An open masonry fireplace looks great and loses most of the heat it generates straight up the flue. An insert changes the physics entirely: sealed combustion, a controlled air supply, and a design built to radiate heat back into the room rather than send it outside.
Wood insert or gas insert
Wood insert
The most heat output per fire and the closest experience to a traditional fireplace, at the cost of loading wood and periodic cleaning.
Gas insert
Push-button convenience with no wood handling, ash, or creosote, at a somewhat lower maximum heat output than a good wood insert.
Efficiency
Both dramatically outperform an open fireplace; the choice between them comes down to convenience versus that traditional wood-fire experience.
Existing flue
Almost every insert install needs a properly sized liner matched to the unit, covered on our installation page.
What to expect from the process
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the installation service page?
This page explains what inserts are and helps you choose between wood and gas. Our fireplace insert installation page covers the actual install process and technical requirements in more depth.
Do inserts work with any fireplace?
Nearly always, though the existing opening size and flue condition affect exactly which unit fits and whether relining is needed, which we assess during a visit.
How much less wood does a wood insert use for the same heat?
Noticeably less, since sealed combustion and controlled airflow mean far less heat is lost up the flue compared to an open fire.
Can I switch from a gas insert back to wood later, or vice versa?
It’s possible but usually means swapping the insert and re-checking liner requirements, not a simple adjustment, so it’s worth thinking through your preference upfront.