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If you have a fireplace in your home, you might have heard about fireplace inserts. But what exactly are they, and why are they so popular? This guide explains everything a GTA homeowner needs to know about fireplace inserts — from types and benefits to installation, maintenance, and costs.
What Is a Fireplace Insert?
A fireplace insert is a metal box that fits inside your existing fireplace. Unlike an open fireplace, which loses a lot of heat up the chimney, a fireplace insert is sealed and efficient. It uses a glass door and sometimes a blower to push warm air into your room. In short, it turns your traditional fireplace into a safe, heat-efficient heating system.
For more tips on starting your fireplace safely in the GTA, check out our guide: How to Start a Fireplace (GTA Guide).
For a detailed explanation of how fireplace inserts work, see this guide from HowStuffWorks.
Types of Fireplace Inserts
Fireplace inserts come in several types depending on the fuel you want to use:
Wood Fireplace Inserts
Wood inserts burn logs and are perfect for traditional fireplace lovers. They are EPA-certified, meaning they burn cleaner and more efficiently than old open fireplaces. Typical efficiency can reach up to 70%, compared to just 10–20% in open fireplaces.
Pros: Real flames, cozy atmosphere, eco-friendly if you use sustainable wood.
Cons: Requires regular cleaning, chimney maintenance, and storage for logs.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas inserts use natural gas or propane. They are convenient because you can turn them on with a switch or remote. Gas inserts are very efficient, producing 70–85% heat output directly into your room.
Pros: Easy to use, low maintenance, clean-burning.
Cons: Requires a gas line, professional installation, and venting setup.
Pellet Fireplace Inserts
Pellet inserts burn compressed wood or biomass pellets. They are environmentally friendly and usually come with a hopper that feeds fuel automatically.
Pros: Eco-friendly, high efficiency, easy to control.
Cons: Need electricity to operate, pellets must be stored and refilled
Electric Fireplace Inserts
Electric inserts don’t burn fuel but use electric heat and LED flames. They are easy to install and don’t need venting.
Pros: Easy installation, safe, works in apartments.
Cons: Less authentic feel, can increase your electricity bill.
How Fireplace Inserts Work
A fireplace insert works by sealing the fire inside a metal box with a glass door. Some inserts have blowers or fans that push warm air into the room.
Most wood and gas inserts require a stainless steel chimney liner to safely vent smoke and gases. This upgrade improves safety and efficiency. For professional chimney cleaning in Toronto, we recommend our service: Chimney Cleaning Toronto.
Benefits of Fireplace Inserts
- Higher Efficiency: Inserts deliver most of the heat into your home instead of losing it up the chimney.
- Safety: Glass doors reduce sparks and smoke in the room.
- Eco-Friendly Options: EPA-certified inserts burn cleaner.
- Modern Convenience: Many gas and pellet inserts can turn on with a switch or remote.
Aesthetic Upgrade: Inserts come in many styles, adding charm to your fireplace.
Drawbacks & Safety Considerations
- Installation Cost: You may need a liner, professional installation, and gas or electrical work.
- Maintenance: Wood and pellet inserts require cleaning and chimney checks.
- Emissions: Wood inserts produce smoke and ash; always follow local codes.
- Space & Size: Measure your fireplace correctly to fit the insert safely.
Installation & Cost
Installing a fireplace insert usually includes:
- Choosing the right insert type for your fuel preference.
- Preparing the fireplace: Removing old damper, measuring opening, and installing a liner.
- Professional installation: Gas or pellet units require certified technicians.
- Finishing touches: Adding a surround or trim to match your décor.
Cost ranges (GTA estimates):
- Wood inserts: $2,200–$4,500 installed
- Gas inserts: $2,300–$8,000 installed
- Pellet inserts: $550–$2,500 installed
- Electric inserts: $1,200–$3,500 installed
Note: Costs vary based on chimney upgrades, gas lines, electrical work, and local labor. (HomeAdvisor)
Maintenance & Lifespan
- Wood inserts: Clean ash every 1–2 weeks during the season; inspect chimney annually.
- Gas inserts: Annual check-up for gas lines, vents, and burners.
- Pellet inserts: Clean burn pot and hopper monthly; inspect venting yearly.
- Electric inserts: Minimal maintenance; just dust and check wiring occasionally.
A well-maintained insert can last 15–25 years.
How to Choose the Right Insert
- Measure your fireplace opening carefully.
- Decide on fuel type based on convenience, cost, and ambiance.
- Check BTU output for your room size.
- Choose venting type: Direct vent or vent-free.
- Look for certifications: EPA-certified wood inserts or CSA-approved gas inserts.
Real Homeowner Tips & Common Mistakes
- Don’t underestimate installation costs. Many people only budget for the unit.
- Choose a certified installer. DIY installation can be dangerous.
- Consider a blower. It spreads heat more evenly in the room.
- Check chimney clearance. Old chimneys may need a liner for safety.
- Insert vs Freestanding Stove: Inserts fit existing fireplaces, while freestanding stoves are standalone and may provide more radiant heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I install a fireplace insert myself?
A: It’s highly recommended to hire a certified professional, especially for gas or pellet units, to ensure safety and code compliance.
Q: How much will a fireplace insert cost in the GTA?
A: Total installation costs typically range from $2,000–$5,500, depending on fuel type, chimney work, and labor.
Q: Does a fireplace insert really save energy?
A: Yes. Inserts are much more efficient than open fireplaces, with some units delivering up to 85% of the heat into your home.
Q: Do I still need chimney cleaning?
A: Absolutely. Wood inserts and some gas inserts still require annual chimney cleaning to prevent creosote build-up and maintain safety.
Q: Can I convert my old fireplace to a gas insert?
A: Yes, but a gas line and venting system must be installed by a professional. Always follow local codes.
Q: How long do inserts last?
A: With proper maintenance, inserts can last 15–25 years.
Contact Pro Handy Solutions for Fireplace Insert Services
Looking to install or upgrade your fireplace insert in the Greater Toronto Area? Pro Handy Solutions is here to assist you. We specialize in the installation and maintenance of wood, gas, pellet, and electric fireplace inserts, ensuring your home stays warm and safe.
Call or Text: 647-325-6554
Email: prohandysolutions.ca@gmail.com
Address: 12 Virgilwood Dr, North York, ON M2R 2B2, Canada
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our website: prohandysolutions.ca
Daniel Nahman
Daniel is the CEO of Pro Handy Solutions. He is providing Professional Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning services in GTA for over 5 years.
Chimney Cleaning & Repair Services Across the GTA
Pro Handy Solutions proudly serves homeowners and businesses across the Greater Toronto Area with expert chimney cleaning and repair services. Our team is dedicated to ensuring safety and efficiency in communities throughout the region, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Markham. Whether you’re in the heart of downtown Toronto or the suburban neighborhoods of Richmond Hill, you can rely on us for professional, high-quality service. No matter where you are in the GTA, Pro Handy Solutions is here to keep your chimney in top condition.