Considering a gas insert for your fireplace? Get accurate measurements in 3 steps

by Fiona Wylie

Along with the brilliant autumn colours comes cooler days and crisp, chilly evenings. Yes, each night seems to get cozier and cozier. Now that we’ve formally waved goodbye to the summer, the timing is perfect for preparing your home for the approaching winter. While readying your fireplace is always part of the plans at this time of year, getting around to converting your traditional, wood-burning unit to a more efficient gas insert just hasn’t happened yet. Taking care of this now will pay off this winter and for many more – in more than a few ways. Not only can your family enjoy the traditional look of your current fireplace, the warm comfort will come with much more efficiency, environmental sensitivity, and control.

Gas inserts enhance your traditional wood-burning fireplace

The traditional wood-burning fireplace has always been the primary image that comes to mind whenever we hear the word “fireplace”. Even now, you’re probably picturing a Norman Rockwell-esque painting of a turn-of-the-century living room aglow from the fire of a log or two burning inside a brick fireplace. It’s the Christmas-card scene that instantly invites a feeling of comfort. That’s not likely to ever change. But, in reality, how we can achieve that very same look – and an even more comfortable feeling in the room – has changed. And it’s changed for the better.

From the inefficiency of wood, to the efficiency and convenience of gas

Burning wood comes with plenty of drawbacks. Arguably, the most noticeable concern is the inefficiency. Quite simply, putting a few logs on the fire sends most of the heat that’s been generated up the chimney and out into the cold night. Installing a gas insert in your traditional fireplace unit can change this significantly. Studies have found that a gas fireplace is, on average, 72% efficient. For comparison, your wood-burning unit would clock in around 15%. A gas insert would also eliminate the health concerns, inside and outside the home, that are associated with wood-based combustion. The environmental benefits of this enhanced efficiency can’t be understated. The act of finding wood to burn, alone, represents an environmental stressor; the resulting smoke has some obvious impacts on neighbourhood air quality as well. Adapting your fireplace to include a gas insert eliminates much of those issues – relying only on the clean-burning and convenience of gas. And the installation of these units may be less disruptive than you think.

Accurately measure your fireplace in a few easy steps. 

Finding the right gas insert for your fireplace begins with getting the right measurements. Accurate measurements of your fireplace’s opening, or cavity, will help you source the styles and models available. They will also help ensure a smooth installation.

Step 1: Measure the height – bottom to top.

Record the height of your fireplace opening from both the front and the inside-back. Many fireplaces have a sloped interior roof that helps direct the smoke up the chimney. Be sure you capture both of these measurements. Your fireplace may also have an arched front. In this case, ensure your height measurements include the low point and high point.

Step 2: Measure the width from left to right.

Generally there shouldn’t be an surprises here. However, especially with fireplaces in very old homes, the width may vary at some points. If you see unevenness, record the width at a few different points. Repeat this process inside the fireplace by measuring the width between the back walls. These should be symmetrical but, like the front, could have some variation. If so, record multiple measurements.

Step 3: Measure the depth.

And lastly, measure the depth from the front opening to the back wall. Again, if there is any sloping or variations, record the measurements at a few key points.

Once you have your measurements, you’ll be able to browse the listings of our gas inserts or visit our showroom and we’ll be able to match you with the appropriate selections.

 

LEARN MORE

 

 

Bring in the experts for a smooth, hassle-free installation.

The installation of your gas-fireplace insert isn’t a DIY job. You’ll need the expertise and experience of the professionals ensure a proper fit, correct venting, and to take care of gas and electrical hook ups. Typically this can be a quick, straightforward job with the entire installation being completed within a day or so. Using the right measurements from the get-go will certainly expedite the process for you. And before you know it, you’ll enjoying the warm glow and efficient comfort of your new insert.

Are you looking to convert your fireplace from wood-burning to the efficiency and convenience of gas? We’d be happy to help you with the measuring and installation of a new gas insert. 

Contact Us

 

Sources:
https://www.regency-fire.com/en/Blog/Fireplace-Inserts-Explained  https://fullservicechimney.com/convert-a-wood-fireplace-to-gas/ https://www.portablefireplace.com/blog/how-to-measure-fireplace/ https://www.bbqguys.com/learning-center/gas-logs/buying-guide/how-to-measure-your-fireplace
Back to What's New