For much of the nation’s history, fireplaces came as standard features in homes. They provided heat and a sense of coziness to your main living space.
While HVAC systems largely replaced fireplaces for heat, it doesn’t make a fireplace worthless. In fact, fireplaces add value to your home. Laws make a wood-burning fireplace impractical for many homes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fireplace.
If you have an existing wood-burning fireplace built into your living room wall, it makes installing a fireplace that won’t violate local regs easier than think. Keep reading and learn how easy.
Electric Inserts
One of the most popular options for a new fireplace is the electric insert. These fireplaces slide straight into the open hearth of your old wood-burning fireplace. Then, all you must do is make sure the insert remains centered in the space.
Since these inserts require no venting, your chimney will need a cover plate or rain cap. This keeps water from dripping down onto the insert.
There is one part of the installation you likely won’t undertake.
The unit will need an electrical outlet inside the old fireplace. Hiring an electrician for that plug installation is the safest option. It ensures correct installation that prevents electrical fires.
Gas Insert
Much an electric insert, a gas insert sits inside your old fireplace and helps with heating a home. Gas insert installation proves a little more complex, but not much.
You’ll still need an electrician for an outlet installation. You’ll also need a master plumber to run a gas line to the fireplace. You can connect the gas line to the unit, just make sure you use pipe thread compound at the connections.
You’ll need a colinear vent kit for air intake and venting. It’s two flexible hoses that run down your chimney and attach to the unit.
The hoses hook up with a plate that sits on top of your chimney. Seal the plate to the chimney with high-heat silicone.
Things to Watch Out For
If you’re installing a gas insert, take a close look at your chimney. Look for crumbling mortar or cracked bricks. Either or both of these make your chimney vulnerable.
If you spot them, you should reach out to chimney repair companies in your area.
It can cause problems for you during a home sale if you install the outlet or gas line for the inserts yourself. You may need a professional inspection or even end up needing the work replaced by a pro.
Installing a Fireplace Is Easier Than You Think
The development of electric and gas inserts makes installing a fireplace a comparatively easy matter. You’ll need an electrician and plumber to run an outlet or line, but you can do the rest.
Most of the work involves either capping your chimney or installing the colinear vent kit. After that, it’s just a matter of enjoying your new fireplace.
Looking for more upgrade ideas? Check out the posts in our Home Improvement section.
