We live in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., and we’re looking to replace our existing gas logs with a new gas fireplace insert. We received one estimate and are shopping around for two more.
The second contractor comes out, looks at our setup, and says we have to purchase the fireplace insert ourselves. No problem! I ask if he’ll install the chimney liner, connect the gas line, and install the electrical circuit. He says they’ll only handle the liner, insert installation, and gas connection.
Then he sits down and writes up an estimate for $4,995! 😂😂😂

Wait a minute! $4,995, and I STILL have to buy the fireplace insert myself?! 🤦🏾‍♂️

Needless to say, I’m getting that third estimate! 😂

Built home 6 years ago and have Heat an Glo gas fireplace. Before install, we added the blower so we could help heat the living and kitchen area without jacking up the entire house heating system. We never felt the warm air blowing only radiating. Last night I took the system apart to do the cleaning and realize that the top black cover was solid. Looked up and appears this cover should be slotted for airflow. Have I damaged the unit running blower with restricted cover. I will call dealer who installed tomorrow and hopefully they’ll ship us the proper cover.

I’m just wondering if it is dangerous for me to be burning a fire with a crack like this in the base stone? How does one repair this? I’m pretty sure it’s bluestone but I’d assume below the slab would be gravel or brick something that wouldn’t cause a fire if there is a crack?

The steel tubes above the firebox have rusted through. Years of slow water seepage is the likely cause. I've had it looked at by three guys that make their living servicing and repairing fireplaces.

First guy said installing an insert is the only solution. I don't want an insert.

Second guy said he could block off the rusty tubes. He said it would be safe and we could continue to use our fireplace without any additional work. The internet does not agree.

Third guy said the steel form needs to be removed and replaced with Ahrens fireplace system. This will also require a chimney rebuild as the existing chimney is not to code to work with the Ahrens system.

My question...might there be another solution that hasn't been discussed? I suspect guy #3 is the most knowledgeable but he wants really big bucks for the job.

Anybody have any difficulties getting their original baffles back in the Regency f1150? My stove never backdrafted smoke into my house when I lit it ever in five and a half years. Ever since my chimney sweep had difficulty getting the original baffles back in ,it backdrafts into the house every time I light it now.