Fireplace Inserts for Novato Homes
An open fireplace is a pleasant thing to sit in front of, but it is a poor heater. Much of the fire's heat goes straight up the chimney along with warm room air, and on a cold night in a San Marin or Ignacio ranch house the rooms away from the hearth can actually get cooler. Fireplace inserts solve that. They are closed, efficient heaters that slide into an existing firebox and vent through a dedicated liner, turning a decorative fireplace into a dependable heat source.
Chimney Services Pro installs fireplace inserts in Novato and across North Marin in three fuel types: EPA-certified wood, pellet and gas. The right choice depends on your fireplace, how you heat the house and how the Air District's rules fit your habits. We start with an inspection of the existing fireplace and chimney, since the unit is only as safe as the system it goes into.
Wood, Pellet or Gas: Choosing Under Bay Area Air District Rules
Novato, the rest of Marin and southern Sonoma County towns such as Petaluma, Penngrove and Cotati all fall under the Bay Area Air District, and its wood-burning rules shape this decision.
- Winter Spare the Air alerts run from November 1 through February 28. During an alert it is illegal to burn wood, manufactured logs, pellets or any other solid fuel for 24 hours, even in an EPA-certified unit.
- The sole-source-of-heat exemption is narrow: it applies to homes whose only heat is a registered EPA-certified device, with no permanently installed gas, propane or electric heating.
- Gas units are not restricted by the alerts, which is why many households choose them.
- Remodels: since November 2016, larger fireplace remodels that need a building permit must result in a gas, electric or EPA-certified device.
An EPA-certified wood unit still makes sense for many rural and hillside homes, particularly as backup heat during winter power outages. The EPA's Burn Wise program explains how certified appliances cut smoke.
Can a Prefab Fireplace Take an Insert?
Because so many North Marin homes have factory-built fireplaces, this is the question we hear most. Sometimes the answer is yes, but several conditions must be met:
- The fireplace must be a listed factory-built unit, typically under UL 127, and suitable for solid fuel if a wood unit is planned.
- Its installation manual must not prohibit adding one.
- The new unit must be specifically approved by its manufacturer for installation in a factory-built fireplace.
- For wood, a full-height listed liner rated for high temperatures must run from the unit to the top of the chimney.
Many gas units are designed for factory-built fireplaces too, again following both manufacturers' instructions. If your prefab fireplace does not qualify, or its firebox is rusted or damaged, we will say so plainly and discuss alternatives such as a new zero-clearance fireplace or a freestanding stove. Our chimney liner installation page covers the liner side in more detail.
How the Installation Works
- Inspection and measurements. We inspect and sweep the chimney, confirm the fireplace type and listing, and measure the firebox opening, depth and hearth.
- Selection. We help you choose a unit sized for the space, not simply the largest model that fits, because an oversized wood unit is often run too low and smokes.
- Permits and paperwork. Where a permit is required by the City of Novato or the County of Marin, it is arranged before installation.
- Liner installation. A stainless liner is run from the top of the chimney and connected directly to the unit's flue outlet.
- Setting the unit. The unit is positioned, leveled and sealed, the surround fitted and hearth clearances confirmed. Gas units are connected and leak-tested.
- First fire and walkthrough. We run the unit, check draft or burner operation, and show you how to use it.
Living With Your New Heater Through the Wet Season
A wood unit burns cleanest with dry, seasoned wood, ideally at 20 percent moisture or less, which a simple moisture meter will confirm. Split and stack wood under cover well before winter storms arrive; wet oak is one of the main causes of smoky fires and creosote. Keep an eye on Spare the Air alerts during the season, and plan on a yearly chimney sweep to clean the liner and check the gaskets and baffle.
Gas units need less attention but still benefit from an annual service of the burner, pilot, glass and venting. For homes with an earthquake-damaged brick chimney, FEMA's post-quake guidance lists a lightweight rebuild from the top of the firebox with one of these heaters installed as a recommended option, which our seismic chimney repair page explains.