Talk to an Expert
Talk to an Expert

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying & Selection

What is a direct vent fireplace?

A direct vent fireplace is a sealed combustion unit that draws fresh air from outside your home for burning and expels all exhaust gases back outside through a dedicated two-pipe (or coaxial) venting system. Because it operates as a completely closed system, no indoor air is consumed and no combustion byproducts enter your living space. Direct vent fireplaces are one of the safest and most efficient options available, and they can be installed virtually anywhere in your home – no traditional chimney required.

A fireplace insert is a self-contained firebox unit designed to slide directly into an existing masonry or factory-built fireplace opening. Think of it as upgrading your old, drafty fireplace with a modern, efficient appliance. Inserts are available in gas, wood, pellet, and electric, and they dramatically improve heating efficiency by turning an ornamental fireplace into a real heat source.

Gas Fireplace Insert

A gas insert slides into your existing masonry fireplace opening and transforms it into a high-efficiency heating appliance. Sealed combustion means no heat loss up the chimney – just instant, controllable warmth at the touch of a button or remote. The Travis Industries diagram below shows just how straightforward the process is:

Here is how it works in 7 simple steps:

  1. Measure your existing masonry or metal (zero clearance) fireplace
  2. Select the insert that best fits your fireplace
  3. Choose a log set
  4. Select a finish panel
  5. Pick one of the designer faces
  6. Add the co-linear direct vent chimney
  7. Enjoy the heat!

Wood Fireplace Insert

A wood insert works the same way – it slides into your existing masonry fireplace opening and transforms an inefficient open hearth into a high-output wood-burning appliance. The sealed firebox dramatically reduces heat loss, and a liner runs up your existing chimney to safely vent combustion gases. The result is a real wood fire that actually heats your home, with the authentic crackle and ambiance that only wood can provide.

Installing a wood insert in 5 steps:

  1. Measure your existing masonry fireplace opening
  2. Select the insert that best fits your fireplace
  3. Select a finish panel
  4. Pick one of the designer faces
  5. Enjoy the heat!

Electric Fireplace Insert

An electric insert drops directly into an existing fireplace opening – no venting, no gas line, no chimney required. It plugs into a standard electrical outlet (or can be hardwired) and produces a realistic flame effect using LED technology. Electric inserts are ideal for spaces where gas or wood is not practical, and many models allow you to run the flame ambiance with or without heat – making them a year-round feature.

What makes an electric insert stand out:

  • No venting required – installs anywhere without chimney or gas lines
  • Instant heat – works at the flip of a switch or remote
  • Year-round use – run the flame effect without heat in warmer months
  • Custom look – pair with a surround, trim kit, and mantel for a built-in appearance indistinguishable from a gas fireplace
  • Zone heating – efficiently heats the room you are in, reducing whole-house heating costs

Gas logs are decorative ceramic or refractory logs placed inside an existing wood-burning fireplace. They create the look of a real fire but are primarily aesthetic – most of the heat escapes up the chimney, just like a wood fire. A gas insert, by contrast, is a sealed, high-efficiency unit that fits into your existing fireplace opening and is designed to actually heat your home. If warmth and efficiency matter to you, an insert is the clear choice.

Electric fireplaces come in several styles:

  • Wall-mount units – Hang flat on the wall like a piece of art; great for modern spaces.
  • Mantel packages – A full surround and firebox combo that mimics a traditional fireplace.
  • Inserts – Drop into an existing fireplace opening to give it a modern, electric update.
  • Built-in/linear units – Recessed into the wall for a sleek, architectural look.
  • Freestanding stoves – Portable units styled after classic wood stoves.

For the most realistic flame effect, look for units featuring 3D multi-layer flame technology – these use multiple beds of media (crystals, logs, or ember beds) with independently controlled lighting to create genuine depth and movement. Top brands like Dimplex, Napoleon, and Regency offer flame effects that are remarkably convincing even up close.

