How to Install a Gas Fireplace Insert – An Ultimate Guide

For homeowners who have grown weary of the effort and mess associated with a wood-burning fireplace, there is an alternative solution that offers heat and ambiance. Can you guess it? 

Yes, we are talking about a gas fireplace insert which is, in reality, less messy and cost-effective than other heating options. By installing a modern, efficient gas fireplace, you can enjoy the look and feel of a roaring fire without dealing with smoke, soot, or draftiness.

Whether you have lived in the same house for years or recently moved into a home with an existing fireplace, a more advanced option like a gas fireplace insert is a perfect way to reap the benefits of a cozy winter without sacrificing comfort or convenience. 

Are you looking forward to replacing your old wood-burning fireplace with a new gas fireplace? 

If yes, In this post, we will show you how to install a gas fireplace insert in your home. We’ll walk you through the process step by step, from choosing the right size and style for your space to completing the installation safely and effectively. With the help of this post, you’ll be able to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a gas fireplace insert in your home in no time. 

8 Steps to Install a Gas Fireplace 

To install a gas fireplace, these steps are followed by a fireplace repairman. 

1. Prepare the space
2. Take the measurements 
3. Run the electrical check
4. Check through the gas line 
5. Chimney and liner inspection 
6. Insertion of firebox in insert
7. Overall inspection check
8. Light it up

A fireplace insert can provide an attractive, efficient solution for those seeking to heat their home. Complete Chimney’s extravagant selection of inserts provides the beautiful appeal of flames and warmth without the hassle or inefficiency of a wood fire. 

Installing a gas fireplace is not a DIY project, so homeowners are highly recommended to contact a reliable and safe service for gas fireplace insert installation. 

We will now drill into the details of how to install a gas fireplace. Whether you want to update your fireplace from a wood-burning to a gas one or want to get a new one, the installation process remains the same.

Prepare the Space

To prepare the space for a new fireplace, determine what size of gas insert you need. You will need to know the dimensions of the opening, including the height and width. Moreover, you can find inserts for all different sizes and shapes of fireplaces at Complete Chimney. 

Secondly, figure out where you will install the gas fireplace insert. You’ll need to find an accessible location enough off the ground so the unit can’t be knocked over and below grade, so water doesn’t pool around it.

Take the Measurements

Once you have determined that you need a gas fireplace insert, you will need to measure your existing fireplace. To do this, take the measurements of your existing fireplace and get started with the dimensions. Always remember measurement plays a big role in getting a nice fireplace. 

To measure the length, take the distance from one side of the fireplace to the other. Measure the length at both the opening and back of the firebox. For height, measure the distance from the floor of the firebox to the top. Measure in the front and back to ensure an optimal fit.

Insertion of Firebox in Insert

Once you have taken all the measurements and decided on the type of gas fireplace you want, it’s time to install it! Start by drilling holes in the surround or hearth where your new insert will go. For this purpose, you must clean up the place beforehand so your new gas fireplace can insert smoothly. 

Since this process requires working with vent pipes, electrical, and the gas supply, we recommend working with a professional fireplace maintenance specialist or installation service instead of doing it yourself. The inspection team will quickly examine the whole area and will help you fit the new gas insert rightly into the new box. 

Run the Electrical Check

Once you have chosen your insert, measured, and fixed your fireplace, it’s time to run electrical checks. If your gas fireplace insert requires electrical wiring, you must connect it correctly. Make sure to turn off the power before attempting any wiring. Due to dangers related to electricity, it is important to let the professional do the correct gauge for the wiring. 

Once the gas line is connected, the professional fireplace repairman will connect the electrical wiring. Depending on the type of insert you purchased, you may need to install a wall switch or thermostat. The professionals deal with the installation process carefully, so it’s better to hire a reliable service for gas fireplace installation.

Check Through the Gas Line 

After running through the electricity check, it is time to connect your new gas fireplace to the gas line. To accomplish this step, a new line would be connected to the gas line coming directly into the fireplace insert. Since working with the gas lines could be dangerous, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure the job is done safely if you are unfamiliar with them.

Now the gas line needs to come from a source. This could be a gas meter or your home’s utility room, any source of gas will work, and the line would be connected to the fireplace insert. Depending on location, this could amount to a couple of feet or fifty feet of the gas line. This process can be costly but should be done under keen inspection because your safety lies in a secure fireplace. 

Chimney & Liner Inspection

Once the electric wiring and gas lining is done, the last part is to check the fire damper or thermostat with which the gas fireplace would be connected. Fireplaces with installed gas logs are required to have the damper open at all times. It is because a pilot light is constantly burning under the logs or because the homeowner might forget to open the damper when he or she turns on the fire. This is why it is important to get the inspection done. 

Moreover, a vent is dropped from the chimney to secure the fireplace. It is a flexible liner that is dropped down from the top of the chimney and topped off with a cap to seal and secure it. Insulation is added between the vent liner and the flue pipe to reduce the loss of hot or cool air.

Overall Inspection Check

Once everything is all set in place, it is time to run final adjustments of gas, electricity, and burners. A professional fireplace repairman and inspection team would help you adjust the gas burners and thermostats. 

Even after a couple of uses, if you ever notice a slight change in the smell or in the function of a gas fireplace— it is highly recommended to urgently call any Northern Virginia gas fireplace service in Maryland or Pasadena so they can check quickly. This way, you won’t have to suffer any huge damage or loss.  

Light It Up!

Test the insert once everything is connected; it’s time to test your new gas fireplace insert. Turn on the gas and ignite the pilot light. Listen for any strange noises or smells that could indicate a problem. If everything seems to be working properly, you can enjoy your new fireplace! For safety, it is always important to test your new fireplace insert before you fire up the gas.

With these steps, a new fireplace can easily be installed in your home. However, these steps are too risky to take on your own, so it’s better you should never try them at home. To help you out, there are services and fireplace professionals who are experienced in installing gas inserts. You can ask them to visit and install a new gas fireplace accurately. 

Get the Best Gas Fireplace Insert Installation Service At Your Doorstep

Are you looking forward to installing a new gas fireplace in your living room? If yes, you first have to decide what type of gas fireplace you want and where you will place it. 

Once you have done a quick check of all the necessary steps, look no further than Complete Chimney Sweeps to install a gas fireplace for you. You can contact our fireplace inspectors by calling 410-544-7600 or schedule an appointment to get a fireplace insert installation service.