Gas Fireplace Insert in Kenilworth: A Kozy Heat Nordik 34i Conversion
Last updated: · By the Chimney Monkey team
This gas fireplace insert project in Kenilworth turned an open masonry fireplace into a remote-controlled gas fire. It also protected both chimneys at the roofline.
Chimney Monkey has served the North Shore since 2017. We are an NCSG member company with NFI-certified technicians, a 4.9-star Google rating and more than 1,100 reviews.
In March 2026, our crew installed a Kozy Heat Nordik 34i gas fireplace insert with its direct-vent system in a Kenilworth home. We swept the flue first and added power inside the firebox for the electronic ignition. Black glass panels and a remote finished the insert. On the roof, we resurfaced two chimney crowns and installed two black powder-coated multi-flue caps.
- 1Kozy Heat Nordik 34i gas insert
- 40,000BTU/hr input on natural gas (manufacturer rating)
- 2chimney crowns resurfaced
- 2black powder-coated multi-flue caps
What Did This Gas Fireplace Insert Project in Kenilworth Include?
The project combined a full gas insert installation inside the home with crown and cap work on both chimneys outside.
The homeowner wanted the look of a fire without hauling wood or building one by hand. A gas insert fits inside the existing masonry fireplace, so the original mantel and green stone surround could stay. Meanwhile, the chimneys above needed protection from water and animals.
Inside the home
Gas insert installation
- Power sweep of the smoke chamber and flue
- Debris cleared from the smoke shelf
- Electrical run added inside the firebox
- Kozy Heat Nordik 34i direct-vent gas insert
- Insert venting system installed
- Rectangular screen front and standard shroud
- Black glass interior panels
- Remote control
On the roof
Crown and cap protection
- Two chimney crowns cleaned and repaired as needed
- Crowns resurfaced with Crown Safe waterproof sealant
- Two large stainless multi-flue caps with spark arrestor mesh
- Caps powder-coated black to match the home’s trim
- Safe roof access equipment
Will a Kozy Heat Nordik 34i Fit Your Fireplace?
The Nordik 34i fits a masonry fireplace whose opening meets four minimum measurements: width, height, back width and depth.
Measuring comes first on every insert job. If the opening is too small, the insert will not slide in, no matter how good the rest of the fireplace looks. These are the minimum opening sizes listed for this installation:
| Measurement | Minimum opening | Where to measure |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 34-1/8″ | Across the front of the fireplace opening |
| Height | 23-3/4″ | From the hearth floor to the top of the opening |
| Back width | 24-1/8″ | Across the back wall of the firebox |
| Depth | 16-3/8″ | From the front of the opening to the back wall |
Kozy Heat also makes smaller and larger inserts, so a fireplace that misses these numbers may still suit a different model. Our gas fireplace installation team measures before recommending a unit.
How Does a Gas Insert System Work, Top to Bottom?
A gas insert is a complete system that runs from the cap on the roof down to the remote in your hand.
Each part has a job. If one is missing or worn, the rest cannot work as designed.
- 1 · CapMulti-flue cap with spark arrestorOne top-mounted cap covers every flue on the chimney and keeps out rain, snow, debris, birds and animals.
- 2 · CrownResurfaced chimney crownA flexible, fibered waterproof sealant helps the crown shed water away from the flues.
- 3 · VentingDirect-vent systemDedicated vent components carry exhaust out and bring combustion air in through the existing chimney.
- 4 · Smoke chamberSwept smoke chamber and shelfOld soot and debris are removed before anything new goes in.
- 5 · PowerElectrical run inside the fireboxPower for the electronic ignition system, routed through a hole drilled in the firebox.
- 6 · InsertKozy Heat Nordik 34iGas valve, burner, log set and black glass panels inside a sealed firebox.
- 7 · ControlsScreen front, shroud and remoteThe shroud closes the gap to the surround, and the remote runs the fire.
Why sweep before installing a gas insert?
Years of wood fires leave soot and debris on the smoke shelf and in the flue. Our technicians power swept the smoke chamber and flue, then cleared the smoke shelf before the vent system went in. That gives the new insert a clean start. See our chimney sweep service for details.
Why does the insert need electricity?
The Nordik 34i uses an electronic ignition pilot system rather than a standing pilot. So the crew drilled a hole in the firebox and ran power to the unit. Planning this before installation keeps cords hidden and the finished fireplace clean.
How Does a Gas Insert Compare to an Open Wood-Burning Fireplace?
A gas insert trades the work of a wood fire for push-button convenience inside a sealed, vented firebox.
| Detail | Open wood-burning fireplace | Nordik 34i gas insert |
|---|---|---|
| Starting a fire | Kindling, logs and matches | Electronic ignition and remote |
| Fuel | Firewood | Natural gas or propane |
| Firebox | Open to the room | Sealed behind glass, vented outside |
| Rated efficiency | Not rated | About 70% steady state, per the manufacturer |
| Cleanup | Ash removal and regular sweeping | No ash, but annual inspection still applies |
Efficiency figures come from Kozy Heat’s published specs for the Nordik 34i. Real-world results depend on the home, the fireplace and how the insert is used.
Why Resurface Crowns and Add Multi-Flue Caps?
The crown and cap form the chimney’s roof, so they decide how much water and wildlife reach the flues below.
This home has two chimneys, and each one got the same treatment. First, the crew cleaned the crowns and repaired cracks as needed. Then they brushed on Crown Safe, a flexible, fibered waterproof sealant. It helps the crown shed water while still allowing for normal expansion and movement. Learn more about chimney crown repair.