Absolutely – and this is one of the most exciting things happening in electric fireplace design right now. With the right approach, an electric fireplace can be completely indistinguishable from a traditional built-in gas unit. Here is how it is done:

1
Start with a recessed or built-in electric firebox

The foundation of a custom look is a built-in or recessed electric insert – a unit designed to be framed into the wall rather than simply hung on it. Linear models from brands like Dimplex, SimpliFire, Heat & Glo, and Napoleon are specifically engineered for this. They slide into a framed wall cavity, leaving only the glass face visible, exactly like a gas fireplace.

2
Build a framed wall surround

A carpenter or finish contractor frames out a dedicated wall cavity using standard 2×4 or 2×6 lumber to house the firebox. This creates the structural box the unit sits in – the same way a gas fireplace is built into a wall. The framing can be sized to any width, allowing you to design around the fireplace and create the exact proportions you want.

3
Apply drywall, tile, stone, or shiplap

Once framed, the surround is finished with whatever material matches your home – drywalled and painted, clad in stacked stone, wrapped in shiplap, tiled in marble, or faced with brick veneer. The result looks completely permanent and architectural, not like a piece of furniture plugged into the wall.

4
Add a trim kit for a seamless edge

Most quality electric inserts come with – or offer as an accessory – a trim kit: a metal or wood surround frame that bridges the gap between the firebox face and the finished wall surface. This is the detail that makes everything look intentional and polished. Trim kits come in black, brushed nickel, bronze, and other finishes to match your style.

5
Crown it with a custom mantel

A wood or MDF mantel shelf installed above the firebox completes the look. Whether you go with a traditional ornate mantel, a clean modern floating shelf, or a full floor-to-ceiling surround with built-in cabinetry on either side, the mantel transforms the fireplace into a true architectural focal point – the same way it would in any gas installation.

6
Hardwire it for a truly finished look

Most built-in electric fireplaces can be hardwired directly to a dedicated circuit by a licensed electrician – eliminating any visible plug or cord. This is the final detail that makes the installation look completely permanent and custom, with zero evidence that it is electric.

The result? A fireplace that looks like it was always part of the home – with a custom stone or tile surround, a beautiful mantel, and a realistic flame visible through floor-to-ceiling glass. Guests will not know it is electric until you tell them. And unlike gas, there is no venting, no gas line, and no chimney required – making it possible to install in virtually any room in the house, including bedrooms, basements, and upper floors.

It really comes down to your lifestyle and priorities:

  • Wood is for the traditionalist. Nothing replicates the authentic crackle, aroma, and ambiance of a real wood fire – but it requires chimney maintenance, wood storage, and hands-on tending.
  • Gas is for convenience and performance. A flip of a switch or press of a remote delivers instant heat and a beautiful flame with virtually no cleanup. It is the most popular choice for homeowners who want reliable, efficient warmth.
  • Electric is for flexibility and simplicity. No venting, no gas line, no chimney – just plug in and enjoy. Electric is ideal for spaces where installation of gas or wood is not practical, and many models let you run the flame effect without any heat at all, making them a year-round option.

Not sure which is right for you? Our team is happy to walk you through it based on your home and heating goals.

Absolutely. A fireplace consistently ranks among the top features homebuyers look for, and a professionally installed unit can deliver a strong return on investment at resale. Beyond the numbers, a fireplace adds warmth, character, and a natural gathering point that makes a home feel more inviting – and that is something buyers remember long after the showing is over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Installation & Technical

Can I install a fireplace myself?

We strongly advise against it. Fireplace installation involves gas lines, venting systems, clearance requirements, and local building codes – all of which have serious safety implications if done incorrectly. Professional installation ensures your unit is properly permitted, installed to manufacturer specifications, and safe for your family. It also protects your warranty, which is typically voided by non-professional installation.

Most gas and electric installations are completed in one to three days, depending on whether gas lines need to be run or new venting needs to be routed. Custom masonry work or wood-burning fireplace builds may take longer depending on the scope of the project. We will give you a clear timeline during your consultation so there are no surprises.

