Gas Fireplace vs. Gas Insert: Which Is Right for Your Home?

If you want the warmth and look of a gas fire in your home, one of the first decisions is also one of the easiest to misunderstand: Do you need a gas fireplace insert or a new gas fireplace? 

Both provide the convenience of gas, realistic flames and supplemental heat. But they are designed for two different starting points.

Quick answer: A gas fireplace insert is generally the right choice when you already have a compatible fireplace you want to upgrade. A new gas fireplace is designed for projects where you’re adding a fireplace or creating a new fireplace system. 

For New Hampshire homeowners, understanding that distinction before comparing models can save time and help narrow your options considerably.

What Is the Difference Between a Gas Fireplace and a Gas Fireplace Insert? 

The biggest difference between a gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert is where and how each is installed. 

A gas fireplace is a complete fireplace system. It can be incorporated into new construction, a renovation or another project where a fireplace is being created. 

A gas fireplace insert is designed to fit within a compatible existing fireplace. Instead of abandoning an older fireplace you no longer use, an insert allows you to convert that space into a more convenient gas-burning system. 

Energysavers describes its gas inserts as a way to transform an outdated or drafty existing fireplace while gaining push-button operation and usable warmth.  

The better choice isn’t about which product category is superior. It’s about what you’re starting with and what you want the finished space to do. 

Explore fireplace inserts for an existing fireplace →

When Should You Choose a Gas Fireplace Insert? 

Choose a gas fireplace insert when you have a compatible existing fireplace and want to convert it to gas rather than build an entirely new fireplace system. 

This is particularly relevant for New Hampshire homes with wood-burning fireplaces that are rarely used. 

You may love the location and character of your fireplace but not the process of bringing in firewood, building a fire, tending it and cleaning up afterward. An insert gives that existing space a new purpose without requiring you to give up the fireplace altogether. 

A gas insert may make sense when: 

• You already have a fireplace you want to keep  

• You want push-button fireplace operation  

• You want to eliminate firewood storage and ash cleanup  

• You want supplemental heat from the existing fireplace location  

• You want to update the appearance of an older fireplace  

Your existing fireplace still needs to be evaluated for dimensions, venting and other installation requirements before a particular model can be recommended. Energysavers’ installation team helps homeowners select the appropriate appliance size, fuel source and venting configuration and installs fireplaces and inserts according to manufacturer specifications and applicable requirements.

Featured Gas Insert: Heat & Glo Supreme 

For homeowners who want to retain a traditional fireplace appearance, the Heat & Glo Supreme is one of the popular gas insert options available from Energysavers. 

It combines a traditional log-fire appearance with the convenience homeowners typically seek when converting an existing fireplace to gas. 

See gas fireplace insert options available in New Hampshire →

When Should You Choose a New Gas Fireplace? 

Choose a new gas fireplace when you’re adding a fireplace where one doesn’t currently exist or when your renovation calls for an entirely new fireplace system rather than converting an existing fireplace. 

This opens up a different set of possibilities. 

Instead of working within the dimensions and configuration of an existing fireplace opening, you can select a fireplace based on the room, desired viewing area, architectural design and overall goals for the project. 

A new gas fireplace may be the better fit when:

• Your room doesn’t currently have a fireplace  

• You’re building a new home  

• You’re completing a significant renovation  

• You want a linear or contemporary fireplace design  

• Your existing fireplace isn’t suitable for the conversion you want  

• You want greater flexibility in fireplace placement and design

This distinction is important because homeowners sometimes begin shopping for inserts when what they actually want requires a new fireplace, or vice versa.

Featured Gas Fireplace: Heat & Glo Mezzo 

For a contemporary installation, the Heat & Glo Mezzo offers a distinctly different look from a traditional fireplace insert. Energysavers currently features the Mezzo among its gas fireplace options, with a linear design intended to make the fireplace an architectural focal point. 

Featured Gas Fireplace: Heat & Glo Primo II

The Heat & Glo Primo II provides another contemporary option for homeowners designing around a new fireplace rather than an existing opening. 

These products illustrate one of the biggest advantages of starting with a new gas fireplace: you’re selecting the fireplace as part of the room’s design rather than fitting a product into an existing fireplace. 

Compare gas fireplaces for your home → 

Can You Put a Gas Fireplace Insert in an Existing Wood-Burning Fireplace? 

Yes, many existing wood-burning fireplaces can be converted with a gas fireplace insert, provided the fireplace and installation meet the requirements of the selected insert. 

This is one of the primary applications for fireplace inserts. 

But an existing fireplace does not automatically mean that every gas insert will fit. 

Before selecting a model, factors such as the opening dimensions, fireplace construction, fuel availability and venting need to be considered. Energysavers’ previous installation guidance also recommends knowing the height, width and depth of the existing fireplace before selecting an insert.  

That’s why measurements should be treated as the beginning of the selection process rather than a reason to order a particular model yourself. 

What to know before a fireplace insert installation → 

Does a Gas Fireplace Insert Use the Existing Chimney? 

A gas fireplace insert can use the existing chimney space as the route for its venting system, but the installation requires the appropriate venting configuration for the appliance and home. 

This is different from simply allowing exhaust to travel freely up an old chimney. 

