Can a gas insert be installed in my existing masonry fireplace?
Yes — and in Arden it's one of the most satisfying upgrades we do. The 1980s and 90s homes across Royal Pines and Skyland were built with open masonry fireplaces that pull heat out of the room; a gas insert turns them into real heaters. It seats in the firebox, vents through a stainless liner, and ties into the natural-gas main already in the neighborhood.
From drafty box to real heater
The tired open fireplaces in Arden's established neighborhoods do the opposite of what you want — on a cold night, an open masonry firebox draws warmed room air straight up the flue and can run a net heat loss. A sealed gas insert flips that entirely, commonly landing at 70% efficient or better, with flame on a switch and steady output you can actually feel. It's the single change that makes those Royal Pines and Skyland living rooms comfortable instead of cavernous. Bigger isn't automatically better here — we size the unit to your room rather than overselling you.
Gas at the street, permit at the county
Arden sits on the natural-gas mains, so the fuel is typically close and the run is short. We confirm the flue is sound, line it in stainless for sealed venting, and clamp or remove the old damper so it can't close on the liner. Connecting the gas is licensed work in North Carolina — a showroom or mason legally can't — so we run and pressure-test it, pull the Buncombe County permit, and meet the inspector. We're only 15 minutes south of the Asheville showroom; call (828) 545-0525 for a free in-home look.
Fireplace help in Arden
We install and service fireplaces throughout Arden and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes south from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- Does a gas fireplace insert need a chimney liner?
- How do you measure a fireplace to know if an insert will fit?
- Can a wood-burning insert be installed in my masonry fireplace?
- Do I need a chimney inspection before installing an insert?
- Does the damper get removed or clamped when installing a gas insert?