A Gas Insert Transformation in Collegeville, PA
The Home
This single-family home in Collegeville, PA was built in 1997 and features a beautiful family room that the family uses everyday. The room sits along the main living area with a standard ceiling height and an open layout that connects it naturally to the rest of the home. The original builder-grade wood-burning fireplace was installed on the main wall as a visual focal point, typical of many homes built in this area during that time.
Location: Collegeville, PA
Home Type: Single-family home
Year Built: 1997
Room: Family room
Appliance: Travis Industries 34 DVL Gas Insert
Fuel Type: Natural Gas
Install Type: Gas insert installed into existing prefabricated wood-burning fireplace
Install Duration: One day
The Heating Problem
Open-wood burning fireplaces can be really inefficient since they use room air for combustion. That means when a fire is lit, the fireplace is pulling air from elsewhere in the home and sending it right up the chimney.
In this case, the family room felt drafty when the fireplace was in use, and the heat it produced didn’t stick around. The temperature in the room was inconsistent compared to the rest of the home. Along with stopping the draft, the homeowners also wanted a dependable backup heat source they could rely on during power outages.
Why The 34 DVL Was Chosen
The 34 DVL by Travis Industries is one of our best-selling gas inserts for a reason. It’s a proven fit for many standard prefabricated and masonry fireplaces which are really common in Collegeville. Its sealed combustion design brings in outside air for burning and sends exhaust gases directly out through the liner, without affecting air quality in the home.
The homeowners wanted steady, usable heat without changing the layout of the family room. The 34 DVL provides strong heat output in a compact footprint, making it well suited for this type of space. It also offers clean lines and a traditional look that works naturally with the aesthetic of the room without calling too much attention to itself.
Installation Details & Constraints
The existing prefabricated metal fireplace had to be mechanically modified to accept a gas insert. Not every prefabricated fireplace is rated to be altered for this type of installation, so the specific model and clearance requirements had to be confirmed before moving forward. Likewise, not every gas insert is approved for use in a modified prefabricated application. The 34 DVL is a common choice in these situations because it is listed for this type of installation when all manufacturer guidelines are followed.
The actual installation involved removing the interior brick, and adding foil-faced insulation to the lining of the metal firebox so the unit could operate correctly.
We ran a new gas line from the basement by tying into the existing furnace supply and routing it up into the fireplace. We also added an electrical outlet from an existing outlet near the furnace along the same path.
Because of the size and shape of the original opening, we fabricated a custom four-sided metal surround panel to fully cover the fireplace face after the insert was installed.
The Venting & Chimney Setup
Before installation, the top of the chimney was addressed with a new chase cover to protect the system from moisture and long-term exposure.
We installed a new colinear liner system inside the existing chase to properly vent the gas insert. The liner runs from the insert up through the full height of the chimney and terminates at the top with a round vertical cap. This creates a sealed, direct path for combustion air to enter and exhaust to exit the home safely.
Installation Timeline
The project began with a showroom visit during the late summer, followed by a site inspection to confirm the fireplace type, venting path, and mechanical requirements. Because this was a straightforward gas insert conversion, the work was scheduled as a one-day installation in October.
By planning ahead, the gas insert was installed and ready before colder weather set in.
The Result
The family room now holds warmth instead of losing it up the chimney. Heat from the gas insert stays in the space and spreads evenly into the surrounding living area. The room is more comfortable during regular use, without the draftiness that came with the open fireplace.
The homeowners now have a reliable daily heat source they can control with ease. They also gained dependable backup heat during power outages, adding a level of security that wasn’t there before.
We’ve Got You Covered, Collegeville
This gas insert installation was completed right here in Collegeville, PA, an area we work in often. From choosing the insert to getting it installed and vented properly, everything was handled through one team.
If you live in Collegeville and would like to see gas inserts in person or talk through your options, our Eagleville showroom is the best place to do that. If you prefer to start the process from home, feel free to get in touch with us to request an estimate or schedule service.