Proper venting is part of the new fireplace system, and its configuration depends on the appliance and installation. Energysavers specifically includes determining appropriate venting configurations among the decisions its NFI-certified specialists assist homeowners with.  

If you’re unsure whether your current fireplace can accommodate an insert, you don’t need to solve that question before visiting the showroom. Bring the information you have about your fireplace and discuss the project with a hearth professional. 

Which Provides More Design Flexibility? 

A new gas fireplace generally provides greater design flexibility because the project isn’t constrained by an existing fireplace opening. 

That’s particularly important if the fireplace is intended to become a focal point in a remodel or new home. 

You might choose a wide linear fireplace for a modern living room, for example, while someone converting an existing masonry fireplace may prefer an insert that maintains its traditional character. 

That doesn’t mean inserts all look alike. 

Featured Gas Insert: Heat & Glo Supreme X 

The Heat & Glo Supreme X gives homeowners another option for upgrading an existing fireplace while keeping the convenience and warmth of a gas insert. 

Energysavers features the Supreme X as a middle-to-upper-end Heat & Glo insert option, giving homeowners an upgraded model to consider without automatically moving to an entirely new fireplace installation. 

Which Is Better for Heating: A Gas Fireplace or Gas Insert? 

Neither category is automatically the better heater. Heating performance depends on the specific model, its heat output, the space and how you intend to use the fireplace. 

That’s an important distinction because choosing solely by the largest BTU number isn’t necessarily the right approach. 

A fireplace intended to add comfort to a smaller living area has different requirements from one selected for a large open-concept room. 

Think about: 

Room size: How much space are you trying to heat? 

Primary purpose: Is ambiance the priority, or do you expect substantial supplemental heat? 

Home layout: Is the fireplace in an open living area or an enclosed room? 

Usage: Will you use it occasionally or regularly throughout New Hampshire’s heating season? 

Energysavers’ installation specialists specifically help homeowners select the right appliance size and features for the intended application.  

Gas Fireplace Insert vs. Gas Fireplace: How Do You Decide? 

Start with one question: 

Do you already have a fireplace you want to use? 

Yes: Start by exploring a gas fireplace insert. 

No: Start with a new gas fireplace. 

From there, the decision becomes more specific. 

If you have an existing fireplace, determine whether it can accommodate the type of gas insert you want. If you’re starting with a new installation, think about where you want the fireplace, how you want it to look and how much heat you expect it to provide. 

Then compare individual models based on: 

1. Fit and installation requirements
2. Heating capacity
3. Venting
4. Fireplace dimensions
5. Traditional vs. contemporary appearance
6. Controls and convenience features
7. Available finishing options  

This approach is more useful than starting with dozens of models and trying to work backward. 

What Gas Fireplace Is Best for a New Hampshire Home? 

The best gas fireplace for a New Hampshire home is one that’s properly sized for the space, compatible with the home’s installation and venting requirements, and suited to how the homeowner intends to use it. 

For an existing fireplace, that may be a Heat & Glo gas insert such as the Supreme or Supreme X. 

For a new installation, it may be a traditional gas fireplace or a contemporary option such as the Heat & Glo Mezzo or Primo II. 

There isn’t one model that’s best for every New Hampshire home. 

Energysavers serves homeowners throughout Meredith, Laconia, Gilford, Wolfeboro, Plymouth, Tilton, Concord and surrounding Lakes Region and Central New Hampshire communities, with professional fireplace and insert installation in addition to ongoing service.  

Fall Is a Good Time to Find the Right Fit 

If you want a new gas fireplace ready for colder weather, don’t wait until you’re relying on it to start figuring out which system your home needs. 

Begin with the space you have. 

If there’s an existing fireplace you want to upgrade, explore gas inserts. If you’re creating something new, compare complete gas fireplace systems. Then work with a hearth specialist to narrow the choices based on your home’s requirements and the way you want to use the fireplace. 

There’s also an added reason to explore your options this fall. 

From September 21 through October 23, homeowners can save up to $800 on qualifying Heat & Glo products. Ask Energysavers about qualifying models, coupon requirements and current promotion details. 

Visit the Energysavers showroom in Meredith to compare fireplace and insert options in person and talk with the team about what will work in your home. 

Find the right fireplace for your home →

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert? 

A gas fireplace is a complete fireplace system that can be incorporated into a new installation or renovation. A gas fireplace insert is designed to fit inside a compatible existing fireplace, making it a good option for homeowners who want to convert an existing fireplace to gas. 

Can I replace my wood-burning fireplace with a gas insert? 

Many existing wood-burning fireplaces can accommodate a gas fireplace insert. The fireplace’s dimensions, construction, venting and fuel source need to be evaluated before selecting an insert. Talk to one of our experts if you’re unsure. 

Is a gas fireplace insert better than a new gas fireplace? 

Neither is universally better. A gas insert generally makes more sense when you have a compatible existing fireplace you want to upgrade. A new gas fireplace is typically the better choice when you’re creating a fireplace where one doesn’t currently exist or want greater flexibility in the installation and design. 

Have more questions about fireplaces, inserts, installation or home heating? 

Explore more frequently asked questions →