Fireplace Insert Installation

Fireplace inserts are the smartest upgrade for Calgary homeowners with existing masonry fireplaces that look beautiful but waste enormous amounts of heat. A traditional open masonry fireplace operates at roughly 10-15% efficiency — for every dollar of firewood or gas you burn, 85-90 cents worth of heat goes straight up the chimney. A modern gas or wood insert slides into the existing firebox and transforms it into a sealed, high-efficiency heating appliance operating at 70-85% efficiency.

For Calgary homeowners heating through six months of winter with ATCO Gas rates climbing steadily, this efficiency gain translates into real savings on utility bills while providing dramatically more heat output to the room.

Gas inserts are the most popular choice in Calgary because they offer push-button convenience, thermostat control, and no ash or wood storage requirements. They require a flexible aluminum or stainless steel liner to be run up the existing chimney for proper venting, plus a gas line connection — both of which require permits and Safety Codes Officer inspection.

Wood inserts are popular for homeowners who prefer real fire and want to use the abundant firewood available from Alberta suppliers, but they require a full stainless steel chimney liner from firebox to chimney top and WETT-certified installation. Both types require proper clearances and a correctly sized surround panel to seal the gap between the insert and the masonry opening.