Sometimes and electric fireplace install is the perfect solution.
These customers were referred to us from another chimney sweep. He ran a camera and condemned the flue due to cracks and gapes in the liner. These issues make it unsafe to use. Especially when the previous owners installed a wood burning insert stove without a proper liner system.
Ultimately, the customers wanted the wood stove removed. We were able to accomplish this for them along with updating their fireplace.
The insert stove had thoroughly coated the firebox and interior of the fireplace with smelly creosote. This filled the room with a campfire smell that would give you a headache. Once we removed the stove, we were able to give the fireplace a thorough cleaning. We removed the majority of the creosote and with it the smell. Then we positioned several odor absorbing canisters behind the unit as well as on the damper. This made a huge difference immediately.
Next came the assembly of the electric fireplace and its shroud. This involved the directions that came with the fireplace along with some screws and nuts.
After that we leveled the floor of the firebox so the unit sits flush with the outer hearth. For this we used 2×4’s and hardy board.
We then attached the shroud to the fireplace and slid it into place.
The test fire went perfectly and the remote worked great. We walked the customer through the operation procedure and manual and our work there was done.
The items yet to be completed were: an outlet inside the fireplace (installed by an electrician), and the white-washing of the exposed brickwork from the stove removal. The homeowner decided to handle this on their own.
All-in-all, a great project for some great people.
Another electric fireplace install, and another satisfied customer.
If your chimney is unsafe for regular fires, or you want the ambiance without the maintenance, an electric fireplace install is the way to go.
