The Contractor's 5-Step Checklist for Specifying a Napoleon Electric Fireplace (Without Getting Burned by Hidden Costs)

Who This Checklist Is For

If you're a builder, contractor, or interior designer specifying fireplaces for a 12-unit townhouse project or a multi-room commercial buildout, this is for you. Specifically, if you've been told to "find a good electric fireplace" but the budget is tight and the client wants it to look like a real Napoleon.

This is a 5-step checklist. Follow it in order. Skip a step, and you might end up with a $2,500 unit that costs you $600 extra to install and a call back in month 8 because the remote stopped pairing.

I've managed procurement for residential and light commercial projects for over 6 years. I track every invoice. I've compared Napoleon's lineup against a dozen alternatives. This checklist is what I wish I'd had on my first multi-unit spec.

Step 1: Get the Model Number Right (Don't Trust the Brochure)

Napoleon makes a ton of electric fireplace models: the Allure, the Vector, the Linear, and others within the Napoleon fireplace electric category. The brochure will show a photo that looks exactly like what you need. But the spec sheet will tell a different story.

What to do: Request the exact model number and cross-reference it on Napoleon's official site (napoleon.com) or your distributor's portal. Look for three things:

• BTU output – Electric units are rated differently than gas. Don't assume. Some units are purely decorative (no heat).
• Recess depth – This is the killer. A unit that looks "ultra-slim" might require a 6-inch recess, which means framing changes.
• Trim options – Standard vs. premium trims can add $150–$300 to the unit cost, and they're often non-negotiable after order.

My experience: In Q2 last year, I spec'd what I thought was a Napoleon Linear 60 for a 4-unit duplex. Turns out the brochure I was handed was for the previous generation. The new model required a different depth. We had to re-frame one niche. That cost us $320 in labor and a week of schedule delay. So glad I caught it before all four were roughed in.

Step 2: Calculate the Total Installed Cost (Not Just the Box Price)

This is where most people get burned. A Napoleon Allure 42 might list for $1,800 at your distributor. But the "installed" cost is a different number. Let me walk you through how I do this.

My TCO breakdown for a typical Napoleon electric fireplace:

1. Unit cost – $1,800 (negotiated, volume pricing for 6+ units)
2. Shipping/freight – $85 per unit (standard ground, residential delivery fee)
3. Electrical work – $200–$350 per unit (dedicated circuit, permits, inspector)
4. Framing/modifications – $150–$400 per unit (depends on if you need to reframe the chase)
5. Trim/finishing – $100–$250 per unit (mantel, surround, paint)
6. Warranty & service contingency – I set aside 5% of unit cost for year 2–5 issues. On a $1,800 unit, that's $90.

Total estimated installed TCO: $2,425 to $2,925 per unit.

Compare that to a competitor's unit that's $1,400 list but requires a custom recess and a non-standard electrical hookup. You can see how the "cheap" option quickly exceeds the Napoleon in total cost.

"The $400 savings on the box turned into a $550 problem when we had to pay for an electrician's re-consult and special trim fabrication." – From my 2024 project notes on a 10-unit rental complex.

Step 3: Verify the Installation Clearances (The #1 Hidden Gotcha)

Most electric fireplaces are zero-clearance to combustibles. Most. Not all. And even within Napoleon's lineup, different models have different requirements.

Check these three clearances specifically:

• Side clearances – Some units require 3 inches on each side. Others are 0 inches. This affects how you frame the opening.
• Top clearance – This is critical for the air intake. If you put a shelf directly above the unit, you might block airflow. I've seen this cause overheating and shutoff.
• Bottom clearance – Floor-standing vs. wall-mounted. Some units need a 1-inch air gap at the bottom. If you're installing on a carpeted floor, that's a problem.

My rule: Get the installation manual (PDF) from the distributor before you place the order. Read the clearance section. If it says "maintain clearances as per local codes," ask for clarification. Don't assume.

I went back and forth between a Napoleon Allure and a Vector series for a 3-week period. The Allure had better aesthetics. But the Vector had 0-inch side clearances, which saved us 6 inches of framing width per unit. Over 8 units, that's 48 inches of saved space. The Vector won on TCO.

Step 4: Confirm the Warranty Terms (Especially the Labor vs. Parts Split)

Napoleon fireplaces typically carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the firebox and a shorter term (2–5 years) on electrical components like the heater, blower, and remote.

What you need to verify in writing:

• Is it parts + labor, or parts only? Many warranties cover replacement parts but not the labor to install them. For a built-in fireplace, replacing a blower motor might be a 2-hour service call at $150/hour.
• Is there a mileage/service fee? Some manufacturers charge a flat fee for on-site service if you're outside their dealer's service area. I've seen $100–$250 per visit.
• What voids the warranty? Typically: improper installation, use of non-Napoleon trims, or electrical work not done by a licensed electrician. Get your electrician's cert on file.

A frustrating lesson: After the third warranty call on a competitor's unit, I was ready to pull my hair out. The manufacturer covered the part. But I paid $480 in labor across two visits. That's 30% of the unit cost. With Napoleon, I now have a relationship with a local napoleon dealer scottsdale (or wherever the project is) who handles all warranty claims directly. Worth its weight in gold.

Step 5: Order the Correct Trim and Accessories Upfront

This sounds obvious, but it's the most common mistake I see in the field. You order the fireplace. It arrives. Then you realize the standard trim doesn't match the interior design. Or you forgot to specify the remote kit. Or the wall switch plate is not included.

Checklist for accessories:

• Trim size and color – Measure the finished opening width. Order the trim that covers the gap. Order it at the same time as the unit.
• Remote control or wall switch? Most Napoleon electrics come with a basic remote. If you want a thermostat or a smart home integration, you need to order the upgraded kit. That's an extra $50–$120.
• Log set vs. media – Napoleon offers both traditional log sets and contemporary media (crystals, glass pebbles). The media often needs to be ordered separately. Don't forget it.
• Framing kit – Some models require a separate metal framing kit to meet code. Verify at purchase.

Pro tip: If you're specifying for a model home or a sales center, order two units: one for the model (with all premium trims and accessories) and one for the actual build (with standard trim). It saves the headache of downgrading later.

Final Thoughts (The 10% You Need to Watch Out For)

I've been burned by each of these steps at least once. The good news: once you have this checklist in your procurement system, it's repeatable. I built a simple cost calculator spreadsheet after getting burned on hidden fees twice. Now I run every new fireplace spec through it.

Two things I'd add as a caution:

• Don't assume electric is always cheaper than gas. In some markets, the electrical work for a 240V circuit (required for some larger units) is more expensive than running a gas line. Check both.
• Verify local rebates or energy credits. Some jurisdictions offer rebates for electric fireplaces over gas, especially in net-zero building zones. That can swing the TCO by 10–15%.

Prices as of March 2025. Always verify current pricing and specifications with your local Napoleon dealer or distributor.