While traditional masonry fireplaces offer a nostalgic experience you can’t get with any other heating appliance, they’re not at all efficient, especially if they’re your primary heat source.
Motown Fire offers expert gas fireplace insert services in Chesterfield, MI, Grosse Pointe Park, MI, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, St. Clair Shores, MI, Auburn Hills, MI, and the surrounding communities.
Here’s everything you need to know about gas fireplace inserts and why they might be a better heating option for your home.
What is a Gas Fireplace Insert?
A gas fireplace insert is essentially a fireproof metal box that’s installed into the opening of an existing wood-burning fireplace. It’s connected to a gas line and sealed with a decorative front panel and glass doors, giving the appearance of a traditional fireplace but with modern technology under the hood. These inserts provide real flames, but instead of logs and ashes, they use natural gas or propane for fuel.
Why Many Metro Detroit Homeowners Choose Gas Inserts Over Traditional Fireplaces
Ease of Use
Starting a wood fire isn’t for everyone. You need dry firewood, kindling, a good draft, and a little (sometimes a lot) of patience. A gas fireplace insert turns on with the push of a button or remote control. You get instant flames and heat, with no fuss, smoke, or chopping wood.
Cleanliness and Low Maintenance
Wood-burning fireplaces produce soot, ash, and creosote, all of which require regular cleaning and can become a fire hazard if neglected. Gas inserts burn cleanly and don’t produce ash or creosote, reducing the need for chimney sweeping and cleaning.
Energy Efficiency
Traditional fireplaces can pull warm air from your home up the chimney, making them surprisingly inefficient. Gas fireplace inserts, on the other hand, are designed to radiate heat into your living space. Many inserts are rated at over 70% efficiency, and some models come with blowers that circulate warm air throughout the room.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Wood smoke contains particulate matter and other pollutants that can linger inside the home. Even with a chimney, some smoke can drift back into your living space. Because gas inserts are sealed combustion units, they don’t impact air quality, making them a better choice for people with asthma or respiratory issues.
Stylish and Customizable
Modern gas inserts are highly customizable, with a range of sizes, finishes, and flame patterns. You can choose ceramic logs that mimic real wood, colored glass beads, or even modern stone media for a sleek, contemporary look.
Can You Convert A Wood-Burning Fireplace to Gas?
Yes—and it’s one of the most common uses for gas fireplace inserts. As long as you have a working chimney and the structure of your fireplace is sound, converting to gas is pretty straightforward.
Even though inserts arrive fully assembled and factory-tested, that doesn’t mean they’re a DIY project. If you don’t have solid experience with gas lines, venting systems, and fireplace safety, it’s much safer—and smarter—to leave the installation to a professional.
A certified technician will ensure your insert is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and in full compliance with local building and fire codes. That way, you can enjoy your new fireplace with confidence, knowing everything was done correctly and safely.
At Motown Fire, we have a beautiful showroom with many working fireplaces for you to view. Our friendly and knowledgable staff can answer your questions and help you decide if a gas fireplace insert is right for you. Stop in today at 50760 Metzen Dr. Chesterfield Township, MI 48051 or call 586-260-6121.