Why a multi-flue cap instead of single caps?
Each chimney here has two clay flue tiles. A top-mounted multi-flue cap covers both flues at once with a single stainless steel hood. Its spark arrestor mesh helps contain embers and keeps animals out. Explore our chimney cap installation options.
Why powder coat the caps?
Bare stainless steel is shiny and stands out against dark trim. These caps were powder-coated black to match the home’s trim, so they read as part of the design rather than an add-on.
What Was Our Step-by-Step Process?
We measured and swept first, installed the insert inside, then finished the roof work and testing.
- Confirm the fitWe checked the fireplace opening against the Nordik 34i minimum measurements.
- Protect the roomDrop cloths covered the hearth and floor before any work began.
- Sweep the systemThe smoke chamber and flue were power swept, and the smoke shelf was cleared.
- Run powerThe crew drilled the firebox and ran electrical service for the ignition system.
- Install the insert and ventingThe direct-vent system, insert, shroud, screen front, black glass and remote went in.
- Resurface both crownsCrowns were cleaned, repaired as needed and sealed with Crown Safe.
- Cap both chimneysTwo black powder-coated multi-flue caps were fitted and installed.
- Test the insertThe insert could not be tested on install day, so a follow-up visit was scheduled for testing.
Every gas insert must be tested after installation. When that is not possible on install day, we schedule a return visit rather than skipping the step.
What Does a Gas Fireplace Insert Typically Cost?
A gas fireplace insert with its venting system installed in Kenilworth and the North Shore commonly runs $6,500 to $9,500.
Crown resurfacing usually adds a few hundred dollars per crown. Pricing varies with the insert model, fireplace size, upgrades, roof access and chimney condition. These are general market ranges, not a quote. We price each project after an inspection.
What Does This Project Mean for Your Fireplace?
Tired of wood fires but love your fireplace? A gas insert keeps the surround you have and changes how you use it.
Signs a gas insert or roof work may be worth a look
- You rarely use the fireplace because building a fire is a chore
- Cold drafts come down the chimney when the fireplace is off
- Smoke or odors drift into the room
- No cap on the chimney, or a cap that is rusted or damaged
- Cracks or crumbling on the chimney crown
- Birds or animals have nested in the flue
Start with a professional chimney inspection. NFPA 211 calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. Every gas fireplace insert project in Kenilworth starts there. We serve homeowners throughout Kenilworth and the North Shore.
Key takeaways
- A gas insert fits inside an existing masonry fireplace, so the mantel and surround can usually stay.
- The Nordik 34i needs an opening of at least 34-1/8″ wide, 23-3/4″ high, 24-1/8″ across the back and 16-3/8″ deep.
- Sweeping the flue and planning power for electronic ignition come before the insert goes in.
- Crown resurfacing and a multi-flue cap protect the flues from water, debris and animals.
- Every gas insert should be tested after installation and inspected once a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my existing mantel and surround with a gas insert?
Usually, yes. A gas insert sits inside the existing firebox, and a shroud closes the gap between the insert and the surround. In this Kenilworth home, the original mantel and green stone surround stayed in place. The opening still has to meet the insert’s minimum measurements, so we measure first.
Does a gas fireplace insert need electricity?
Many do. The Nordik 34i uses an electronic ignition pilot system, so this installation included an electrical run through the firebox. Planning power before the insert goes in keeps the finished fireplace free of visible cords. We confirm the power needs of any model during the estimate.
Why sweep the chimney before installing a gas insert?
Wood fires leave soot and debris on the smoke shelf and in the flue. Sweeping removes that buildup before the vent system goes in. It gives the new insert a clean start and lets the crew inspect the flue while it is open and accessible.
What is a multi-flue chimney cap?
A multi-flue cap is one top-mounted cap that covers every flue on a chimney. It keeps out rain, snow, tree debris, birds and animals, and its spark arrestor mesh helps contain embers. It works well on chimneys like these, where each crown has two clay flue tiles.
Can chimney caps be painted to match my house?
Yes. On this project, both stainless multi-flue caps were powder-coated black to match the home’s trim. Powder coating is applied as a finish on the metal rather than brushed on afterward. It is a popular choice on North Shore homes where the chimney is visible from the street.
When is crown resurfacing enough?
Resurfacing works when the crown is still structurally sound and the cracks are minor. The crew cleans and repairs cracks, then applies a flexible waterproof sealant. If the concrete is crumbling or broken through, a full rebuild is the better fix. Our crown repair page explains both options.
Do gas fireplaces still need chimney inspections?
Yes. NFPA 211 calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year, and that includes gas appliances. An annual chimney inspection checks the vent system, cap and crown, and confirms the insert is venting as designed. Gas burns cleaner than wood, but caps, crowns and vents still wear over time.
How much heat does a Nordik 34i produce?
Kozy Heat rates the Nordik 34i at 40,000 BTU/hr input on natural gas, with steady-state efficiency of about 70%. Actual comfort depends on room size, insulation and how the insert is set up. We can talk through heat output for your space during the estimate.
Sources: Kozy Heat, Nordik 34i product specifications; NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel–Burning Appliances. This recap is based on the completed work order for this project. Client details are kept private.
Not sure what service your home needs? Start with a professional evaluation so the system can be identified, the visible conditions can be documented, and the right next step can be recommended.
Have a question about your chimney, fireplace, venting system, gutters, or dryer vent? Schedule a professional visit and get clear recommendations based on the actual condition of your home.
Categories: Chimney Cap Cook County Illinois Gas Fireplace Insert Installation Kenilworth Local Services