Who Installs Fireplace Inserts? A Guide to Finding the Right Pro for the Project
Not just any ol’ heating technician will do
While you may feel comfortable setting up a fire pit in your backyard, installing a fireplace insert indoors is a whole different project that requires the skilled hands of a trained, certified fireplace expert. Hiring a fireplace installation technician is the safest route for installing an insert that will work for your existing fireplace. You may also consider HVAC technicians or even licensed general contractors for the job.
Benefits of Hiring a Fireplace Company for Fireplace Insert Installation
There are many benefits to hiring a local fireplace company to install a fireplace insert. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a trained pro handle this advanced project, and you could even score better deals on the best fireplace insert for your home.
Fireplace installation specialists are trained and certified specifically for installing fireplaces and fireplace inserts. This minimizes the risk of mistakes or delays that can happen from trying to DIY or hire someone with less specialist knowledge of fireplaces and inserts. Pros who are trained in these projects often receive certifications from the NFI (National Fireplace Institute) or the Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT).
Technicians from local fireplace companies often have long-standing relationships with manufacturers, meaning they can help you find the right insert for your existing fireplace for the best price possible. Additionally, some fireplace insert products have warranties that can become void if you don’t have a certified pro do the work.
Can I DIY Fireplace Insert Installation?
You shouldn’t try to install a fireplace insert yourself because the risks of doing this job incorrectly include excessive, high fuel costs at best and house fires or carbon monoxide leaks at worst.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t save some money and brush up on your DIY skills in other ways when it comes to caring for your fireplace insert. For instance, you can learn how to light a gas fireplace yourself, or if you want to save on maintenance costs, you can learn how to clean a gas fireplace like a pro with only an hour of your time.
Can I Hire an HVAC Technician for Fireplace Insert Installation?
HVAC technicians are skilled in many heating and cooling projects, and certain HVAC pros may be able to help you with fireplace insert installation. However, HVAC technicians often focus on appliances like heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners, and they may not be as skilled in working with fireplaces or fireplace inserts. You may need to consult with several different HVAC pros before finding one who’s skilled at installing a fireplace insert.
Can I Hire a General Contractor for Fireplace Insert Installation?
When in doubt over who installs fireplace inserts, some people hire a general contractor. A licensed general contractor may be fine if you don’t have a fireplace installation specialist nearby, but you should ask for examples of past projects they’ve completed involving fireplaces or fireplace inserts before choosing who to hire. Look for a contractor with plenty of experience working on different types of fireplace inserts, and don’t be afraid to ask for references from their previous clients to confirm their skill level.
How Do Fireplace Pros Install a Fireplace Insert?
To install a fireplace insert, the pro will first work with you on measuring your existing fireplace and finding an insert that works for the space and your heating preferences. They will also make sure the existing fireplace opening and chimney are in good condition before moving forward with installation.
The pro may need to cap a gas line if you don’t plan to use an old gas fireplace, or they may need to work with a plumber to install a new gas line if you are installing a gas fireplace insert. From there, the pro will need to add a flue liner to the chimney, then put in and secure the fireplace insert into the old fireplace opening, ensuring the new unit is properly vented along the way. Finally, the fireplace specialist will install the surround and any other decorative finishes so that you can warm up by the fire in as little as a day’s work.