Gas Fireplace Insert Installation in Toronto & the GTA
A gas fireplace insert converts your existing wood-burning fireplace into a clean, efficient, push-button gas unit — using your existing chimney, your existing surround, and your existing mantel. No new wall construction. No new chimney. Direct Air Systems installs Napoleon, Marquis, and Regency gas inserts across Toronto, Markham, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, and Bolton with TSSA-licensed gas fitters on every job.
Why Replace Wood with a Gas Fireplace Insert?
- No more firewood — no ordering, stacking, or carrying wood. Real flame on demand with a wall switch or remote.
- Real heat — gas inserts deliver 15,000–30,000+ BTU of usable supplemental heat. A wood fireplace loses most of its heat up the chimney; a sealed gas insert captures it.
- Keeps your existing surround — the insert fits inside your existing firebox opening. Your tile, stone, or wood mantel remains untouched.
- Works during power outages — most gas inserts with millivolt ignition continue operating when the electricity is out.
- Cleaner air — gas inserts produce no particulate emissions or creosote. No chimney cleaning required annually.
- Lower running cost than electric — a gas insert delivers 6–10x more heat per dollar than an electric fireplace at Ontario rates.
Gas Fireplace Insert Brands We Install
Napoleon Gas Inserts — Grandville & Oakdale Series
Napoleon (Barrie, ON) is our most-requested insert brand. The Grandville and Oakdale series fit most standard GTA masonry fireplaces and come with Napoleon's NIGHT LIGHT ember technology and ECONOX ignition system. Available in single-speed and variable-speed blower configurations. See our Napoleon guide.
Marquis Gas Inserts
Canadian-manufactured, premium build quality. Marquis inserts offer a wide range of opening sizes to fit standard and non-standard GTA fireplaces. High-quality flame presentation and reliable long-term performance. See our Marquis guide.
Regency Gas Inserts
High BTU output — ideal for homeowners who want maximum heat from their insert. Regency inserts are available in a wide range of firebox sizes and are a strong choice for older GTA homes with larger masonry fireplace openings. See our Regency guide.
What the Installation Involves
- Free in-home assessment — we measure your firebox opening, inspect the chimney, confirm gas line access, and recommend the right insert model and liner size.
- TSSA permit application — required for all gas insert installations in Ontario. We handle the permit and inspection.
- Stainless steel chimney liner — a co-axial or single-wall liner is run down from the top of your chimney to the insert. This is what makes the gas venting work safely.
- Gas line connection — our TSSA-licensed gas fitter connects the insert to your home's gas supply. Extension required if the nearest line is more than a few feet away.
- Insert installation and surround finish — the insert slides into your firebox. We install the face frame and decorative surround trim to complete the look.
- Homeowner walkthrough — we demonstrate the remote, thermostat, and flame controls before leaving.
Installed Cost of a Gas Fireplace Insert in the GTA
Gas fireplace insert installation in the GTA typically costs $3,500–$7,000+ CAD installed, depending on:
- Insert model — entry-level Napoleon/Regency vs. premium variable-speed models
- Chimney liner length — a two-storey home with a tall chimney requires a longer liner
- Gas line extension — adds $300–$900+ if the existing gas line needs extending
- Surround finishing — standard face trim is included; custom tile or stone work is extra
All prices are in CAD and include equipment, labour, stainless liner, TSSA permit, and homeowner walkthrough. A free in-home assessment is required for an accurate quote — call (905) 951-8080 or (416) 268-1115.
Gas Insert Installation Across the GTA
We install gas fireplace inserts across the full GTA — Toronto, Markham, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, and Bolton. Visit our Markham showroom at 162 Bullock Dr to see gas inserts burning live before you buy.
Also see: browse all gas fireplace insert models | gas fireplace installation Toronto | wood fireplace insert guide | gas fireplace cost GTA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas fireplace insert?
A gas fireplace insert is a self-contained gas firebox designed to fit inside the opening of an existing wood-burning fireplace. It connects to a gas line and vents through a stainless steel liner run up your existing chimney. The result is a clean, efficient gas fireplace that fits neatly inside your existing surround and mantel — no new wall construction required.
How much does gas fireplace insert installation cost in the GTA?
Gas fireplace insert installation in the GTA typically costs $3,500–$7,000+ CAD installed, depending on the insert model, chimney liner length, and whether a gas line extension is needed. Direct Air Systems provides a free in-home assessment with a written installed quote before any work begins.
How long does gas fireplace insert installation take?
Most gas fireplace insert installations are completed in one day — typically 4–8 hours. This includes removing the old damper, installing the stainless steel chimney liner, setting the insert, connecting the gas line, and completing the TSSA inspection. Complex chimney configurations may require an additional half day.
Do I need a permit for a gas fireplace insert in Ontario?
Yes. All gas fireplace insert installations in Ontario require a TSSA permit and must be performed by a TSSA-licensed gas fitter. Direct Air Systems handles all permit applications and post-installation inspections as part of every installation — it is included in your quoted price.
What is the best gas fireplace insert brand in Canada?
Napoleon, Marquis, and Regency are the most installed gas fireplace insert brands in Canadian homes. Napoleon (manufactured in Barrie, ON) and Marquis (Canadian manufacturer) are our most requested brands at Direct Air Systems. All three are available to see at our Markham showroom at 162 Bullock Dr.
Can any wood-burning fireplace be converted to a gas insert?
Most standard masonry and factory-built wood-burning fireplaces can accept a gas insert. The key requirements are: a working chimney that can accept a stainless steel liner, access to a gas line within a reasonable distance, and a firebox opening that matches available insert sizes. We assess all of these during the free in-home assessment.