Lansdale, PA: From Open Fireplace to Reliable Heat
The Home
This single-family home in Lansdale was built in 1972 and features a traditional living room with an open wood-burning masonry fireplace, which is common in homes in this area. The fireplace was already framed into the space and served as a central feature in the room.
The home also has an existing oil system, which influenced how the gas and electric lines were routed for this project. The original fireplace dictated both the layout and the installation approach for the new insert.
Location: Lansdale, PA
Home Type: Single-family home
Year Built: 1972
Room: Living Room
Appliance: Travis 616 Gas Insert by Travis Industries
Fuel Type: Propane
Install Type: Gas insert installed into existing masonry fireplace with full liner system
Install Duration: One day
The Heating Problem
The home’s open wood-burning fireplace was not providing steady, usable heat for the living room. Heat output was inconsistent, and much of the warmth was lost up the chimney instead of staying in the space. The room struggled to maintain an even temperature during colder weather, making it unreliable as a daily heat source. The homeowners also wanted a dependable source of backup heat they could rely on during power outages.
Why The 616 Was Chosen
The homeowners selected the Travis 616 gas insert because it delivers strong, consistent heat in a size that works well within an existing masonry fireplace. As a propane gas insert, it provides steady output without the temperature swings common with open wood-burning fireplaces.
One key design feature that set the 616 apart is that its controls are located on the sides of the unit instead of beneath the firebox. This allows the firebox to sit lower inside the opening, giving the flames a more natural, grounded appearance. The unit was finished with a birch log set, black glass fireback, and black profile face for a clean, simple look that fit the style of the room.
Installation Details & Constraints
Because this was an existing masonry fireplace, the chimney first had to be inspected before any installation work could begin. A Level 2 chimney inspection was required to confirm that a liner could be safely dropped through the flue. It was also possible that portions of the existing damper would need to be removed in order to pass the liner.
Running new utilities added another layer of planning. The gas line had to be routed from the basement, tying in near the existing oil system and traveling up through the cleanout to reach the fireplace. The electric line followed a similar path, also coming from the basement and up through the cleanout.
The insert also required a custom 3½-inch non-combustible raised base, which had to be built to ensure proper height, support, and clearances inside the masonry opening.
The Chimney & Venting System
A full stainless steel collinear venting system was installed from the insert to the top of the existing chimney. This liner allows the Travis 616 gas insert to vent safely and efficiently through the original masonry structure.
At the top of the chimney, a black square cap was installed to protect the liner from weather and debris while maintaining proper function. The entire venting system was installed to current code requirements and built for long-term, reliable operation.
Installation Timeline
The project began with a visit to our Hatfield showroom in February. A site inspection was completed in early March to confirm the condition of the chimney and plan the liner, gas, and electric run. Once those details were finalized, the installation was scheduled as a one-day job.
Because inspections, mechanical planning, and material coordination all happen before installation, starting early helps prevent delays—especially during the busy heating season.
The Result
The living room now holds heat consistently and no longer loses warmth up the chimney like it did with the open fireplace. The Travis 616 gas insert provides steady, even heat that can be used daily for comfort instead of only for visual ambiance.
As a propane gas insert, it also gives the homeowners a dependable source of backup heat during power outages. The room is now a usable, reliable space throughout the colder months.
We’ve Got You Covered, Lansdale
This project was handled start to finish by our team, beginning with the showroom visit and continuing through the inspection, liner installation, gas and electric work, and final start-up. All planning, mechanical work, and installation were coordinated under one roof.
If you live near Lansdale, PA and are considering a gas insert or thinking about updating an existing fireplace, get in touch with us or visit our nearby showroom in Hatfield.
If you prefer to start your project from home, that’s fine too! Get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
