
• Venting Configuration  

Nature gas fireplace inserts use direct venting methods that allow them to draw outdoor air and expel exhaust via a single vent pipe. This made them more efficient, as well as safer to use.  

Finding the perfect insert for your home is quick and simple with Fireside.  

Step 3: Gas Line and Electrical Setup  

Installation of the insert depends on having utility lines set up first.  

Gas Line Installation  

A gas line will need to be run to your fireplace if one isn't already present. This can mean that the installer will need to run the line across or beneath floors, walls, or any accessible crawlspaces.  

Electrical Connection  

Some inserts rely on electricity to run their blowers, lights, and remote controls. Your installer will see to it that the insert receives both electricity and gas as needed.  

These steps are often completed ahead of the installation or hand-in-hand with it.  

Step 4: Chimney Preparation and Venting  

Gas fireplace inserts vent dangerous combustion gases out of your home. A flexible stainless-steel liner is typically run up through your chimney to complete the venting task.  

The venting system is composed of a combination of the following elements:  

• An intake pipe (for drawing in fresh air)  
• An exhaust pipe (for removing combustion gases)  
• A cap assembly (installed at the top of the chimney)  

If your chimney needs repairs or it isn't the correct size, you'll need to make those changes to comply with safety standards.  

Step 5: Installation Day  

After all the necessary preparations are completed, you can finally set the insert into the fireplace. It involves several steps carried out over one day.  

• Gently lowering the insert into the fireplace opening  
• Attaching it to both the gas supply and the electrical power outlet  
• Securing the venting components  
• Filling in any air leaks and adding insulation helps the insert run more efficiently 
  
• Finish off the look by putting on the decorative faceplate or surround
• Running a series of tests to make sure everything works properly and safely 
  

They'll also walk you through how to use and maintain your insert, along with the things you should pay attention to as you do so.  

Step 6: Final Inspection and Enjoyment  

A final inspection from the appropriate local authorities may be needed. Fireside is ready to help you with getting any needed inspections done.  

Once it gets the green light, your natural gas fireplace insert is good to go! You'll have these perks:  

• Warmth in a moment's notice with one simple touch  
• A gorgeous, warm glow that'll brighten up your living space 
  
• Enjoy years of reliable and cozy warmth with your fireplace insert 
  

How to Prepare for Installation  

These are some helpful things to keep in mind before the installation:  

• Make sure there is nothing close to your fireplace that could get damaged during installation.  
• Keep the area where work will be performed safe for both animals and kids.  
• Make sure to ask any questions you may have before the installation starts.  

Ensure a successful and professional installation by choosing to work with Fireside.  

Fireside: The Right Choice for a Smooth and Efficient Fireplace Insert Installation  

We believe in guiding you from brainstorming to the final set up and everything in between. we're proud to have assembled an expert team made up of:  

• Ensuring your fireplace and space meet the specifications needed for an optimal insert installation  
• Recommending energy-efficient, high-quality brands  
• We take care of ensuring your gas line is installed and up to code, as well as any electrical requirements.  
• We take every measure to ensure the installation is accurate, safe and up to code.  
• Being there for you beyond the installation and throughout the years with service and maintenance.  

Reliable Service That Delivers Value Each Step of the Way  

Adding a natural gas fireplace insert to your home brings you cozy warmth, improved energy efficiency and the joy of having a fire all year round. The increased usage of your fireplace will result in higher energy costs and a higher investment in the insert itself. Properly installing an insert saves you from increased costs and adds value to your home. For all the information you need, Fireside is the company to go to. Feel free to contact us today and start the process of installing a fireplace insert.