A: Yes, we can absolutely add a fireplace to your home if you don’t have one, and modern technology offers several solutions for homes without an existing chimney. For example, direct-vent gas fireplaces can be installed on an exterior wall, vented straight outside through a pipe, with no masonry chimney required. This makes it possible to add a fireplace in most any room as long as we can run a vent to an outside wall or roof.

If venting is a challenge—say, in a basement, a middle floor, or a condo—a vent-free gas fireplace can be installed. Vent-free fireplaces feature burners that burn extremely cleanly, allowing them to release heat directly into the room without a flue. Vent-free units are legal in both Ohio and Michigan, though some local restrictions may apply; our team will help navigate them.

We carry Monessen vent-free fireplaces, which are designed for safe indoor use. Our team will ensure the room is appropriately sized and has proper airflow. Another completely ventless option is an electric fireplace, which, as mentioned, requires no chimney or vent and can be placed on any wall. In summary, almost any home can have a fireplace installed. We’ll evaluate your space and recommend the best venting or ventless method to give you the safest, best fireplace you’ve been dreaming of. Electric and direct-vent gas fireplaces are especially adaptable for retrofit situations.

A: We strive to make the installation process smooth and hassle-free for you. Here’s generally how it works when you partner with Fireside Hearth & Home in Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan:

1. Initial Consultation & Selection: First, we’ll discuss your goals and inspect the space where you want the fireplace. Our experts help you choose the right type and model – whether it’s a Heatilator gas fireplace, a Heat & Glo insert, a Quadra-Fire wood stove, or something else. We consider the room size, existing structures, fuel availability, and your style preferences. You can visit our showroom to see operating models and finishes.
2. Home Visit & Measurement: We typically do an on-site visit to take measurements and evaluate any construction needs. For a new fireplace, we’ll check where venting can run, wall clearances, and what modifications, including framing, electrical, and gas line routing, might be required. This helps us plan the installation and provide you with an accurate quote.
3. Permitting and Code Approval: Fireside handles the permitting and code approval for you. We will obtain any required building or mechanical permits from your local authorities. Our installers are knowledgeable about state and local codes, so we ensure everything from venting to clearances is up to code before, during, and after installation. We work closely with the building inspector to ensure the installation complies with the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Installation Day: On the scheduled day, our professional installation team will arrive with your fireplace unit and materials, and start by preparing the area. Whether it’s a vented model that requires a gas supply line and proper venting or a vent-free gas unit, our team handles all installation requirements. Our team works carefully to minimize disruption, utilizing drop cloths to keep the work area tidy. Depending on complexity, a retrofit installation can often be done in a day or two.
5. Finishing Touches: After the fireplace itself is in place and functional, we’ll finish out the surround. We sell and install a variety of mantels. We can also install RealStone, a stone veneer, as well as marble/granite surrounds, but we do not do custom surrounds.
6. Walk-through & Instruction: Finally, we test your installed fireplace thoroughly and walk you through how to use it safely. We’ll demonstrate the controls, lighting procedure, thermostat or remote operation, and clearly communicate any maintenance points. We don’t leave until you’re comfortable operating your new fireplace. We also provide you with the product manual and discuss maintenance plans, such as annual servicing for gas fireplaces.

Throughout the process, our team prides itself on keeping you informed. From first questions to final inspection, we take care of the technical details. You just get to sit back and watch your vision come to life! Our goal is to ensure the installation of your fireplace is efficient, code-compliant, and results in a beautiful centerpiece for your home.

A: Typically, fireplace installation requires a building permit, which we will handle for you. Both Ohio and Michigan have adopted building codes that include specific rules for fireplaces, gas appliances, and chimneys. In Ohio, any construction of a fireplace or installation of a vented or ventless gas heater legally requires a permit and inspection. Similarly, Michigan’s Mechanical Code and Residential Code mandate that you obtain a mechanical permit before installing HVAC equipment like fireplaces or stoves. This permitting process is in place to ensure the fireplace is installed to code – things like proper clearances from walls, the correct chimney or vent sizing, combustible floor protection, etc., will all be checked. After installation, we facilitate safety inspections by working with the local building inspector to approve gas line connection and venting. We work diligently to meet or exceed code for safety and compliance, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your new fireplace is officially safe and up to standards.

