How Easy is it to Add a Gas Fireplace?

Two people with their feet up beside a gas fireplace

Are you wondering whether you can add a gas fireplace to your existing home? Good news – yes, it’s possible, and yes, it’s allowed by the Ontario Building Code.

The process is easier than you might think. Just make sure you familiarize yourself with the steps before you begin and find a savvy professional to help. Find out details below.

Start Your Project Off Right

The first step: A working natural gas connection is essential. You probably already have a gas line to service your furnace, water heater, and/or kitchen stove. If you don’t, you can still add a gas fireplace to your home, but it will be more expensive due to the cost of hooking up a new gas line.

Make sure your plans conform to the building code and that you obtain a permit, if necessary.

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Do You Need To Vent A Gas Fireplace?

Venting your gas fireplace will be necessary to exhaust the gases, which are a byproduct of operation.

If your home already has a chimney, installation of a traditional natural vent gas fireplace is relatively simple. However, since your new fireplace must be connected to the chimney (which is probably in the living room or family room), you will be limited as far as location. To ensure safe operation, have the chimney inspected for any masonry cracks that may need repair.

You might prefer one of the modern direct vent gas fireplaces. These are very popular because they allow flexibility; they work well in just about any part of the house — your bedroom, basement, den, or out on the patio.

As their name suggests, they exhaust byproducts directly via a vent pipe that is run through your wall or roof. Direct vent fireplaces are simpler and cheaper to add to an existing building without a masonry chimney.

You may have heard of ventless gas fireplaces, but these are illegal for installation in Canada. They recirculate a small number of combustion gases back into the home – an unsafe option, according to officials.

Is A Gas Fireplace Energy-Efficient?

Although a gas fireplace creates a lovely focal point in any home, it’s not just for show. Gas fireplaces can be very energy efficient, allowing you to lower the temperature of your central heating and to zone heat the room(s) that you use most. As a result, you may save money on your utility bills.

Before purchasing your gas fireplace, discuss with an HVAC expert how many BTU you’ll need. The Valor Fireplace Company states that 14,000 BTU is sufficient to warm a 1,300 square foot home.

What Is The Best Gas Fireplace?

We happen to like Valor Gas Fireplaces, which are good looking and an excellent source of heat, even during an electric power failure. Installation is flexible; a Valor Fireplace may be installed: a) as part of a wood fireplace conversion, b) in the course of home renovations, or c) during new house construction. The front, fuel bed, and liner are all fully customizable to suit your decorating style.

Does A Gas Fireplace Add Value To A Home?

A fireplace may make your house more appealing to buyers in cold climates (like Brampton’s!), and according to realtors, could determine whether your property ends up on buyers’ shortlists. However, it’s debatable whether you’ll actually recoup the full cost to add a gas fireplace in terms of an increased selling price.

The Gas Fireplace Installation Pros

If you’re considering a gas fireplace, talk to the team at Dr HVAC. We are the experts in safe, efficient gas fireplace installation.

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