Having a gas fireplace in your home is a very energy-efficient way to heat it, and gas fireplace installation is usually much more straightforward than wood-burning ones. They’re an excellent retrofit for people who want a fireplace because they cost less to run, and they can be a nice apartment decor idea if you want to be able to control your room’s ambiance. Each style of gas fireplace comes designed to help save you in utility costs, functionality, and keep the operation simple. However, there is a slightly large price range for your gas fireplace installation.
For example, the average cost for gas fireplace installation starts at around $2,000 for an insert, but it can easily go upwards of $6,000. The costs will fluctuate depending on your location, the condition, and they type of gas fireplace model you pick out. If you want to install and vent a direct vent-style fireplace where you have an existing wood burning setup, expect to spend around $4,000. This doesn’t include the price to buy and install log lets, liners, and burners.
If you want a more high-end look, gas fireplace installation for stone to surround your built-in unit will cost around $7,000. This price includes the unit itself, inspections, and installation of cabinetry and the gas line. If you need more gas plumbing or ductwork, the gas fireplace installation costs can climb upwards of $10,000 from start to finish. If you have to remove an existing fireplace and you want your new fireplace somewhere else, you’ll pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for this project.
Since there are so many variables that go into determining your gas fireplace installation, we want to outline them for you so you can get a better idea of what your own gas fireplace installation will cost. In turn, you can use this guide to decide if this is a project you can afford to take on right now or if you should save a little more before tackling it.
A gas fireplace can easily boost your home’s value while adding a nice feel to a room. You can mix and match to make your fireplace stand out or blend into your existing decor, and they’re more cost-effective than wood burning options. Park City by Apuch / CC BY-SA 2.0
Picking Out a Type of Gas Fireplace
Arguably one of the biggest factors that influences your gas fireplace installation costs is the type of fireplace you want. Gas fireplaces come designed to help you save money on your heating bill, but they also come designed for affordability and ambiance.
If you want to replace an existing setup or install a whole new one, you have to pick out a type. The most common types include gas logs, gas inserts, or a built-in gas fireplace. The technology and size will influence the unit’s cost. Keep in mind that the following price estimates are for the unit only, and you’ll pay more for gas fireplace installation.
Built-In Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces come with an insert and one main difference. These types of fireplaces don’t need an existing chimney or fireplace to work, so a built-in model is a great option for homes that were built without a fireplace included.
These types of fireplaces have a higher BTU rating than the other styles, and this is the measure of your heat output. In turn, this reduces your energy costs while keeping your room warm. This type of fireplace will increase your gas fireplace installation costs by $1,000 to $4,000 for the unit alone.
Gas Fireplace Insert
If you already have a wood burning fireplace, it’s relatively easy to convert it to a gas model by installing a gas fireplace insert. The insert has two boxes with a space between them. The air gets heated up before getting released from the firebox out into your room.
The unit goes straight into your existing fireplace, and it uses the original chimney just like your wood burning fireplace does. This is a more cost-effective option than some on the list because of this feature. It costs less to operate over time and they use less gas. Not including the gas fireplace installation costs, you can budget for $600 to $900 for this setup.
Gas Log Fireplace
This type of fireplace uses realistic ceramic logs, and it sits inside an existing fireplace. This is the most cost-effective and budget-friendly option available, and there are two venting options you can choose from that use a gas burning to heat the ceramic logs. Vented gas logs work like traditional wood burning fireplaces, and it’ll direct the heat through an existing chimney.
There are also vent-free gas logs that emit lower heat to your room without needing a chimney or flue. Consider if you want to simply enjoy the ambiance a fireplace brings or if you want it to heat the room. The cost for this system minus the gas fireplace installation ranges from $500 to $900.
How Surround Material Impacts Cost
The material that surrounds your fireplace will add a distinct look to it, and the most common materials are brick, stone, or tile. They offer a rustic, contemporary, or modern character to your design aesthetic. How these materials increase your gas fireplace installation costs depends on the unit’s design and the size. The cost will also vary depending if you have authentic materials or decorative veneers.
