Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from Southwest Montana homeowners — about fireplaces, stoves, installation, and service.
90+
Years in Service
35+
Units on Display
2
Locations
In-House
Installers & Technicians
Getting Started
Shopping at Perry's — what to expect, where we are, and what we carry.
What's the difference between a fireplace, a stove, and an insert?
Think of it this way: a fireplace is built into the wall, a stove is freestanding (usually on a hearth pad), and an insert slides into an existing open fireplace to make it more efficient. Any of the three can run on gas, wood, or pellet. Not sure which makes sense for your space? Stop by our Butte showroom to see all three types burning live.
Do you have locations in both Butte and Helena?
Yes — our showroom is at 712 S. Arizona Avenue in Butte, and we have a secondary office at 2330 N. Cooke Street in Helena. We serve a roughly 100-mile radius from each location across Southwest Montana.
Can I see fireplaces and stoves in person before I buy?
Absolutely. Our Butte showroom has over 35 fireplaces and stoves on display — many of them burning live so you can see and feel the heat output before you commit. Stop by Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM.
Do you service areas outside Butte and Helena?
Yes — we serve 10 counties across a 100-mile radius of our two locations: Silver Bow, Lewis & Clark, Deer Lodge, Jefferson, Madison, Gallatin, Broadwater, Beaverhead, Powell, and Meagher counties. See our full service area map for details.
Fuel Types & Efficiency
Choosing between gas, wood, pellet, and electric — and how they perform in Montana winters.
Which fuel type is best — gas, wood, pellet, or electric?
It depends on your priorities. Gas is the most convenient (flip a switch). Wood gives you the richest ambiance and keeps working in a power outage. Pellet is clean-burning and easy to operate. Electric is the simplest to install (no venting needed). On a free in-home visit, we'll walk you through which makes sense for your home, budget, and lifestyle.
What happens to my fireplace or stove during a power outage?
That depends on your fuel type. Wood stoves and pellet stoves with a battery backup will keep your home warm without electricity. Gas fireplaces with a standing pilot will also continue to operate. We'll help you choose the right system for your situation — reliable heat when the grid goes down is one of the biggest reasons Montana homeowners invest in a stove or fireplace.
Do I need a gas line for a gas fireplace?
Yes — gas fireplaces and stoves require a gas line (natural gas or propane). If you don't have one run to the location, we can coordinate that as part of your installation. If a gas line isn't practical for your home, we'd point you toward wood, pellet, or electric options.
How efficient are modern wood stoves?
Much more efficient than older models. Today's EPA-certified wood stoves burn 60-80% of the fuel's energy (compared to 15-20% for a traditional open fireplace), use less wood, and produce almost no visible smoke. If you're still using an open fireplace, replacing it with a modern wood insert is one of the biggest upgrades you can make.
Pricing & Estimates
What it costs, how we quote, and how our free in-home visit works.
How much does a fireplace or stove installation cost?
Most fireplace and stove installations in Southwest Montana run between $4,500 and $9,000 — depending on the unit, fuel type, venting requirements, and finish work. We offer free in-home visits to give you an accurate estimate for your specific project. The best way to get started is to get an instant estimate on our website.
Is the in-home visit really free?
Yes — no catch. Our team will come to your home, measure the space, review venting options, and give you a clear written quote. No charge, no pressure to buy.
Installation & Service
From the first visit to the final inspection — how we get the job done.
Do you use subcontractors for installations?
No. Our installers and service technicians are all in-house employees. We don't subcontract our work and we don't cut corners. Every installation is done by our own trained team.
How long does a typical installation take?
Most gas and electric installations are one-day jobs. Wood stove installations (especially with new chimney work) typically take 1-3 days. A complete new construction fireplace install can take longer and depends on the stage of the build. We'll give you a specific timeline when we quote your project.
Do you handle the permits and inspections?
Yes — we pull all required permits and coordinate the final safety inspection as part of every installation. You don't need to chase paperwork or call the county; we handle it.
Maintenance & Safety
Keeping your hearth running safely through the seasons.
How often should I have my chimney swept?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends a chimney sweep and inspection at least once a year, ideally before burning season. Heavy wood-burners may need more frequent service. If you notice smoke backing up, unusual odors, or heavy creosote buildup, schedule a service call right away.
What are warning signs my fireplace or stove needs service?
Smoke backing into the room, a pilot light that won't stay lit, unusual odors when in use, visible cracks in the firebox or flue, or difficulty starting a fire are all signals to have a tech come look. Don't wait — small issues become big (and expensive) if ignored.
Ready for Reliable Heat?
Get expert guidance from a family that's been keeping Southwest Montana warm since 1934.