Fireplace Inserts in Thousand Oaks

A masonry fireplace that is used a few times a year spends most of its life as an open hole in the roof. Rain comes down the flue, cold air drops in on winter nights and warm air escapes up it the rest of the time. A gas insert changes that. It is a sealed firebox that sits inside the existing fireplace opening, with a liner running from the insert all the way up the chimney to a cap at the top. The liner carries exhaust out and, on most direct-vent inserts, combustion air in. At the top, a plate seals the gap between the liner and the old flue so rain cannot run down the outside of the liner into the masonry.

Before an insert goes in, the chimney needs to be in good enough shape to carry it. A cracked crown or failed flashing will keep letting water into the masonry even with a liner inside, and that water can still stain the chimney breast. So we inspect first and fix the water entry points as part of the quote. A camera inspection is often the right step when the fireplace is changing from wood to gas, as NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 when the appliance changes. See chimney level 2 inspection for what that covers.

Gas inserts installed with us run $2,650 to $5,300. That range covers the insert, the liner, the top plate and cap, the gas connection and the installation. Where a job falls depends on the size of the firebox, the unit you choose, the height of the chimney and the finish you want around the insert. You get the exact figure in writing before we order anything. We measure the firebox opening and depth carefully, since inserts are sized to fit, and we check the gas line to make sure it can supply the unit at full output.

Most homeowners choose by heat output, flame look and controls. A unit sized to the room keeps it comfortable without overheating it. Remote and thermostat controls make the insert behave more like a heater than a fireplace. Glass fronts keep the room side sealed from the chimney, which also means no more damp soot smell on humid days. Once installed, an insert needs a yearly check like any gas appliance, covered on our gas fireplace cleaning page. If you want a fireplace where there is none, see fireplace remodel for direct-vent options.