Also want to note that I have been looking at the Mendota inserts

I like the look of this Regency gas fireplace better, but it isn't an insert, it is just a gas fireplace

First of all, gorgeous room! Love it. And I understand you taken out the hearth and lowering everything.

And I see what you mean about the inserts too. There is one Mendota insert "FullView Insert" that advertises

See more of the flames, less of the metal

With a 33% larger viewing area.

http://mendotahearth.com/gas-inserts-fireplace.php

Thanks so much! Those do look a little better than what I've been seeing. Odd that I didn't see this style in the brochure I received from the fireplace store!

I wouldn't touch that fireplace. Surely, it has a cover for the flu that must be opened when in use and closed when not? I've never had a fireplace that didn't have one! An insert is going to look cheap and horrible. You have a gorgeous fireplace that is in keeping with the rest of the room. Get some nice gas logs and embrace it.

Standard fireplaces are inefficient because they draw air from the house to support combustion, so the air you already paid to heat with your furnace is going up the chimney. The contractor is explaining that many inserts have a separate intake for combustion air, so they don't use air in the house.

I would just use standard gas logs, and keep the look of your fireplace. However, I believe code for a permitted gas log installation will require the installer to block the flue open (bracket is supplied), so you will always be losing some house air up the flue.

You could also look at using ventless gas logs, which do not require an operational flue. They burn a slightly different color because the flame is leaner, and require a CO detector nearby as a safety device. I used ventless in my house because it would have been costly to repoint the old chimney inside to make sure it was safe for gas logs.

Bruce

I open my flue before turning on gas for my fireplace. It did not gave to be blocked open. I suppose that like everything else in construction, it depends on local code.

Thanks for the feedback! I think we will just go with the masonry fireplace with the gas logs. Our contractor said it was not as efficient, but we are using this more for ambience than for heating, so we would rather have it look more realistic. We will get glass doors on the fireplace to hopefully block any drafts from coming into the room through the open flue!

"I suppose that like everything else in construction, it depends on local code."

It is more than highly unlikely that a local code would tell you that it is OK to disregard the "UL listing" and installation instructions of a gas appliance.

The only way the damper is not required to be blocked open permanently, or even completely removed in some jurisdictions, is if the log set is actually LISTED as "Ventless" AND the jurisdiction actually still allowed ventless fireplaces... most in cooler climates do not.

This is a beautiful room! My home is over 100 years old with original wood burning fireplace. We converted ours to gas years ago and are very pleased. We open our flue only when we use the fireplace. If you are not comfortable with what the contractor is saying I recommend engaging a talented local architect. They can help this situation easily! Good luck to you with your project!

An architect stamp can not magically make the Listing and Labeling requirements or building codes go away. To suggest that one should ignore the codes because you got away with an unpermitted installation is irresponsible.

http://blog.swedesweep.com/fireplace/fireplace-damper-clamps/

For those folks in similar situations the problem with gas inserts is that most manufacturers only make about 3 sizes of inserts - small medium and large. Since an insert has to fit various sized fireplaces they are generally short in height and don't adequately fill the opening hence the outer surround panels to cover out to the existing surface. The largest inserts rarely exceed 24" tall so in a 42" x 42" opening as shown in the sketch above, the gas unit does not fill the opening,and has way too much black surround. Valor Gas Fireplaces makes 4 Insert specific units, but their 7 zero clearance fireplaces can also be used as Inserts if the fireplace is large enough. If your F.P. opening is about 53" W x 54" H you can fit a 50" Linear inside. This means that Valor has 11 inserts, more than any other manufacturer. A Valor H6 fireplace is 42-1/4" w x 34-1/2" H which would fit if you have more than 42" If anyone needs more information contact me. Here is the Valor website for more information www.valorfireplaces.com