A gas fireplace is a fantastic addition to any home, and it brings in so much value from warmth and comfort, to design and ambiance. It's also a big addition to your home from a price point and installation perspective, so you don't want to just throw your wallet at the first supplier or installer you come across. You'll want to get to know them and trust them to help you pick the fireplace that's right for you and your home, as well as trust them to safely install and maintain your fireplace (I mean, you're literally hiring someone to install a product that BURNS GAS and makes FLAMES, this isn't a minor thing). 

1. "Are you legally certified to install a gas fireplace?"

This is a big one for obvious reasons. You don't want Lloyd and Harry off Kijiji playing with your gas fireplace installation just to save a couple bucks now (you'll end up spending more to fix corrections later). A fireplace is a large installation with plenty of gas work and venting, which is why it's legally required that your installers are licensed and certified for the job!

2. "Is energy efficiency something you consider important?"

If you're concerned about your gas or electricity bill, ask your supplier questions about efficiency ratings and energy output of the unit you're interested in. Gas and electric fireplaces are surprisingly efficient, which comes in handy when saving a pretty penny on your bills during the winter time. Your supplier should be able to point you in the right direction.

3. "What heat output is optimal for my space?"

Both gas and electric fireplaces are optimal for what's called zone heating. Zone heating is the process of heating a specific amount of space, or square footage, without heating your entire house. The zone that'll be heated is effected by the BTU output of your fireplace, as well as factors such as whether you have a remote thermostat. If you bring in pictures and dimensions of your current space that you want the fireplace in, we can help point you toward the perfectly sized fireplace for you and your home. No need to turn your small room into a sauna, or have your large, open-concept area hot in one spot and freezing everywhere else. Again, bring in pictures and dimensions and anything else you can give us because the more information you bring, the easier the process will be to get a new and suitable fireplace.

4. "What works with my budget?"

Fireplaces have a large range of costs, depending on the engine you chose, as well as things like trim, media, gas work, and so on. It's a good idea to have a rough budget of what you'd like to spend, so that your supplier can help you find the perfect unit that'll make your home comfy and also your wallet. 

5. "What design options do you have?"

Design is a huge element to both gas and electric fireplaces. Ask us questions about what might go with your current interior and set up. Often times units have many different trim and media options available, so after you've picked which engine you want, you can customize your fireplace unique to your tastes. 

You can also check out our Valor Gas Fireplace Design Center to build your own dream fireplace.

6. "Are you able to help with maintenance?"

It's recommended that you have a yearly service or maintenance call for your gas fireplace to ensure it's running safely and properly. Ideally, you'll want the same installers coming out to do your service and maintenance. This way if there's ever any warranty trouble or parts that need to be replaced, they're familiar with the work done to your home and unit.

So there you have it folks - 6 Questions To Ask Your Fireplace or Installer that will help you save time and money, and most importantly: keep you safe!

If you have any more questions about fireplaces, you can check out our FAQ page. Or, you can visit any of our 5 locations across Canada to speak to a fireplace expert. We have two locations in Alberta with our Calgary North and Calgary South locations, as well as 3 across the GTA: Burlington, Oakville & Etobicoke, Ontario.