Brick
Not only is brick a great garden edging material, but it is a traditional favorite to surround your gas fireplace with. It’s easy to work with, very durable, and it has a high resistance to extreme temperature changes. If you want to have a contemporary look, brick is a good pick because it has a higher level of durability. Brick will add between $10.00 and $30.00 a square foot to your gas fireplace installation cost if you use it as your surrounding material.
Stone
Using natural stone as your fireplace surround can add color, texture, and depth to the design. Earth tones that are very popular include travertine, flagstone, slate, or limestone. Travertine mimics the look of marble. Some natural stone is very resistant to chips, scratches, or cracking, but others will require you to seal them to prevent damage.
Cleaning is one issue to consider because the cracks between the stone collect dust and dirt while making it hard to remove it. Per square foot, you can expect to pay between $60.00 and $100 for stone, and this can really increase your fireplace installation costs as it doesn’t include installation in the price estimate.
Tile
You can easily tile a floor in your home for a chic look, but you can also choose to have tile around your fireplace. It’s a more budget-friendly choice that allows you to create customized patterns or have clean lines, and it comes in a broad range of patterns, colors, textures, and styles that allows you to match your design aesthetic.
It’s also very easy to clean, and this makes it appealing. Tile is fire-safe, but it can be a more expensive option depending on which brand, material, and pattern you choose. Tile can add to your gas fireplace installation costs by $5.00 to $15.00 per square foot.
Tile adds to your gas fireplace installation process and cost because it can take longer and the material costs can be higher. However, it creates a classic and chic look that is prefect for more contemporary homes. Cozy Bath Fireplace by Vicon Eco Systems Global Construction Tomorrow’s Nano Technonolgy Today / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Pricing for Direct Vent or Ventless Fireplace Styles
You can choose from direct vent or ventless ventilation options for your fireplace. Direct ventilation uses a venting system like duct tubes and the chimney to draw in fresh air before heating it up and sending it back out into the room. Ventless options draw air in from your room, heat it up, and send it back out. The location, home’s environment, and the model will all impact your gas fireplace installation price for these venting styles.
Direct Vent
You should put any direct vent fireplace on the outside wall of your home so that the chimney or pipe can release your gas byproducts without increasing the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning while drawing fresh air in at the same time. This type of fireplace does put restrictions on where you can place it because it makes your gas fireplace installation more difficult with the venting system.
If we don’t include gas line charges or installation costs, the unit itself starts at $1,200 for a gas firebox insert. The price rises to $3,400 for a built-in gas firebox, and then you want to add your actual gas fireplace installation costs in on top of that.
Ventless
You can easily install this model anywhere as it doesn’t need vents. Also, these types of fireplaces can produce more heat, but it also lowers the amount of oxygen in the direct space. This means it’s a higher risk and it can limit how long your fireplace lasts. Not including finish work or installation, the cost for this type of fireplace varies from $600 to $1,600.
Gas Fireplace Installation Costs
Your gas fireplace installation costs will range from $2,000 to $10,000. Labor and material costs related to your existing conditions, gas fireplace type, and your design will cause it to fluctuate. For example, you’ll have to secure the gas line to the fireplace, and this requires either running a new gas line or extending your current one. This can cost between $10.00 and $20.00 a linear foot. The finish work like tiles, masonry, or painting can easily add $3,500 to $7,500, depending on the site preparation, brands, and material you choose.
Your labor costs may be higher because you want to hire a certified professional installer because electrical and piping permits for gas fireplace installation is required by law in some locations. Also, you don’t want to take any chances with your gas lines.
Average Gas Fireplace Insert Installation Cost
If you want to install a gas fireplace insert unit with your existing duct system and chimney and they’re both in good condition, your gas fireplace installation costs start at $500 and to up to $3,500. You’ll have to arrange to have the chimney cleaned before the project starts, and this averages around $200.
Materials and labor, plus specific gas tubing, new caps, and liner inserts start at $300 and go up to $1,800. Modifying your gas line or installing a new one has to meet regulation and building code, so this can cost between $200 to $1,200 for the line and inspections.
Gas Log Fireplace Installation Cost
Installing gas logs on a vent-free or vented unit will cost between $200 and $1,000. The model and size will dictate the price. You can control the BTUs with an electrical switch, and this will add between $250 and $500 to your gas fireplace installation costs. Installing a log lighter, gas valve, and the key to switch your gas on an off costs around $250. Ventilation is another critical component, and the costs will run between $400 and $2,000, based on your model and location.
Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Installation Cost
For gas fireplace installation for a direct vent model, you’ll pay between $500 and $5,000. If you have to replace or repair your chimney, you’ll add between $400 and $6,000. Repairing or modifying your ductwork to fit the new addition range from $500 to $1,500.
You’ll need great ventilation with this model because it allows for any byproducts or toxins to get release safely from your home. If you have an existing duct system or chimney in good condition, contractors can fully install and get your fireplace working within 48 to 72 hours.
Ventless Gas Fireplace Installation Costs
Your gas fireplace installation costs for a ventless fireplace model that goes either into the wall or mounts to the wall will cost between $200 and $1,000. You will still need good ventilation for this model even though it’s ventless because it carries potentially harmful fumes and smoke away from the area. You’ll pay between $1,000 and $3,500 for structural modifications, permits, and gas or propane line installation. You can usually have them installed in less than 48 hours without a lot of modifications.
A gas fireplace is a nice option if you don’t have room for a traditional fireplace. They’re more cost-effective, and you can tailor them to suit your needs, space, and design. Fireplace by drpavloff / CC BY-NC 2.0
Cost to Convert Your Fireplace to Gas
The type of fireplace conversion you want and any existing conditions will all play a role in your gas fireplace installation costs for converting from a wood burning unit to a gas one. Vent-free gas log fireplaces, vented gas logs, and gas inserts all work very well for conversions. If you don’t include the actual cost of the fireplace unit, a gas insert setup will range between $2,000 and $5,000 while a gas log setup will range from $200 to $2,000.
All of your conversion costs will depend on how accessible your gas line is from the location. It also depends on whether or not your existing setup can safely support a gas-burning model. If you don’t have gas lines in place already, you’ll have to hire a certified professional to perform the installation, further driving up your gas fireplace installation costs.
Almost every conversion requires that you already have a wood burning fireplace. You may have to extend your gas lines to the location, and this is between $10.00 and $20.00 a linear foot. You’ll have to have the chimney cleaned and inspected to make sure it’s fully functional. The inspector will tell you whether or not the fireplace is suitable for the conversion. The average cost for a level-1 inspection is around $175 for one flue. If you have two flues, expect to pay for a level-2 inspection at $450.
Cost to Maintain Your Gas Fireplace
The good news is that there are significantly lower maintenance costs associated with gas fireplaces than there are with wood burning units. However, they still require routine maintenance to stay in top form. You’ll want to perform an annual chimney inspection that ranges between $85.00 and $5,000.
There are three inspection levels that’ll dictate your costs. The chimney design, size, number of flues, and damage determines what level your inspection is, so it determines your costs. Some homes can have up to four flues on the same chimney, even though one flue goes to each appliance like a wood stove, fireplace, or HVAC system.
Inspections are critical to your home’s safety, and inspectors will check for any damage to the firebox while making sure your venting system works correctly. Uncleaned chimneys and broken dampers can block the chimney’s ability to get rid of heat, soot, or smoke, and this creates a dangerous and unhealthy environment for you in your home.
Cost to Repair Your Gas Fireplace
There are several repair cost variables to be aware of, including the level of repair needed to keep your fireplace capable of heating the room and safe. Your repair costs can range from $100 to $2,000. The average cost starts at around $200 and goes up to $1,000. A minor repair to your gas line usually costs under $100, and it’s usually a pilot light that has problems.
If you have to replace a damaged wire or gas line, your repairs can easily skyrocket up to the $2,000 range. There are other minor repair costs to consider as well, like cracks, filing in worm mortar, or holes that you can patch as a temporary fix to help hazardous emissions from escaping when it runs.
If your gas fireplace isn’t running as it should, it’s a good idea to schedule a repair. This will ensure that everything is in top-shape when you want to use it. Gas Fireplace by David / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Natural Gas Versus Propane
Your gas fireplace installation cost will also depend on what you choose to power it by. You’ll make the choice between natural gas and propane for fuel, and the prices will depend on the availability in your local area and your preferences.
