Your Fireplace Questions, Answered

A gas fireplace typically costs $5,500 to $11,000 installed, depending on the model and installation complexity. This includes the unit, venting, gas line connection, and labor. Direct vent models offer excellent efficiency and don't require a traditional chimney. Visit our showroom to see options at different price points and get a personalized estimate.

A gas fireplace is a complete unit installed in new construction or where no fireplace exists, while a gas insert slides into an existing wood-burning fireplace opening. Inserts are ideal for converting old, inefficient fireplaces. Both provide convenient heat with a flip of a switch. The best choice depends on your current setup—we can help you decide during a showroom visit.

Gas logs are decorative ceramic logs placed in an existing fireplace, while a gas insert is a sealed, efficient heating appliance. Gas logs offer ambiance but minimal heat and lower efficiency. Inserts provide real, efficient warmth (70-85% efficiency) with better safety features. If you want heat, choose an insert. If you want the look of a fire without much warmth, gas logs work well.

Yes, modern gas fireplaces are very safe when properly installed and maintained. Direct vent models draw combustion air from outside and exhaust fumes directly outdoors, keeping your indoor air clean. All units have safety shutoffs if the flame goes out. We recommend annual inspections to keep everything operating safely. Our NFI-certified team ensures every installation meets strict safety codes.

A wood stove typically costs $4,500 to $15,000 installed, including the stove, chimney pipe, hearth pad, and labor. High-efficiency EPA-certified models cost more upfront but burn less wood and produce less creosote. The final price depends on your home's layout, venting requirements, and the model you choose. Stop by our showroom to see models in action and get an accurate quote.

A wood stove is a freestanding unit that can go almost anywhere with proper clearances and venting, while a wood insert fits into an existing masonry fireplace opening. Inserts use your existing chimney (with a liner), making them ideal for upgrading an inefficient open fireplace. Freestanding stoves offer more placement flexibility. Both provide excellent, cost-effective heat.

Pellet stoves are absolutely worth it for many homeowners. They offer convenience (thermostatic control, auto-ignition), clean burning, and steady heat output. Pellets are often cheaper than propane or oil and burn cleaner than cordwood. The main considerations: they require electricity to operate and you'll need pellet storage space. For hands-off heating with real flame ambiance, pellet stoves are hard to beat.

Standard pellet stoves require electricity to run the auger, fans, and ignition system, so they won't operate during a power outage. However, battery backup systems are available, and some models can run on generators. If power outages are common in your area, consider a wood stove as backup or invest in a battery/generator solution. We can help you plan for your situation.

A gas fireplace can heat 1,000 to 2,500 square feet depending on the BTU output, your home's insulation, and layout. Most units are designed for zone heating—keeping main living areas comfortable while reducing central heating costs. For whole-house heating, you'd need a high-output model and good air circulation. Many customers use their fireplace as the primary heat source for open floor plans.

The most realistic electric fireplaces use LED technology with multiple flame color settings, ember beds, and realistic log sets. High-end models create convincing flame effects that fool most guests. While they don't produce real fire, modern electrics offer easy installation (just plug in), zone heating, and flame-only mode for ambiance without heat. Visit our showroom to see the difference quality makes.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspections for all fuel types—wood, gas, and pellet. Even if you don't use your fireplace often, animals can nest in chimneys, and components can deteriorate. An annual inspection catches small problems before they become expensive repairs or safety hazards. Our CSIA-certified technicians provide thorough inspections and honest assessments.

A chimney inspection is a visual examination to assess condition and identify problems, while a cleaning (or sweeping) physically removes creosote, soot, and debris. Most homeowners need both annually if burning wood. Gas appliances typically need inspection only, not cleaning. We'll recommend exactly what your system needs—no unnecessary services, no surprises.

A chimney sweep typically costs $250 to $400, depending on the chimney's condition and accessibility. If significant creosote buildup exists or we encounter blockages, it may cost more. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins. Regular annual sweeping actually saves money long-term by preventing chimney fires and extending the life of your system.

Creosote is a tar-like substance that builds up inside chimneys when burning wood, and it's highly flammable. If creosote accumulates to 1/8 inch or more, it can ignite and cause a chimney fire—which can spread to your home. Stage 3 (glazed) creosote is especially dangerous and difficult to remove. Annual cleaning prevents dangerous buildup. Burning seasoned hardwood and maintaining hot fires reduces creosote formation.

We're proud to carry Big Green Egg—the original ceramic kamado cooker—along with pellet grills, gas grills, and charcoal grills from Ambiance. Big Green Egg is legendary for its versatility: grill, smoke, bake, and roast all in one. The ceramic construction provides superior heat retention and efficiency. From backyard cookouts to competition-level barbecue, Big Green Egg delivers restaurant-quality results. Visit our showroom to see the full lineup of sizes and accessories.

Fire pits and fire tables create an outdoor gathering spot that extends your living space and your outdoor season. They provide warmth on cool Pacific Northwest evenings, stunning visual ambiance, and a natural focal point where family and friends gather. We carry handcrafted options from American Fyre Designs—built to last and designed to impress. They're the heart of outdoor hygge.

Absolutely! High-quality infrared heaters from Infratech are designed for exactly our climate. They provide consistent, comfortable warmth even on damp, breezy evenings. Unlike propane heaters, electric infrared models heat people and objects directly (not the air), so wind doesn't blow the warmth away. They're energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and let you enjoy your patio from early spring through late fall.