Fireplaces can be a wonderful addition to any home, lending not only beauty and ambiance but also increasing the value of a residence and potentially helping with home energy costs. Many consumers consider a fireplace a “must have” feature, whether for new construction or existing homes, and use it as a focal point for family gatherings, curling up with a good book, or even sharing a meal beside a warm fire.

At Tropic Air, we are the most experienced Toronto HVAC company when it comes to installation,  and ongoing service and maintenance, and we’ve worked with hundreds of satisfied customers since the company was founded in 1992. While we always recommend hiring a professional for the most successful fireplace projects, we also recognize many accomplished do-it-yourselfers can handle some of these tasks on their own. If you’re wondering what it takes for a smooth fireplace installation, consider the following tips and advice before starting your project.

Research the fireplace market

Research is a key component that every consumer should follow through on before installing or taking on fireplace repair on their own. The Internet is probably the fastest means of learning as much as possible about fireplaces, but also hit your local library or home improvement warehouse for books and other information. Speaking with a reputable contractor such as Tropic Air is always a good idea, too.

Choose the fireplace that fits your needs

Brick fireplaces are the most common fireplaces around, but they’re not the only game in town. Here are the most common fireplaces you’ll find anywhere.

  • Because they’re made from bricks, brick fireplaces that burn wood are known for their durability and are also fairly easy to service. Installation is easy, too, for an experienced contractor, who will help the homeowner choose colors, style, and size depending on the size of the room where it’ll be installed, the size of the home, and what the purpose is for the fireplace. Generally speaking, brick fireplaces can fit with any design or architectural style.
  • Electric fireplaces are an ideal installation option for residences without a fireplace and don’t require exterior venting. They’re also stylish and come with glowing embers and wood which look real. Best of all, they’re powered by electricity and some models can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet.
  • If you can’t wait for the wood to start burning and generate heat, your best option is a professionally installed gas fireplace. They’re also ideal because there are no messy ashes to clean up, and they’re pollution-free.

Make sure you understand local building ordinances

Regardless of the type of fireplace you want to be installed, it’s important to talk with your local municipal building department before starting the project. Some questions to ask are: Do I need special permits for gas or electric hookups? What are the regulations for venting?

Finally, for a truly successful fireplace installation, our best advice is to work with an experienced and reputable company that knows the ins and outs of this kind of work and can get the work done reliably, on time, and within a set budget.

Call us today for a professional fireplace installation service in Toronto

Tropic Air Heating and Air Conditioning has been providing economical HVAC services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for over 30 years. Our dedication to quality and exceeding customer expectations has established us as one of Toronto’s leading heating, boiler, and air conditioning companies. We prioritize customer happiness by offering same-day emergency boiler repairs, furnace repairs, tankless water heater repairs, and air conditioner service and installation.