How We Converted a Dangerous Vent-Free Gas Fireplace to a Safe, Stylish Electric Fireplace in Phoenix, AZ
I recently worked with a Phoenix couple who were getting ready to sell their home. They had a vent-free gas fireplace installed years ago by a handyman. It looked okay at first glance, but behind the scenes, it was a fire hazard waiting to happen. What they needed was an electric fireplace conversion!
They had only used the fireplace about ten times. Why? Because the drywall above it got dangerously hot every time they turned it on. They were afraid it might ignite. By the time they contacted us at The Fire Place by Magic Touch, the unit wouldn’t even light anymore.
Here’s how we helped them turn a potential deal-breaker into a beautiful selling feature using the Modern Flames Redstone electric fireplace — for an electric fireplace conversion that checked every box: safe, stylish, and surprisingly affordable.
A Dangerous Install Hiding in Plain Sight
When our technician arrived at their Phoenix home, he saw the issue immediately. The clearances above the vent-free gas fireplace were way off.
The handyman had built a wall cavity above the fireplace, but it didn’t follow the manufacturer’s specs. The minimum clearance from the top of the fireplace to the top of the shelf cavity was short by more than two and a half feet. That’s a serious safety issue.
The trapped heat had nowhere to go — no venting, no airflow. So it radiated into the wall. And the wall was made of combustible drywall. Not good.
The Fire Hazard: What Went Wrong
Here’s what we explained to the homeowners:
- The installation didn’t meet safety clearances.
- There was no venting or airflow for heat to escape.
- The gas fireplace was essentially sealed in a box.
- The heat caused the wall above to reach unsafe temperatures.
It was no surprise the fireplace stopped working — and a miracle nothing worse happened.
Exploring the Fireplace Replacement Options
We gave the couple three realistic options:
- Remove the fireplace and drywall over the opening.
- Quick and inexpensive
- But would leave them without a fireplace
- Rebuild the wall and reinstall a compliant gas unit.
- Safe and attractive
- But required significant remodeling
- Remove the gas unit and complete an electric fireplace conversion.
- Fast, affordable, and modern
- Safe, stylish, and appealing to buyers
They chose Option 3, and I believe it was the perfect call.
Why an Electric Fireplace Conversion Made Sense for This Home
Electric fireplaces are the fastest-growing part of our business, and this project is a great example of why.
- No venting needed — great for walls or spaces without gas access
- Easier to install — especially when working with a rough or unsafe setup
- Stylish and modern — with multiple sizes and looks available
- Safe for resale — no carbon monoxide or clearance concerns
We helped them choose the Modern Flames Redstone — the traditional-style electric fireplace we often recommend in these scenarios.
👉 Want to learn more about this model? Check out our full Modern Flames Redstone review here.
Why They Chose the Modern Flames Redstone
This couple had an oddly narrow linear fireplace before. It didn’t suit the space or look right in the framing. They wanted something that looked more traditional and balanced.
They chose the 54-inch Modern Flames Redstone — the largest size in that series — for two big reasons:
- “Bang for the buck” value — it looks high-end but doesn’t break the bank
- Proportion — it fit the space beautifully and looked intentional, not like a retrofit
We didn’t record the install, but we did capture before and after photos and progress shots. I walk you through all of them in the video below.
🎥 Watch the full story on YouTube:
👉 https://youtu.be/jtnV8EJKIII?si=mBbzt61od33zBeVb
🔥 Benefits of an Electric Fireplace Conversion
If you’re considering replacing your old gas or wood fireplace, here’s why electric might be a great option:
- ✅ No venting required
- ✅ Safe for any wall — even under TVs
- ✅ Flexible heat options (or no heat at all)
- ✅ Clean, simple install with minimal remodeling
- ✅ Modern design with traditional or linear styles
- ✅ Attractive to homebuyers
- ✅ Energy efficient and low maintenance
Want more ideas? See our guide on converting a gas fireplace to electric and our Top 10 Modern Flames Electric Fireplaces.
Our Fireplace Design Center in Mesa, AZ
We helped this couple pick the right unit during an in-home consultation, but you’re also welcome to visit our showroom in Mesa.
We have 16+ electric fireplaces on display (and counting), including styles from Modern Flames, Dimplex, Napoleon, and more. Every unit is functional and installed into real build-outs, so you can see them the way they’d look in your home.
Tours are by appointment only, and we offer full turn-key installation with our own in-house team — no subcontractors.
Thinking of Replacing Your Fireplace?
If you live in Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, or anywhere in the Phoenix metro area, we’d love to help.
Whether you’re dealing with an outdated gas fireplace, a fire hazard like this one, or just want to upgrade to something modern and low-maintenance, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.
📞 Schedule a Fireplace Consultation in the Phoenix Area
Call us today at (480) 500-6778 to schedule your private design center tour or in-home consultation.
Or book online in just a few clicks at TheFirePlaceAZ.com
👉 Watch the full YouTube video here:
https://youtu.be/jtnV8EJKIII?si=mBbzt61od33zBeVb