A: We get this question a lot, and the honest answer is “it depends” – on the type of fireplace, the complexity of the install, and the finishing touches. But to give you a general idea:

• Electric fireplaces are usually the most budget-friendly. A simple wall-mounted electric unit might cost only a few hundred dollars, and installation is minimal. Even built-in electric fireplaces recessed into a wall tend to cost approximately a couple of thousand dollars or less, all-in. Because there’s no chimney or gas line required, installation is cost-effective.
• Gas fireplaces have a wider cost range. If you already have a wood-burning fireplace and you’re adding a gas insert, plan to spend around $3,000 to $4,000, including the unit and installation. But know total costs can vary from $2,000 on the low end for a basic insert, up to $7,000+ for a larger, premium insert with elaborate trim. In the case of a brand-new gas fireplace installation where none existed before, costs are a bit higher because of modifications, including adding venting, possibly building a drywall enclosure, running a gas line, etc. Those projects might run anywhere from around $5,000 on the low end up to $10,000 or more for a high-end, multi-sided fireplace with custom stonework. The good news is that gas fireplaces come in a range of models for every budget. We carry affordable Heatilator models that are more basic and budget-conscious, as well as high-end Heat & Glo models with advanced features. We’ll provide a detailed quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
• Pellet stoves/inserts are comparable to wood stoves—generally a few thousand dollars, including installation. The stove itself might be $2,000-$4,000 for a nice automatic pellet unit, plus venting and labor.

Remember, pricing listed here are ballpark figures. The finishing materials and customization can also affect cost. For instance, if you want a floor-to-ceiling stone facade or custom cabinetry built around the fireplace, that will add to the budget, as it requires more materials and labor. On the other hand, if you’re just doing a basic installation with drywall wrap and a simple mantel, it will be less. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your target budget and show you options in that range. There are often good financing options or seasonal promotions as well.

Additionally, keep in mind that a fireplace can add value to your home, as home buyers in our region particularly desire one. An updated fireplace can add an estimated $1,000 to $5,000 to your home’s value, so it’s an investment that you may recoup when selling your home. And if you choose an efficient model that lowers heating bills or a biomass stove that qualifies for a tax credit, that also helps offset the cost. Bottom line: we’ll guide you to a solution that makes sense financially. No matter your budget, we likely have a fireplace that will bring you warmth and joy without breaking the bank.

A: The amount of maintenance depends on the type of fireplace, but overall, fireplaces today are not too demanding if you keep up with routine care. The professionals at Fireside Hearth & Home recommend having your gas fireplace inspected annually, at the beginning of the colder months and home heating season. A qualified fireplace service technician from Fireside can check for worn or damaged parts and any gas fireplace log issues, and explain all your fireplace components. With proper maintenance, your fireplace will serve you all winter long for many years.

Here’s the maintenance breakdown by each type:

