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This post will cover the basic procedure to follow when you want to install an electric fireplace insert inside of an existing masonry fireplace.
There are two kinds of fireplace inserts addressed by this guide, logs, and fireboxes.
You can install an electric fireplace insert yourself if you have an electrical outlet in your fireplace and have some carpentry knowledge.
In most cases, however, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician that will assist you in setting up a power outlet inside your old fireplace opening.
These are the minimum spaces for different sections of your fireplace insert:
Please note that the following installation steps might be different based on a specific brand of the insert you’re currently installing. Please check the product manual of your insert for details.
Before you start an installation, make sure the insert works – plug it in, play with lights and heat; if everything works, proceed with the installation.
It is advised to place a cover plate on your chimney before setting up an electric insert to block water from coming inside. The cover plate will stop water from coming in if your chimney doesn’t include a rain cap.
It is advised to close and seal the damper of your fireplace to avoid drafts and reduce warmth.
All Fireplace inserts plug into standard household power outlets. You’ll have to install a socket inside your current fireplace if you want to keep the region around your fireplace free of dangling cords.
We suggest you hire a licensed electrician to do this.
Simply slide the firebox within the opening of your fireplace. Then center, and level it.
You may have to settle the leveling screws if they are available with your electric insert brand.
Some inserts include tie-down brackets.
You will have to connect to the fireplace floor and the back of the insert on both sides to protect your insert from tipping.
The last step is to connected the frame or the trim that will reduce the gaps between the insert and fireplace opening walls.
Some insert include glass frames, other metal trim. You can even use your custom trim.
Well, that’s it. Easy huh?
In this guide, we covered the basic 5-step procedure of installing an electric fireplace insert into an already-installed fireplace.
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