Gas Fireplace Installation in Ottawa
Direct-vent inserts, built-in and freestanding gas fireplaces, installed and serviced by licensed gas technicians
- 5.0 · 396 Google reviews
- TSSA & HRAI approved
- 24/7 emergency service
- Family-owned since 2005
Direct-vent inserts, built-in and freestanding gas fireplaces, installed and serviced by licensed gas technicians
- Free estimates on new installations
- Financing from $49/month (OAC)
- All makes and models serviced
A gas fireplace built for Ottawa winters
A gas fireplace gives you real flame at the touch of a button, with no wood to haul, no ashes and far less heat lost up the chimney. In an Ottawa winter, it can also warm the room you actually use, so the furnace works less on the rest of the house.
Oria Heating and Cooling handles gas fireplace installation in Ottawa from start to finish: choosing the right type and size, running the gas line, installing the venting, and lighting and testing the unit. Every technician on our team holds a gas licence, and we are TSSA and HRAI approved.
Finishing work such as stone, tile, drywall or a mantel is usually done by your contractor or finisher, and we coordinate the framing and clearances with them.
Insert, built-in or freestanding?
The right type depends mostly on what you have now. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, an insert is usually the simplest upgrade. If you are starting from a blank wall, a built-in unit gives the most design freedom.
| Gas insert | Built-in (zero-clearance) | Freestanding stove | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Inside an existing masonry or factory-built wood fireplace | A new framed wall, corner or chase | On the floor, on a non-combustible pad |
| Venting | Flexible liners run up the existing chimney | Direct vent through the wall or roof | Direct vent through the wall or roof |
| Best for | Converting an inefficient, drafty wood fireplace | Renovations, basements, additions and new builds | Basements, cottages and rooms with no wall to build into |
| Construction | Least: uses the existing opening | Most: framing and finishing | Little: mostly venting and gas |
All three types are covered by the typical installed range of $3,500 to $7,500. Large linear built-ins and complex vent routes sit toward the top.
Why direct vent matters in an Ottawa home
A direct-vent fireplace is sealed behind its glass. It pulls combustion air from outside through one pipe and sends exhaust out through another, usually in a single co-axial pipe through the wall or roof.
That matters in Ottawa because newer and renovated homes are built tight to keep out the cold. An older natural-draft fireplace that draws room air can fight with bathroom fans, range hoods and an HRV or ERV, and in the worst case spill exhaust into the room. A sealed direct-vent unit avoids that problem.
Vent terminals have to clear windows, doors, decks and the meter, and must stay above the snow line. We plan the location so you are not shovelling around the vent every February.
Efficiency, heat output and power outages
Gas fireplaces sold in Canada carry an EnerGuide fireplace efficiency rating. Look for that number rather than the steady-state figure, because it reflects real-world performance including the pilot.
Heat output
Most residential units are rated about 20,000 to 40,000 BTU per hour. A modulating valve lets you turn the flame down so the room does not overheat.
Blower
An optional fan pushes warm air into the room and helps heat a cool basement family room or an addition.
Ignition
Modern intermittent pilot ignition lights the pilot only when needed, instead of burning gas all year.
Power outages
Many models can still light and run during an outage using a battery backup, though the blower will not work. Ask about this when choosing a model.
A gas fireplace heats a zone, not the whole house. If your furnace is struggling, look at furnace installation instead.
How gas fireplace installation works
- 1
Home visit
We look at the room, existing chimney or wall, gas supply and possible vent routes, and talk about style and heat needs.
- 2
Model and quote
You choose an insert, built-in or freestanding model, and we provide a written price for the unit, venting and gas line.
- 3
Framing and venting
For built-ins, framing is set to the manufacturer's clearances. Liners or direct-vent pipe are installed and sealed.
- 4
Gas connection
We run the gas line with a shut-off valve, pressure-test it and connect the fireplace.
- 5
Light, test and hand over
We fire the unit, check the flame, venting and controls, and show you how to use and maintain it.
