Buying & Ownership
Lifespan, replace-vs-repair, quotes, and what to expect from a project.
product lifespan
- How long does a gas fireplace last?
- How long does a gas fireplace insert last?
- How long do vented gas logs last before they need replacing?
- How long do ventless gas logs last?
- How long does a wood-burning fireplace insert last?
- How long does a wood stove last?
- How long does an electric fireplace last?
- How long does a masonry wood-burning fireplace last?
- Do linear and modern gas fireplaces last as long as traditional ones?
- How long does a gas fire pit burner last?
- How long does an outdoor fireplace last?
- How long does a fireplace blower fan last?
- How long do thermocouples and pilot assemblies last on a gas fireplace?
- How long do the refractory panels in a prefab wood-burning fireplace last?
- How long does a chimney liner last?
- Do the embers, sand, and rock wool in a gas log set need to be replaced periodically?
repair vs replace
- Should I repair or replace my old gas fireplace?
- Is it worth fixing a 20-year-old gas fireplace?
- My gas fireplace pilot light won't stay lit — does that mean I need a new fireplace?
- What do I do if replacement parts for my old fireplace are discontinued?
- Can I replace just the log set in my gas fireplace instead of the whole unit?
- Can a cracked firebox be repaired, or does the fireplace have to be replaced?
- My gas fireplace glass is hazy or white — can it be cleaned or does it need to be replaced?
- My fireplace glass cracked — can just the glass be replaced?
- Should I repair my crumbling masonry fireplace or put an insert in it?
- Is an old wood stove worth repairing or should I replace it?
- Is it worth replacing a gas fireplace that still works just to get better efficiency or a newer look?
- Can I update the doors, front, or interior media of my fireplace instead of replacing the whole thing?
- Can a new gas fireplace be installed in the same opening as my old one?
replacement warning signs
- What are the signs a gas fireplace needs to be replaced?
- How do I know when my fireplace insert is too old to keep using?
- Is a yellow, sooty flame a sign my gas logs are worn out?
- Is rust inside the firebox a reason to replace a fireplace?
- What are the signs a wood-burning fireplace is no longer safe to use?
- Should I replace an old wood stove that isn't EPA certified?
- Is a fireplace from the 1980s or 1990s still safe to use?
installation duration
- How long does it take to install a gas fireplace insert?
- How long does it take to install a new direct-vent gas fireplace?
- How long does it take to install gas logs?
- How long does it take to install a wood-burning insert?
- How long does a wood stove installation take?
- How long does it take to install an electric fireplace?
- How long does it take to install a linear gas fireplace in a new feature wall?
- How long does it take to install a gas fire pit?
- How long does it take to build an outdoor fireplace?
installation day
- What happens on fireplace installation day?
- Do I need to be home during my fireplace installation?
- Will fireplace installers protect my floors and clean up the mess?
- Do fireplace installers run the gas line, or do I need a separate plumber?
- Who handles the electrical outlet needed for a fireplace insert or blower?
- Does installing a fireplace require cutting into my walls or roof?
- Will the installers remove and haul away my old fireplace or stove?
- How should I prepare my house before fireplace installation day?
- Can I use my new fireplace the same day it's installed?
- Will the installers show me how to operate my new fireplace before they leave?
- What happens if the installers find hidden damage during the installation?
- Will installation damage my existing mantel, tile, or drywall?
- Can a fireplace be installed in the winter?
- Who coordinates the gas line, electrician, and finish work — me or the fireplace company?
- What follow-up should I expect if something doesn't work right after my fireplace is installed?
lead times
- How long does it take to get a fireplace after ordering it?
- Why do fireplaces go on backorder and take so long to come in?
- When should I order a fireplace to have it installed by winter?
- What time of year is best to buy a fireplace?
- How far out do fireplace installers usually book up?
- Are some fireplace brands or models faster to get than others?
quotes and site visits
- How does the process of getting a fireplace quote work?
- Can I get a fireplace quote from photos, or is a site visit required?
- What happens during an in-home fireplace consultation?
- What measurements and photos should I bring to a fireplace showroom?
- Are fireplace installation estimates free?