• Gas Fireplaces: Gas units are much lower-maintenance than wood. There’s no ash to clean or chimney soot to worry about. We do recommend an annual cleaning and inspection for a gas fireplace, which involves checking the burners, cleaning any dust from the logs and blower, inspecting the ignition/pilot, and ensuring the vent is clear. Many manufacturers suggest servicing once a year, typically in late summer or early fall, before heavy use. During service, a technician will also clean the glass and make sure no parts need replacement. Other than that, your job as the homeowner is simply to enjoy it! You could occasionally use a soft brush or cloth to dust off the log set, gas logs, and inside if you see buildup. But never use water or spray cleaners on gas logs! If your fireplace has a standing pilot, you might shut it off in the summer to save gas and then relight it in the fall – or we can convert many models to electronic ignition if you prefer.
• Wood-Burning Fireplaces/Stoves: Wood fireplaces do require regular upkeep. Each time you use it, you’ll need to remove excess ash from the firebox (once cooled) to prevent overflow. More importantly, the chimney or flue needs periodic cleaning. Creosote is the unburned, tarry residue from wood smoke that accumulates in the chimney over time. If ignored and allowed to build up, it becomes a fire hazard. As a rule of thumb, have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect a wood-burning fireplace at least once a year. We recommend this after each burning season to ensure safe operation. Also, check that your chimney cap is in place and there’s no debris or animal nests blocking the flue. Fireside’s team does not perform chimney sweeping for wood fireplaces. We specialize in appliance installation and service, so you will need to hire a local chimney sweep for that wood-burning fireplace maintenance. Or, as some customers choose, consider converting an older wood fireplace to gas for easier upkeep. Additionally, wood stoves have door gaskets and firebrick panels that should be inspected periodically for wear.
• Electric Fireplaces: The best feature of electric fireplaces is their low maintenance. There’s no combustion, so nothing needs to be cleaned internally. You might occasionally dust or vacuum the air intakes and outlets to ensure they aren’t clogged with pet hair or dust. And of course, if your unit has interchangeable media, such as decorative logs or crystals, you may want to rearrange or dust them now and then. Other than that, just keep the glass screen clean by wiping it with a soft cloth. Electric units don’t have annual service needs like fuel-burning ones, but just be sure the electrical connection remains in good shape, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t overload the circuit.
• Pellet Stoves: Pellets are unique in that these stoves also require regular cleaning, but less frequently than wood fireplaces. Depending on how often you burn—whether weekly or monthly—you’ll need to empty the ash pan periodically and clean out the burn pot to maintain airflow. The vent pipe for a pellet stove should be inspected and cleaned approximately once a year as well to remove any fly ash. Pellet units have motors, including an auger and blower, so keeping them free of excessive dust is wise. The Fireside team will guide you on pellet stove maintenance when you select this option for your home.

A: There are several possible causes of feeling cold air from a wood fireplace. You will want to make sure the damper is closed. Also, check the installation manual for any other potential openings that may need to be shut. If the fireplace is mounted on cement rather than plywood, that can also transfer cold into your home. If the chase area or doghouse is not adequately insulated, it could also cause a draft. Please check with your builder or installer on the insulation of the chase.

A: Several common issues that may prevent your fireplace from igniting include old batteries in the remote, tripped circuit breakers in the home, a closed gas valve, a pilot light blown out, a thermostat not set correctly, or your thermocouple or thermopile needs to be replaced. Pilot lights can go out on any gas appliance, including gas fireplaces. Some homeowners are comfortable relighting pilot lights; however, you may prefer to have a professional provide gas fireplace service support. Please contact us for fireplace service, maintenance needs, or parts replacement.

How to Light Gas Log Sets – Manual Standing Pilot
How to Light Gas Log Sets – Millivolt Standing Pilot
How to Light Gas Log Sets – Matchlight Standing Pilot

A: On the contrary, the glass panel keeps warm room air, which your furnace has already heated, from going up your fireplace flue. Direct-vent fireplaces are excellent sources of zone heating by bringing room air into the bottom grill, heating it, and returning it to the room through the top grill.

Overall, fireplace maintenance isn’t too tricky, and Fireside is your trusted expert for any concerns or service needs. For gas fireplaces, we offer annual service appointments to handle all the cleaning and inspections for you. We’ll also remind you of any manufacturer-recommended maintenance. By taking care of your fireplace, you ensure it runs safely and efficiently for many years. But if you ever have an issue—say, your gas fireplace won’t light—just give us a call. Often, it’s something simple —like changing the batteries in the remote or cleaning a sensor— and we can either walk you through it or come out and fix it. Rest assured, when you purchase from Fireside, you gain a lifelong resource for keeping your fireplace working efficiently.

