Once you've purchased a high-quality gas fireplace from Fireplaces Direct, you'll need to sort out the installation. Whether you're planning to do the work yourself or are hiring a fireplace installation contractor, you'll want to keep some key factors in mind. Our team of product experts has compiled some helpful tips and reminders to ensure you don't fall victim to any of these common installation mistakes for gas fireplaces and gas log sets.
The 5 Common Gas Fireplace Installation Mistakes
Common Mistake #1
Re-using ventilation that isn't approved for your new fireplace
Gas fireplace ventilation requirements are highly dependent on the brand and model you're installing, and using improper ventilation can be dangerous, increasing the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. To ensure the safety of your home and family, it's vital to use the correct type of ventilation system for your new fireplace.
Whether you're replacing an existing gas fireplace or upgrading an existing wood fireplace to gas, you'll need to do your research to ensure you find the correct ventilation components for the gas fireplace model you're installing. For an in-depth look at the topic, be sure to read our chimney and ventilation buying guide
Common Mistake #2
Forgetting to include a power supply for electrical components
If your gas fireplace has any electrical components, such as an electronic ignition, fireplace blower or accent lighting, you'll need to include a plan for providing an electrical supply in your installation. It's important to incorporate it from the beginning because a last-minute call to an electrician can add significant delays to your project, not to mention unexpected cost increases.
Common Mistake #3
Not respecting required clearances
Most commonly an issue when buying a gas log set, it's vital to take accurate measurements of your hearth space to ensure there's sufficient room to install the log set or gas fireplace you're interested in. Failure to do so can increase the risk of house fires, damage the electronic components of your fireplace or log set or cause your home to become uncomfortably warm when the fireplace is in operation.
When shopping for a gas fireplace or gas log set, be sure to refer to the owner's manual and specifications to ensure you are planning for sufficient space to meet the manufacturer's clearance requirements. This also includes installations where you're planning to hang a TV above the fireplace, as the heat can damage electronics over time. When in doubt, it's better to err on the side of having more space than you need rather than less.
Common Mistake #4
Failing to verify sufficient fuel supply
It should come as no surprise that the larger and more powerful a gas fireplace is, the more fuel it needs to operate. Whether your fireplace operates on propane or natural gas, you'll want to ensure your system is able to provide sufficient supply to the fireplace for operation. Refer to the owner's manual or specifications for any fireplace model you're considering to find the fuel requirements. When in doubt, we recommend consulting with a licensed gas plumber to address any questions or concerns about fuel supply.
Common Mistake #5
Using improper firebox and framing materials
The final point we want to cover is ensuring you're using the proper materials for your fireplace installation. The fireplace itself will of course be designed to safely withstand the temperatures it creates, but the same also needs to be true of any surrounding materials like the frame, trim and walls surrounding the fireplace. Improper material use can lead to damage or destruction of those areas over time. Be sure to refer to the installation instructions for your particular gas fireplace model when selecting materials.
Fireplaces Direct Can Answer Your Installation Questions
These are just a few of the more common mistakes our product experts hear about from our customers, and it wouldn't be practical to list every possible issue that could come up in a single guide. If you have any other concerns or questions about installing a gas fireplace, our team is happy to answer them via phone, chat or email. Our expert product specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm Central Time to answer your questions.