Regulations vary by state and municipality. For example, vent-free units are not permitted in Wisconsin, while certain municipalities in Illinois and other neighboring states do allow them under specific conditions. Always check local codes before purchasing – and do not worry, our team knows the rules for our area and can steer you toward products that are approved for your zip code.

Yes, but it takes careful planning. Heat rises, and without the right setup, that warmth can damage your TV over time. The safest approach involves installing a proper mantel or a “cool wall” heat deflection system to redirect heat away from the wall above the firebox. We can help you plan the installation so your TV and fireplace coexist safely and look great together.

Great question – here is a breakdown of the key terms:

Chimney liner – The liner is the interior passageway inside your chimney that safely contains combustion gases and directs them out of your home. Older homes often have unlined chimneys or liners made of clay tile that can crack and deteriorate over time. A new stainless steel liner is typically required when installing a gas or wood insert, or when the existing liner is damaged.
Relining – This is the process of installing a new liner inside your existing chimney. It restores safe draft, improves efficiency, and brings your system up to current code. It is a standard part of many insert installations.
Parging – Parging refers to applying a layer of refractory mortar to the interior walls of a chimney to seal cracks, smooth rough surfaces, and restore structural integrity. It is often done in older chimneys where the original masonry has deteriorated but a full rebuild is not yet necessary.
Standing pilot – A small, continuously burning flame that stays lit at all times, ready to ignite the main burner whenever you turn on the fireplace. It is simple, reliable, and works without electricity – making it a great option if power outages are a concern in your area.
Electronic ignition – The pilot only lights on demand when you turn on the fireplace. This is more energy-efficient since no gas is consumed when the fireplace is not in use. Most modern electronic ignition systems include a battery backup so they continue to function during a power outage.

For most homeowners today, electronic ignition is the preferred choice for efficiency – but if you live in an area prone to outages and do not want to think about batteries, a standing pilot offers peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Service & Maintenance

How often should I have my fireplace serviced?

We recommend a professional inspection and cleaning once a year. The ideal time is late summer or early fall – before the heating season begins – so any issues can be caught and corrected before you need the fireplace most. Annual service keeps your unit running safely, efficiently, and at peak performance.

In most cases, yes. Gas fireplaces with a standing pilot will continue to operate normally during a blackout since they do not rely on electricity to ignite. Fireplaces with electronic ignition typically include a battery backup system that allows the pilot to light and the unit to provide heat even without power. It is one of the reasons a gas fireplace is such a valuable backup heat source during winter storms.

Travis Industries has helpful video guides for their Lopi and FPX products:

🎬 How to Relight a Lopi or FPX Gas Pilot Light – Official Travis Industries MV pilot lighting instruction video

🎬 How to Light a Travis Industries Gas Fireplace Insert – Specific to the DVS Insert EF direct vent model

The general steps for most Travis Industries units are:

  1. Turn the gas valve knob to the OFF position and wait 5 minutes for any residual gas to clear.
  2. Turn the knob to the PILOT position.
  3. Press and hold the knob in while pressing the igniter button repeatedly until the pilot flame lights.
  4. Continue holding the knob for 20-30 seconds after the pilot lights to allow the thermocouple to heat up.
  5. Release the knob slowly – the pilot flame should stay lit.
  6. Turn the knob to the ON position.

If the pilot will not stay lit after a few attempts, or if you smell gas at any point, stop and call us. Never force it.

Resyncing a remote varies by brand, but the most common method is:

  1. Make sure the fireplace is off and the receiver (usually located behind the front panel) is powered on.
  2. Press and hold the sync/learn button on the receiver until the indicator light blinks.
  3. Within a few seconds, press and hold the on/off button on your remote until the receiver confirms the sync (light becomes solid or blinks a set number of times).
  4. Test the remote to confirm it is controlling the fireplace.

If you are not sure where the receiver is or your remote uses a different pairing process, check your owner manual – or give us a call and we will walk you through it for your specific model.

Get Started

Transform Your Home with a Premium Fireplace Experience

Visit our showrooms or request a quote today and let our experts help you design the perfect fireplace for your space.

Visit our Showroom
Get a Free Quote
Talk to an Expert