A: We’re proud to install and service only the best fireplace brands in the industry. Fireside Hearth & Home is an authorized dealer for Heatilator, Heat & Glo, Quadra-Fire, Monessen, and SimpliFire, among others. Here’s a little about each of these featured brands:

• Heatilator – Known as “the first name in fireplaces,” Heatilator has been around for over 90 years and is famed for its reliability and value. Heatilator offers a wide range of gas and wood fireplaces that are affordable and sturdy, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want quality on a budget. Many builders in Ohio and Michigan trust Heatilator for new homes because the units perform well and last. If you’re looking for a straightforward, efficient fireplace or insert, Heatilator likely has a model for you.
• Heat & Glo – Heat & Glo is a fireplace leader in innovation and style. They actually pioneered direct-vent gas fireplaces decades ago and continue to lead with cutting-edge designs. Heat & Glo fireplaces tend to have a modern flair with features like accent lighting, LED ember beds, and sleek, frameless glass. They make both linear fireplaces to match contemporary décors and traditional styles with very realistic logs and flames. If you want the latest technology, including smartphone-controlled flames or high-efficiency models with intermittent pilot ignition, Heat & Glo is a top choice.
• Quadra-Fire – The Quadra-Fire brand originally made its name with wood-burning stoves and inserts. Their name comes from their “Quad Burn” system that burns wood super efficiently and cleanly. If you’re considering a wood or pellet fireplace/stove, Quadra-Fire is a fantastic brand. Their pellet stoves are among the best in the industry for heat output and low emissions. Quadra-Fire also offers gas fireplaces and inserts, all built with a focus on high performance and rugged durability. People who want serious heat or an alternative heat source in winter often choose Quadra-Fire products.
• Monessen – While Monessen specializes in vent-free fireplaces and gas logs, it also offers vented products. As a leader in the vent-free category, their vent-free gas fireplaces are designed to burn cleanly at nearly 100% efficiency, providing ample heat without a flue. This is ideal if your home doesn’t allow for an easy vent installation. Monessen also makes beautiful gas log sets that can be installed in an existing wood-burning fireplace to give you instant convenience and the ease of not having to chop or haul wood. If you’re interested in a vent-free application or an affordable gas fireplace solution, we would suggest a Monessen unit.
• SimpliFire: SimpliFire is our go-to electric fireplace brand. It’s actually part of the Hearth & Home Technologies family, which is the same parent company as Heat & Glo and Heatilator. With a focus on electric fireplaces that are easy to install and use, SimpliFire also offers everything from built-in linear electric fireplaces for a cutting-edge look to plug-in mantel packages. These electric units stay cool to the touch, which is beneficial if you have children, and can be installed below a TV or artwork because there’s no heat damage like you’d have above a real flame. If you’re looking for ambiance without gas or wood, SimpliFire offers a wide selection of styles.

We also carry fireplace accessories from Stoll Industries, Empire Comfort Systems, RH Petersen, and Thermo-Rite to enhance your gas, wood-burning, or electric fireplace. From log storage and tool sets for wood-burning fireplaces to pine cone and branch decorative accessories for gas fireplaces, you will find many fireplace accessory options from these retailers.

All of the brands offered by Fireside Hearth & Home are highly reputable and made by leading manufacturers, so you really can’t go wrong. We’ve chosen to be a dealer because they each excel in quality, warranty support, and innovative features. By offering multiple brands, Fireside can find the perfect fit for you – whether it’s a budget-friendly Heatilator, a design-forward Heat & Glo, a powerhouse Quadra-Fire, a vent-free solution from Monessen, or a convenient SimpliFire electric unit.

Our experts can answer any questions, provide details on any brands, and compare models so you can choose the best fireplace for your home and space. We want you to have confidence that your new fireplace is built to last and will bring comfort to your home for years to come, so you can trust our fireplace technicians for any fireplace maintenance and service needs. Stop in to our local showroom to see our brands on display and we’ll help you find “the one” that checks all your boxes!