Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the fuel type, the unit you choose, and the complexity of the install. A gas insert might start around $4,000–$6,000 installed, while a full new-construction fireplace can run $8,000–$15,000 or more. The best way to get a realistic number is to browse our lineup and get an instant estimate—or just give us a call.

It depends on your priorities. Gas is the most popular choice in Tahoe—it’s convenient, clean, and works great in vacation rentals. Wood gives you the traditional experience but requires a chimney and more maintenance. Pellet stoves are efficient and heat well, especially as a backup during power outages (with a battery backup). Electric is the simplest to install but doesn’t produce real heat. We’ll help you weigh the options based on your home, your goals, and your budget.

A fireplace is built into the wall—either during new construction or as a major renovation. An insert slides into an existing fireplace opening, converting an old wood-burning fireplace into an efficient gas, wood, or pellet unit. A stove is freestanding and vents through a chimney or wall pipe. Each has its best use case—talk to us and we’ll help you figure out which is right for your home.

Most insert and stove installations are completed in one to two days. A full fireplace build—new construction or a major remodel—typically takes one to two weeks depending on the scope. We’ll give you a clear timeline before we start so you know exactly what to expect.

We carry Heat & Glo, Quadra-Fire, Thelin, Blaze King, Harman, Vermont Castings, HearthStone, and many others. These are top-tier manufacturers that we’ve chosen for their quality, reliability, and warranty support. Visit our showroom to see many of these units burning live.

Gas inserts are the go-to for vacation rentals. They’re easy for guests to use (flip a switch), require minimal maintenance, and don’t come with the liability and mess of wood-burning. We work with property managers and large accounts across the Tahoe region—this is one of our specialties.

Yes. We service and repair fireplaces, inserts, and stoves regardless of who installed them or where they were purchased. If it’s in your home and it’s broken, we can diagnose and fix it.

The most common causes are a worn-out thermocouple, a dirty pilot assembly, or a faulty gas valve. These are all straightforward repairs for our technicians. Schedule a service call and we’ll diagnose it on-site—most pilot light issues are fixed in a single visit.

It depends on the age, condition, and repair costs. If your unit is 15 to 20+ years old and the repair bill is approaching half the cost of a new one, replacement is usually the smarter investment—you’ll get better efficiency, a warranty, and years of reliable heat. We’ll always be honest about whether a repair makes sense or whether you’re better off upgrading.

At least once a year. If you have a large household, run your dryer frequently, or have a long vent run, you may need it cleaned more often. Vacation rental owners should consider twice-yearly cleanings since guests tend to overload dryers and skip the lint trap.