Can I Upgrade the Old Fireplace My Builder Put In?
If you have a builder-grade fireplace, chances are it’s inefficient and pulling warm air out of your home instead of heating it. The good news? You can upgrade it into an efficient heat source. Here’s how to get started, based on your fireplace type and code requirements.
1. Identify Your Fireplace Type
Masonry Fireplace: Built from brick or stone with a full chimney. Common in homes built before 1980.
How to tell: Brick-lined firebox and chimney made of solid masonry.
Pre-Fab / Factory-Built (Zero-Clearance): Metal fireboxes in wood frames, common from the 1980s on.
How to tell: Metal walls inside firebox and metal chimney chase.
What Kind of Fireplace Do You Have Now?
Most builders install a pre-fabricated gas fireplace in new homes. The incidence rate of fireplaces in modern home building is decreasing. This gives homeowners of new builds the option to install a brand-new gas fireplace on a blank wall instead of upgrading!
Check out what a gas fireplace installation costs for more information.
Upgrade your fireplace today by first identifying what you have currently. Do you have a masonry fireplace, a pre-fab gas fireplace or maybe an electric fireplace insert? What did your builder put into the home? >>How to find your brand, model and serial number?
Are you really stumped? Measure your fireplace and take a picture to submit to an NFI-certified professional. Fireplace experts can help you determine your fireplace and estimate a viable upgrade path for your home.
Resources to help you figure out what kind of fireplace you have:
2. Upgrading a Masonry Fireplace: Insert Installation
Why Basic Hearth Fixes Don’t Work?
Glass doors, tubular grates, and accessories may reduce drafts slightly but don’t significantly increase heat output. Check out >> How to reflect more heat from my fireplace?
Fireplace Inserts are the Real Solution
An EPA-certified insert fits inside your existing fireplace to boost efficiency from under 10% to 70-80%. Fuel options include wood, gas, electric or pellet inserts.
Benefits of a Fireplace Insert
- Sealed design prevents heat loss
- Cleaner, more efficient burning
- Fuel flexibility
Installation Requirements for a Fireplace Insert?
- Stainless steel chimney liner (from insert to chimney top)
- Proper sizing per manufacturer specs
- Level 2 chimney inspection (with video)
- Hearth extensions (16″ front, 8″ sides minimum)
- Professional installation and permits
3. Upgrading Factory-Built Fireplaces
Fireplace Insert Compatibility Is Limited: Only specific, certified inserts may be used. If your unit is over 20 years old, rusted, or missing labels, inserts may not be an option. Get a service call from a certified NFI pro to determine next steps.
When to Replace the Whole Fireplace?
- Old, damaged, or uncertified models
- No compatible insert available
Benefits of Modern Fireplaces
- High efficiency (up to 75%)
- Remote control and thermostat features
- Contemporary designs
- EPA/CSA certified for emissions and safety
Replacement Process for Pre-Fab Fireplaces?
- Remove old unit
- Redesign/ update the surrounding space (mantel, stone facing, hearth, etc…)
- Install new zero-clearance fireplace
- Update venting system
What It Costs to Upgrade an Old Fireplace
- Wood Insert (Masonry): $6,500–$8,500
- Gas Insert (Masonry): $6,000–$8,000
- Factory-Built Replacement: $7,500–$11,000
Costs include equipment, venting, permits, and labor. Does not include new propane tank install, electrical labor, or gas line labor. Add-ons like blowers or remotes may increase price.
How do I Upgrade my Old Fireplace?
Old fireplaces are energy-wasters. Upgrading with a certified insert or new zero-clearance unit improves comfort, cuts heating bills, and increases home value. Ready to upgrade? Contact a certified NFI pro today to start your fireplace transformation.