- How long is a fireplace quote good for?
- What should be included in a fireplace installation quote?
- How do I compare fireplace quotes from different companies?
- Can the quoted price change after the work starts?
- Do I need to know where my gas line is before getting a quote?
- How does payment usually work when ordering a fireplace — do I pay a deposit up front?
- What does the whole process look like from showroom visit to finished installation?
- Do I need an appointment to visit a fireplace showroom?
where to buy
- Should I buy a fireplace from a specialty showroom or a big-box store?
- Are the fireplaces sold at big-box stores the same quality as showroom brands?
- Is it OK to buy a fireplace online and hire someone local to install it?
- Will fireplace installers install a unit I bought somewhere else?
- Why should I see a fireplace burning in person before I buy it?
- Do fireplace stores install what they sell, or do I have to find my own installer?
- Is it OK to buy a used gas fireplace or insert?
- How do I research fireplace brands before buying?
choosing an installer
- What questions should I ask a fireplace installer before hiring them?
- How do I know if a fireplace installer is qualified?
- Who should install a gas fireplace — a plumber, an HVAC company, or a fireplace store?
- Can my general contractor install the fireplace during a remodel?
- What is NFI certification and should my fireplace installer have it?
- Can a handyman install gas logs?
- Who installs wood stoves — a chimney sweep or a fireplace dealer?
- What insurance should a fireplace installer carry?
- What are red flags when hiring a fireplace company?
- How do I check reviews and references for a fireplace installer?
warranty process
- How do fireplace warranties work and what do they usually cover?
- How do I file a warranty claim on my fireplace?
- Does the dealer handle warranty claims, or do I have to contact the manufacturer myself?
- Is labor covered under a fireplace warranty?
- Do I need to register my fireplace to activate the warranty?
- Does installing a fireplace myself void the warranty?
- Is the warranty different if I buy a fireplace online instead of from a dealer?
- What can void a gas fireplace warranty?
- Do I have to get annual service to keep my fireplace warranty valid?
- Does a fireplace warranty transfer to the new owner if I sell my house?
- How long are typical warranties on gas fireplaces, inserts, and stoves?
- What happens to my warranty and parts availability if the fireplace brand goes out of business?
- What paperwork should I keep after my fireplace is installed?
conversion projects
- What are the steps to convert a wood-burning fireplace to gas?
- How long does a wood-to-gas fireplace conversion take from start to finish?
- Does converting to gas take longer if my house doesn't have natural gas service?
- Does my chimney need to be inspected or cleaned before a conversion or insert installation?
- What does converting a wood-burning fireplace to electric involve?
- Is a fireplace conversion done in one visit or several?
- Can I still use my fireplace while the conversion project is in progress?
DIY limits
- Can I install a gas fireplace myself?
- Can I install gas logs myself?
- Can I install a ventless fireplace myself since it doesn't need a vent?
- Can I install a gas fireplace insert myself?
- Can I install an electric fireplace myself?
- Can I install a wood stove myself?
- Can I convert my wood fireplace to gas myself?
- Can I run my own gas line to a fireplace?
- Can I hook a gas fire pit up to a propane tank myself?
- Can I build a DIY fire pit using a burner kit?
- Can I do the framing and finish work myself and have pros install just the fireplace?
- Which parts of a fireplace project can a homeowner safely do themselves?
buying a home
- I'm buying a house with a fireplace — what should I have inspected?
- Does a standard home inspection cover the fireplace and chimney?
- What is a Level 2 chimney inspection and do I need one when buying a house?
- How do I find out how old the fireplace in my house is?
- How do I find the make and model of an existing fireplace?
- Is it safe to use the fireplace in a house I just bought before having it serviced?
- The gas fireplace in the house I just bought won't turn on — what should I do first?
- There are no manuals for the fireplace in my new house — how do I get them?
- My new house has a fireplace that looks like it was never used — how do I know if it works?
- The house I'm buying has ventless gas logs — should I keep them or replace them?
- Will my homeowner's insurance have issues with an existing wood stove in a house I'm buying?
- Should a bad chimney or old fireplace affect my decision to buy a house?