"Kenny Morales is certified to work with gas fireplaces and he really is an expert. He’s reliable, personable, and reasonable. I will use him again and recommend Genesis Chimney Services wholeheartedly."
"American Professional Chimney installed a gas fireplace that is both beautiful (looks like a real wood fireplace) and warm. They installed a gasline that was done a very professional way, burying the line underground. Stephen and his team did an impeccable job, clearly explaining the pros and cons of the many options. Super happy with the service."
"Everything went great! Brandon did a great job convincing us that the propane insert would be better than an electric insert. Rudy and crew worked very hard to get our new Trilliant propane insert installed. Tiffany did a wonderful job of getting the new fireplace set-up for use. Everyone was very pleasant and easy to work with. We can't wait for cold weather so that we can start using the new fireplace."
"They cleaned the chimney and we used the coupon successfully. Afterwards, I shined a flashlight up the chimney and could see and physically pull additional ash from the sides with a cloth in my hand. It was mostly clean, but a little attention to detail could have cleaned the lower end better. Also, they told us we have a safety issue with a crack in the floor. They took the fireplace apart on the spot, but didn't have the parts to fix it. The chimney sat unused for 3-4 weeks in winter as we waited for them to get the part. After that time and repeated calls with no scheduled install date in sight, we cancelled the repair and had them come back and put the fireplace back together."
"Everything went very well. Fortunately I had not attempted to use my fireplace before getting it checked and cleaned. There were several problems that the previous owner had neglected to repair. Now everything works well, and the fireplace looks much better! I am enjoying the benefits of having a safe wood-burning fireplace in my family room. "
The cost difference between a gas fireplace and a wood-burning fireplace depends on the type of wood-burning fireplace installed. The cost to install a gas fireplace tends to be cheaper than the cost to install a brick wood-burning fireplace. Installing a gas fireplace costs about $3,600 on average, whereas the cost to build a masonry wood-burning fireplace can go up to $30,000. The cost to install a wood-burning fireplace insert or stove can cost from $700 to $6,500, about the same as a gas fireplace on average.
Gas fireplaces provide energy-efficient heating, low maintenance, and the convenience of instant ignition with remote control options.
There are six main choices of fireplace inserts: wood-burning, gas, propane, pellet, electric, and coal. Coal fireplace inserts aren’t as popular as they once were because burning coal emits a lot of carbon monoxide. Any fireplace insert will require proper supervision, and it’s a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector in the room for added safety.
Yes, pellet stoves can serve as a primary heating source in colder climates, provided they are properly sized for the space and maintained regularly. They are capable of generating sufficient heat to keep homes comfortable during winter months. However, in regions with extremely low temperatures, you may need supplemental heating to ensure consistent warmth, especially during prolonged cold spells.
Fireplace inserts have several potential disadvantages. The cost of the insert and its installation can be a significant investment, as the process can be complicated and expensive, particularly if modifications to the existing fireplace are necessary. Aesthetically, some people find that inserts lack the traditional look and authentic ambiance of an open, crackling fire. There are also ongoing costs for maintenance, cleaning, and fuel. Fuel type can be a limitation; for example, an insert may be unusable if you don't have access to its specific fuel source. Maintenance and repairs can also require specialized services, especially for gas or electric models. Finally, while an insert is more efficient than an open fireplace, it may not heat a home as evenly as a central HVAC system.
The Potomac, MD homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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