Southern Enterprises Fireplace Inserts: What They Are and How to Use Them

Southern Enterprises makes fireplace inserts designed to fit into existing fireplaces

Southern Enterprises is a furniture and home décor manufacturer that produces fireplace inserts—metal boxes that sit inside your existing fireplace opening to improve heat output and efficiency. Their inserts are not custom-built; they come in standard sizes meant to fit common fireplace dimensions. The company sells through major retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and home improvement stores, and their products range from basic wood-burning inserts to electric models that require no venting.

If you already have a fireplace but want it to heat your home more effectively or use it more safely, a Southern Enterprises insert can be a middle-ground option between doing nothing and replacing the entire fireplace. The insert sits inside your existing firebox, which means you keep the fireplace's appearance while changing how it performs.

Key Takeaways

• Southern Enterprises inserts come in wood-burning, gas, and electric models, each requiring different installation steps and venting needs.
• Measuring your fireplace opening accurately is the first step—inserts come in standard sizes, and a poor fit wastes money and reduces performance.
• Wood-burning inserts need a chimney inspection and may require a chimney liner, which adds to the total cost and installation time.
• Electric inserts require only a standard outlet and produce no heat themselves—they create the appearance of fire for ambiance only.
• Installation difficulty varies by model; some can be placed by a homeowner, while others need a professional to handle venting and sealing.

Measuring your fireplace opening before ordering

Southern Enterprises inserts come in set dimensions, so your fireplace opening must match one of their standard sizes or be larger. Measure the width, height, and depth of your fireplace opening from the inside—not the decorative surround, but the actual opening where fire would be visible. Write down all three measurements and compare them to the product specifications on the retailer's page before you buy.

If your opening is smaller than the insert, it will not fit. If it is larger, the insert will fit but you will need to seal the gaps around it with high-temperature caulk or metal trim to prevent heat from escaping behind the insert instead of into your room. Many people skip this step and then wonder why the insert does not heat as well as expected.

Wood-burning inserts and chimney requirements

Southern Enterprises wood-burning inserts draw air from your room, burn wood inside the metal box, and send exhaust up your existing chimney. Before you install one, a chimney sweep must inspect your chimney to confirm it is clear, structurally sound, and large enough for the insert's vent pipe. This inspection costs between $100 and $300 and is not optional—a blocked or damaged chimney can cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home.

Many older chimneys also need a chimney liner—a metal tube that runs the full length of the chimney to protect the masonry and ensure proper draft. A liner adds $500 to $2,000 to your total project cost depending on chimney height and condition. The insert itself typically costs $400 to $1,200, so the full job often runs $1,000 to $3,500 when you include inspection, liner, and professional installation.

Gas inserts and venting options

Southern Enterprises gas inserts burn propane or natural gas and produce more consistent heat than wood-burning models. They still need venting—either through your existing chimney (direct vent) or through a new vent pipe cut through an exterior wall (vent-free or direct-vent). Direct-vent models are safer because they send all exhaust outside; vent-free models send some exhaust into your room and are not legal in all states or municipalities.

Gas inserts require a gas line connection, which must be done by a licensed plumber or gas technician in most areas. The insert itself costs $600 to $1,500, and professional installation adds another $300 to $800. If you do not already have a gas line near your fireplace, running one can add $500 to $2,000 depending on distance and whether walls must be opened.

Electric inserts for appearance without heat

Southern Enterprises electric inserts plug into a standard outlet and create a glowing flame effect using LED lights and sometimes a water vapor system. They produce no actual heat—they are purely decorative. If you want the look of a fireplace without the cost and complexity of venting, an electric insert is the simplest option and costs $200 to $600.

Electric inserts need only a nearby outlet and can be installed by placing them in the fireplace opening and plugging them in. Some models include a remote control to adjust flame brightness and color. Because they produce no heat, they do not require chimney inspection, venting, or professional installation. The trade-off is that they cannot heat your home during a power outage or reduce your heating bills.

Installation: DIY versus professional help

Electric inserts can usually be installed by a homeowner—measure, place, plug in, and done. Wood-burning and gas inserts are more complex. Wood-burning inserts need the chimney sealed around the vent pipe, which requires high-temperature materials and knowledge of proper draft. Gas inserts need the gas line connected safely and the vent sealed to code. Most building codes require a licensed professional to sign off on gas and wood-burning installations, and your homeowner's insurance may not cover damage from an improperly installed insert.

If you hire a professional, the installer will handle measuring, sealing gaps, connecting venting, and testing the insert before leaving. This costs more upfront but protects you from costly mistakes. If you install an electric insert yourself, keep the receipt and the original packaging in case you need to return it.

Cleaning and maintaining a Southern Enterprises insert

Wood-burning inserts accumulate ash and creosote (a flammable tar-like substance) inside the firebox and in the chimney. You should remove ash from the insert after every few fires by scooping it into a metal bucket and letting it cool completely before disposal. Once a year, have a chimney sweep clean the chimney and vent pipe to remove creosote buildup, which reduces fire risk and improves heating efficiency.

Gas inserts need less maintenance—no ash or creosote—but the glass front can get cloudy from condensation and combustion byproducts. Clean it with a soft cloth and a glass cleaner rated for high heat. Check the gas line connection annually for leaks by applying soapy water to the connection; bubbles mean a leak, and you should call a technician. Electric inserts need only occasional dusting of the exterior and cleaning of the glass or plastic front.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Southern Enterprises insert myself?

Electric inserts can be placed and plugged in by a homeowner. Wood-burning and gas inserts should be installed by a licensed professional because they involve venting, gas connections, or chimney work that building codes regulate. Improper installation can cause carbon monoxide buildup or fire risk.

Do I need a chimney to use a Southern Enterprises insert?

Wood-burning inserts require an existing chimney. Gas inserts can use an existing chimney or a new exterior vent pipe. Electric inserts need no chimney or venting at all—only an outlet.

How much does a Southern Enterprises insert cost installed?

Electric inserts run $200 to $600 with no installation cost. Gas inserts cost $900 to $2,300 installed. Wood-burning inserts cost $1,000 to $3,500 installed when you include chimney inspection and possible liner replacement.

Will a fireplace insert reduce my heating bills?

Wood-burning and gas inserts can lower heating costs by providing supplemental heat, though the savings depend on how often you use them and your local fuel prices. Electric inserts produce no heat and will not reduce bills.

What size insert do I need?

Measure your fireplace opening width, height, and depth from the inside, then match those measurements to Southern Enterprises' product specifications. Inserts come in standard sizes; if your opening is larger, you will need to seal gaps with high-temperature caulk.