Chimney inspections and repairs for Plymouth homes

An old gas fireplace that is hard to light, costly to repair or simply outdated can be replaced with an electric fireplace. Plymouth is an Orange County community, and homeowners there who make that switch get a fireplace that turns on with a button, needs no venting and adds a flame effect with or without heat.

The change is simple on paper, and it has a few steps that must be done in the right order. The gas side comes first. The gas supply to the old fireplace must be shut off and capped by the gas trade, not just turned off at the control. Then the old unit is removed.

If it was a direct-vent unit, the vent through the wall or roof has to be dealt with too, either removed and patched or sealed and capped, so it does not become a leak or a path for animals. The electric unit goes in next. An insert can fill the old opening, or a built-in unit can be framed into the space.

The electric fireplace's manual sets the framing, the clearances and the power requirement, and some models call for a dedicated circuit, as manufacturers such as Dimplex note in their documentation. Electrical work is done by an electrician, and our estimate names it so it is planned. Finally, the finish. The surround, hearth and mantel may need changes to suit the new unit's size and heat outlet.

We tell you what can stay and what should change. Our technicians look at the old fireplace, the vent and the wall, measure the opening and talk through the electric models that fit. The visit to your Plymouth home is free with our family-owned company. The estimate lays out every step, who does it and what it costs, and booking within 72 hours after the inspection takes 10% off the job. The installation is 100% satisfaction guaranteed.