The Energy House tops 100,000 fireplace installations after 45+ years

The Bay Area retailer and installer says it has completed more than 100,000 fireplace installations since 1979, as it marks over 45 years in business. The milestone underscores the shift from wood-burning fireplaces to gas and electric models and the company’s move deeper into outdoor living products.

Why it matters: - The Energy House’s 100,000-installation milestone signals the scale of long-term demand for fireplace and outdoor living upgrades across the Bay Area. - The company’s growth also reflects a broader shift in California toward higher-efficiency gas inserts, electric fireplaces, and other energy-conscious home products. - The expansion into pergolas, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and heaters shows how fireplace retailers are broadening into full backyard-living businesses.

What happened: - The Energy House said it has surpassed 100,000 fireplace installations since opening in 1979. - The Bay Area retailer is marking more than 45 years of continuous operation. - The company operates showrooms and warehouses in San Carlos, Gilroy, and Campbell. - The business serves homeowners, contractors, and commercial clients across the greater Bay Area. - The Energy House said it now carries products from more than a dozen manufacturers, including DaVinci, Heat & Glo, Lopi, Montigo, Ortal, and Isokern.

The details: - The company started as a single showroom and grew into a three-location operation. - Product categories include gas, electric, wood, and pellet fireplaces, plus inserts, freestanding stoves, and outdoor living products. - Outdoor offerings include fire pits, outdoor kitchens, heaters, and custom pergolas. - The pergola lineup includes bioclimatic and louvered-roof aluminum pergolas, insulated solid-roof systems with integrated drainage, and pergola-style carports. - Ryan Karcich, vice president of operations, said the company has kept its in-person consultation model since 1979. - Karcich said many customers return for multiple installations across different homes over the years. - The Energy House said changing building codes, energy-efficiency priorities, and homeowner preferences have pushed demand away from wood-burning fireplaces. - The company said it has expanded its electric and EPA-certified wood-burning insert offerings in recent years. - The Energy House said its pergola business is designed for year-round use and Northern California weather conditions. - The company lists additional manufacturers including American Fyre Designs, Dimplex, and others. - More information is available at the company’s website. - The company also provided social media links for Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Between the lines: - The installation total suggests repeat business and word-of-mouth remain central to the company’s growth. - The product mix points to a retailer adapting to a market where fireplaces are increasingly tied to efficiency, design, and outdoor entertaining. - The showroom-first model stands out in a category that often shifts toward online shopping and remote purchasing.

What’s next: - The Energy House said it plans to keep expanding its outdoor living and energy-efficient product lines. - The company also plans to maintain its in-person, showroom-based consultation model. - The retailer’s next phase appears focused on pairing fireplace sales with broader backyard and home-lifestyle offerings.

The bottom line: - After 45+ years, The Energy House is using its fireplace base to grow into a broader Bay Area outdoor living brand.