Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Fireplace Solutions in Chicago & Milwaukee
Founded in 1992, American Heritage Fireplace has been a family-owned and operated leader in fireplace solutions for Chicago and the Greater Milwaukee Area. Our founder-owners, John Dunlevy and Jim Sako, expanded operations to Chicago in 1994 and continue to oversee daily operations, ensuring hands-on expertise. We provide comprehensive services from design and installation to maintenance, serving both residential and commercial clients. Our team of over 30 specialists, many with 20+ years of industry experience, delivers code-compliant installations and long-term support. With state-of-the-art facilities in Chicago (21,000 sq ft) and Milwaukee (6,500 sq ft), we combine technical training with curated products to meet diverse project needs.Our portfolio includes historical restorations, luxury residential projects, and partnerships with institutions like Northwestern University and the University of Notre Dame. Customer satisfaction drives our commitment to safety, innovation, and personalized service, as evidenced by our 4.5-star Google reviews. We maintain transparency through free estimates and after-hours appointments to accommodate client schedules. Our 400+ combined years of industry experience position us as a trusted authority in hearth solutions.
Services
Fireplace Installation
Gas Logs
Electric Fireplaces
Chimney Services
Custom Designs
Outdoor Fireplaces
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Gas Inserts
Hearth Products
Historical Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Owner-led since 1992 with hands-on expertise from founders John Dunlevy and Jim Sako
- 30+ specialists with 20+ years average industry experience
- Historical restoration expertise for heritage properties
- Partnerships with leading universities and luxury residential developers
- State-of-the-art facilities in Chicago and Milwaukee with free after-hours appointments
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Knowledgeable specialists
Attentive customer service
Seamless installations
Historical restoration expertise
Services
Fireplace Installation
We provide complete fireplace installation services for gas, wood-burning, and electric units. Our certified technicians ensure code-compliant installations with attention to safety and aesthetics. Clients receive personalized guidance through product selection and design customization.
Gas Logs
Our gas log solutions combine efficiency with realistic wood-burning aesthetics. We offer premium brands and handle complete installation, including venting systems and safety checks. Clients benefit from energy-efficient heating with minimal maintenance requirements.
Chimney Services
We provide comprehensive chimney maintenance including cleaning, inspections, and repairs. Our certified technicians identify potential safety hazards and ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance extends equipment lifespan and maintains warranty validity.
Historical Restoration
Specializing in heritage properties, we restore original fireplaces while maintaining historical integrity. Our team has completed projects for Frank Lloyd Wright homes and luxury estates. Services include period-accurate materials and code-compliant modernization.
Custom Designs
We create bespoke fireplace solutions tailored to architectural styles and client preferences. Services include 3D visualization, material selection, and integration with home automation systems. Our designers collaborate with homeowners and builders throughout the construction process.
People
John Dunlevy
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 30+ years in the hearth industry. Actively oversees operations and maintains technical expertise through ongoing training programs for staff.
Jim Sako
Co-Founder
Co-founder instrumental in expanding services to Chicago in 1994. Focuses on product curation and quality control for all installations.
Todd Verploegh
Hearth Specialist
Senior specialist with expertise in safety compliance and historical restoration. Recognized for client education and problem-solving complex installation challenges.
Henri Youlden
Hearth Specialist
Custom design expert known for attentive service and creative solutions. Guides clients through plaster and mortar selections for personalized fireplace builds.
Brian Gerard
Installation Specialist
Experienced installer praised for precision and client communication. Handles measurements, product selection, and on-site execution with weather-adaptive techniques.
Questions
What fireplace types do you install?
We install gas, wood-burning, electric, and outdoor fireplace solutions with customization options for residential and commercial properties.
Do you service historical fireplaces?
Yes, we specialize in historical restoration while maintaining original architectural integrity and modern safety standards.
How long does installation take?
Most installations complete within 1-3 days depending on project complexity and customization requirements.
Are maintenance services included?
We offer annual cleaning, inspections, and repair services to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide complimentary consultations and detailed project cost estimates with no obligation.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Chicago, Greater Milwaukee Area, and Waukesha County with showroom locations in both cities.
Reviews (7)
Tom Bednarz
Mar 25, 2022
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Great company and great employees. Just recently had a Regency direct vent installed by them and I love it! I also use them for all my maintenance and cleaning along with any service needs. I've always had nothing but positive experiences with them. Thanks guys!
Erik Papucci
Mar 20, 2022
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Professional, and amazing rates. This was my first fireplace purchase and they made the process so simple. Thank you guys, I'll definitely be recommending them to others.
Adrian Ziejewski
Mar 13, 2022
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I needed to get my fireplace done. It was in really bad condition. Saw these guys, talked to them, and 3 days later they were ready to start. I'm an annoying customer, I ask a lot of questions. They answered them normally, did a great job on my new fireplace. Definitely recommend!
Sharon Weiss
Mar 09, 2022
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Ricardo and his partner came out and fixed my fireplace which we have not had on in at least 15 years. They did a spectacular job and it's like brand new. They very gently suggested some things that we have to look into in upgrading our system for our needs. They were clean - they were pleasant - they were respectful and they did a sensational job. I don't know why I waited so long to get my fireplace in working order. I highly recommend their service. Great job guys
Nancy Graham
Feb 05, 2022
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I recently scheduled a cleaning for my fireplace and was very pleased with the service. The technician identified a potential issue with the firebox ceramic tiles and provided a couple solutions to consider on a future visit. Appreciated the good service + insights, will definitely recommend American Heritage
Cathy Dixon
Jan 28, 2022
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I have two gas fireplaces from American Heritage installed years ago. Miriam was very helpful when I was scheduling a repair call. She recommended I forward detail on the model before the repair call to avoid charges for a return call if they didn't have the part on the truck. Ray (repair technician) did a great job during a very busy time of year. He answered my questions and gave me some insights about problems I was having with a second fireplace. Super service and I learned about FP maintenance.
Brad Black
Dec 28, 2021
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American Heritage sent Christian over to service our fireplace gas logs. He was a very pleasant guy and quickly assessed and corrected our problem. The logs burn better than ever. There was a bit of confusion about the billing but Michal, who I believe is the service manager, was very understanding and we quickly resolved that as well. We will be using AHP again in the future for our fireplace and outdoor firepit needs.