Annual gas fireplace service: what we check
A gas fireplace is a fuel-burning appliance and should be serviced once a year, ideally in early fall before you light it for the season.
Glass and gasket
We clean the glass and check that the gasket seals properly so exhaust stays inside the firebox.
Burner and logs
Logs and media are put back in their correct positions; a misplaced log can cause soot and poor combustion.
Pilot and ignition
We clean the pilot assembly and check the thermocouple, thermopile or igniter for reliable starts.
Venting and terminal
We confirm the vent is clear of nests, ice and debris, and that the outdoor terminal is undamaged.
Gas pressure and leaks
Gas pressure is measured and connections are leak-checked.
Safety screen and CO
We check the barrier screen over the hot glass and test for carbon monoxide around the unit.
Gas fireplace installation cost in Ottawa
A gas fireplace or insert typically costs $3,500 to $7,500 installed in Ottawa. That covers the unit, venting and gas connection; finishing work such as stone, tile and mantels is extra.
| Item | Typical range (CAD, before rebates) |
|---|---|
| Gas fireplace or insert, installed | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| Additional gas line for an outdoor BBQ or fire table | $350 – $1,000 |
The final price depends on the home, the model you choose and how far the venting and gas line have to run. Oria gives free estimates on new installs, and financing from $49/month is available on approved credit.
Adding outdoor gas at the same time? See BBQ gas line installation, or browse all gas services.
Gas fireplaces installed by licensed gas technicians
- TSSA and HRAI approved
- 5.0 stars from 396 Google reviews
- Free estimates on new installations
- Financing from $49/month on approved credit
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers from licensed Ottawa technicians. Still have a question? Call us any time.
How much does gas fireplace installation cost in Ottawa?
A gas fireplace or insert typically costs $3,500 to $7,500 installed in Ottawa, including the unit, venting and gas connection. Finishing work such as stone, tile or a mantel is usually extra. The final price depends on the model and how far the vent and gas line need to run, and Oria gives free estimates on new installs.
Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas?
Yes. The most common way is a gas insert, which fits inside the existing fireplace opening. Flexible liners run up the old chimney for combustion air and exhaust, and a gas line is run to the unit. The chimney should be inspected and cleaned first so the liners are installed in a sound flue.
Does a gas fireplace need a chimney?
No. A built-in or freestanding direct-vent gas fireplace vents through a pipe out the side wall or roof, so no chimney is needed. That flexibility is why gas fireplaces are popular in basements, additions and homes that never had a fireplace. Inserts are the exception, since they use the existing chimney for their liners.
Does a gas fireplace need annual service?
Yes. A gas fireplace is a fuel-burning appliance and should be inspected and cleaned once a year by a licensed gas technician. Service checks the glass seal, burner, log placement, pilot, venting, gas pressure and carbon monoxide. Early fall, before your first fire of the season, is the best time.
Will a gas fireplace work during a power outage?
Many models can. Fireplaces with a millivolt valve or battery-backup ignition can still light and produce heat when the power is out, although the blower fan will not run. If backup heat during outages matters to you, ask about it when choosing a model.
Is the glass on a gas fireplace safe for children?
Fireplace glass gets very hot. Newer gas fireplaces come with a mesh barrier screen in front of the glass to reduce the risk of burns. If you have an older unit without one, ask your technician whether a compatible screen is available, and keep young children supervised near any fireplace.
What is a direct-vent gas fireplace?
A direct-vent gas fireplace is sealed behind its glass and uses outside air for combustion. It draws air in and sends exhaust out through a vent pipe in the wall or roof, so it does not use the air in your room. That makes it safer and more efficient in today’s tightly built Ottawa homes.
Book Service or Get a Free Estimate
Tell us what is going on and we will call you back with honest advice and a written estimate. Financing from $49/month on approved credit.
- Licensed gas & refrigeration technicians
- 5.0 stars from 396 Google reviews
- 24/7 emergency service
5.0 Stars from Ottawa Homeowners
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Serving Ottawa, Gatineau and the Surrounding Area
Based at 925 Longfields Dr in Nepean, our technicians cover the whole capital region.