Do You Service Fireplaces You Did Not Install?
La Crosse Fireplace Company operates a full-time service department staffed by qualified technicians, and we handle cleaning, inspection, and troubleshooting. Whether we can service a particular unit we did not install depends on the specifics of that unit, so the right first step is to contact us with some information about it and let our team determine the best path forward.
Why the answer is not automatic. Fireplaces and stoves are not interchangeable. Different manufacturers use different ignition systems, valves, control boards, and replacement parts, and some units are old enough or obscure enough that components are no longer available. A technician who arrives without the right parts or documentation cannot do much for you, so a short conversation up front saves everyone time.
What to have ready when you contact us. The more of this you can gather, the faster we can give you a useful answer:
The manufacturer and model number. This is usually on a rating plate or data label, often behind the lower louver, inside the access panel, on the back of the unit, or underneath the firebox. A photo of that plate is ideal. The fuel type, meaning gas, wood, pellet, or electric. Whether it is a built-in fireplace, a freestanding stove, or an insert in a masonry opening. Roughly how old the unit is, if you know. A photo of the fireplace from the front and, if accessible, of the controls. And a clear description of what is happening, including when it started and whether it is intermittent or constant.
Common situations we hear about. People who bought a home with an existing fireplace and no service history are probably the most frequent. Others have a unit installed years ago by a company that is no longer in business. Others have simply never had their fireplace serviced and want it looked at before the season starts. All of these are worth a call.
When replacement makes more sense than repair. Occasionally the honest answer is that a unit is beyond practical repair, whether because parts are unavailable, because the cost of the repair approaches the cost of a new unit, or because the venting system is no longer serviceable. If we reach that conclusion, we will tell you, and we can walk you through options such as an insert for the existing opening or a full replacement. We would rather give you a straight answer than sell you a repair that will not hold.
Timing. Service demand spikes sharply once the weather turns cold. Late summer and early fall are much easier times to get on the schedule, and it is a good habit to build.
To get started, request service online, contact us, or call 608-788-7200 with the details above.