Searching for a fire place insert near me is often the first step homeowners take when upgrading their fireplace for greater warmth, energy efficiency, or aesthetics. If you don’t know what to do, this type of project can quickly become too much for you and cost more than you planned. Choosing a size that’s not right or failing to understand the installation details could affect how you feel, how safe your home is and your chances of getting a good return on your investment.
Thousands of homeowners have had assistance from us at Fireside when making their fireplace selections and installations. Our decades of experience have revealed recurring mistakes that customers make when searching for a fire place insert near me and we’re here to help you avoid them.
We’ll guide you on how to avoid the main mistakes to ensure you spend wisely, save money and use your fireplace safely.
Mistake 1: Ignoring That Fit and Size Are Important
It is common and can be expensive to select a fireplace insert that doesn’t go correctly in your firebox. You can’t expect a fireplace insert to fit all styles of fireplaces. They should be made to the right height, width, depth and placement to fit your current masonry or prefab fireplace.
Why it is important:
- A wrong size can mean the furnace is not efficient and may draft air
- It’s not safe to put in an insert that isn’t the right size
What to do to prevent it:
When you’re searching for a fire place insert near me, look for local fireplace professionals like Fireside who offer in-home measurements. Our technicians visit your house, examine what you have now and make sure your new insert matches your needs.
Mistake 2: Selecting a Fuel That Doesn’t Fit Your Lifestyle
Selecting a fuel that doesn’t suit your needs or the way you heat your house is another big mistake. There are special advantages and disadvantages for gas, wood and electric stoves.
Installation of a gas insert means you can enjoy convenience, even temperatures and operate it from a distance, but you must have gas pipes and proper ventilation.
Wood stove inserts give off traditional fire, lots of heat, without needing to store wood, clean the chimney and build the fire by hand.
Traditional fireplace's require storing wood, lots of maintenance, and a chimney. They also require lots of attention when in use for your safety.
How can you prevent it:
Determine the effort you want to put into maintaining the fireplace, how you use your living area and if venting is possible where the fireplace will go. Fireside’s consultants guide you in deciding which fuel is best for your needs.
Mistake 3: Not Accounting for Venting
One critical technical detail often overlooked when searching for a fire place insert near me is venting. Good venting ensures safety, good performance and code rules for gas and wood-burning inserts.
Common mistakes are:
- If your chimney is already in good shape and can be used.
- A direct-vent insert should be selected if your room is built differently from usual.
- Not checking flue systems that are damaged or old
How you can prevent it:
Use a company like Fireside which does complete chimney and venting inspections. They will determine if your liner or vent system needs to be updated and make sure it obeys all local building codes during the installation.
Mistake 4: Failing to Consider the Necessary Forms and Requirements for Your Community
Rules and standards in construction can change depending on your area. Sadly, many homeowners discover this after it’s too late—their project ends up delayed or refused.
If you’ve found a fire place insert near me online but haven’t accounted for local inspection or permit requirements, you might face:
- Additional costs
- Meeting inspection standards
- Problems with the warranty
How to prevent it:
Only hire a fireplace specialist who is knowledgeable about the building code in your area. Fireside manages all the necessary permits, works with inspectors and checks that your system meets every safety standard.
Mistake 5: Prioritizing Looks Over Performance
A fireplace insert that suits your home’s decor is important, yet you shouldn’t make your decision just on style. Some homeowners find their insert looks attractive but does not provide enough heat or follow their energy plan.
Things to think about apart from the look:
- The amount of heat the unit is rated to put out
- Fan capabilities
- You have the option of a thermostat or a remote.
- How efficiently the unit works and its ability to heat single rooms
What you can do to stay away from it:
At Fireside, we make sure your place is stylish, cost-effective and practical. Whether you're heating a cozy den or an open-concept living room, we’ll recommend the right model based on your space’s size, insulation, and usage patterns.
Mistake 6: Not using an Installation Professional
How well your fireplace insert is installed is the key to its effectiveness. Hiring an inexperienced general contractor or trying to do the project yourself, can cause major difficulties such as reduced performance, risks to your safety and your warranty becoming void.
Problems arising from a bad installation are:
- Errors in gas venting
- Spilled ashes
- How carbon monoxide can be dangerous
- Violations of the code
- The lifespan of the unit is cut down
How you can avoid this risk:
When you search for a fire place insert near me, make sure the company offers professional installation by certified technicians. Fireside's in-house team installs every unit with precision and care, ensuring peak performance and long-term safety.
Look to Fireside for All Your Fireplace Insert Needs
When you’re searching for the right fire place insert near me, avoiding these common mistakes can save you thousands in potential issues. When you hire a local expert, you’re sure to have a fantastic experience.
For more than 70 years, Fireside has helped people choose, put in and care for their fireplaces. We have created a process that is easy for you, helps you learn and fits your particular home.
What Distinguishes Fireside
- Clients meet with our team in their homes and have their measurements taken to ensure a perfect fit
- Many inserts are available for gas, wood, and electric fireplace options
- Test out products by having a demo in the showroom
- Installs that use only certified materials
- Dealing with permits and inspections
- Support and assistance that are always helpful
Don’t Make Mistakes, Enjoy a Stress-Free Experience
Searching for a fire place insert near me is the beginning of an exciting home upgrade—but it's also a decision that requires careful planning and local expertise. The type of furnace, how much it’s measured, the fuel used, ventilation and how it’s installed are all important to the success of your project.
If you steer clear of typical errors and choose Fireside, a nearby company, you’ll have a well-functioning fireplace insert that brings joy and benefits to your home for years.
Let’s begin! You can plan your project now with Fireside or visit our showroom if you’d like to see our products first. We’re always ready to walk you through each stage of the process.