Natural Gas
If you pick a natural gas fireplace, you’ll get your fuel through local utility companies and a gas line. Natural gas has a high efficiency when you want to heat an entire house than you’d get with propane. Natural gas is a clean energy alternative that produces fewer emissions when it burns. However, it has a slightly more restricted availability.
If you want to use natural gas, you’ll pay between $400 and $3,000. You will have to contact local companies in your area and see if they offer it to you. If they don’t, you may have no choice but to go with propane for your fireplace’s fuel source.
Propane
People who choose propane like that give them ease of access to a large fuel supply on their property all of the time. It’s not uncommon to have a propane tank on-site with this setup. If you live in a rural area with limited fuel options, many companies offer residential service plans to meet your needs.
Propane does have an advantage over natural gas regarding how efficient it is, but gas fireplaces that run on propane also have a higher cost associated with them. You’ll pay between $500 and $4,000 for this setup, and it doesn’t include your fireplace installation costs or fuel conversions.
Prices to Improve Your Gas Fireplace
There are a few things you can do to improve your gas fireplace, but you want to factor it into your original gas fireplace installation costs because they can get expensive very quickly. We’ve picked out the most common options below.
Blower
A blower can help increase your fireplace’s heat output. Heat can dissipate unevenly, and this allows for cool spots in the room. It can increase your fireplace’s energy efficiency because it will help distribute more warmth and heat into your room without any cold spots. The performance quality and size can cause the price to fluctuate between $30.00 and $1,500.
Flex Pipe
This pipe allows you to supply natural gas to your fireplace. Flex pipes also help you manage the fireplace’s heat exhaust exit to the vent system or chimney. It works in small areas, and the pipe is very lightweight. It comes designed to prevent leaks and allow you to build with accessible connection features. Depending on the purpose, length, and size, the cost ranges from $100 to $1,500.
Chimney Installation
Some gas fireplace installation requires you to have venting in place. You can choose prefabricated factory chimneys with a customized or traditional exterior look and efficiency rating. If you need to install a chimney, expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000. This includes the masonry required to build a 30-foot structure.
Glass Door
Having a door on your fireplace can prevent sparks and embers from escaping, and this can be a safety hazard if they do because they can easily injure someone or ignite nearby objects. When you close a door, it also helps to keep the drafts out. The door frames are usually aluminum or steel, and you can polish or paint them. You can get tinted or clear glass or bi-fold and double-paned designs for $200 to $2,000.
Mantel
Finally, we have the mantel, and this allows you to create a focal point of your fireplace once you get through with the fireplace installation. Mantels are very decorative improvements that can increase your home’s value. A functional mantle will range from $200 to $3,000. The craftsman’s detailing, material, finish, and floor-to-ceiling design will influence the price. For a unique design with a non-standard size, your mantle can cost upwards of $10,000.
Where to Find Gas Fireplace Installation Experts Near You
You don’t want to attempt this project on your own, so it’s best to get quotes from two or three local gas fireplace installation experts. You can use this resource to give yourself a solid starting point:
Frequently Asked Questions
Asking the right questions will ensure that you get a good understanding of the gas fireplace installation process while being able to budget correctly for it. Hot, Hot, Hot!!! By ☼☼Jo Zimny Photos☼☼ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
When you start calling around about your gas fireplace installation, it’s important that you have a list of questions you ask the companies to ensure you get the same price points. The most frequently asked questions about gas fireplace installation include:
1. Is it possible to install a gas fireplace on an interior wall?
It’s possible for you to want your gas fireplace installation to take place on an interior wall. As long as the rooms size cna give the fireplace the amount of air it needs, you shouldn’t have a problem with this location.
2. Do you have to clean a gas fireplace?
Although they require less cleaning overall, you still want to schedule annual cleaning sessions for your gas fireplace. This will help remove any residue or soot buildup that could be a hazard or prevent your fireplace from working correctly.
3. Do you have to have glass doors on your fireplace?
No but they’re highly recommended. Gas fireplaces that have glass on the front can convert heat for your room more efficiently. They also remove any residue emissions through a vent pipe, and this stops it from releasing into the room. Glass also prevents drafts.
Bottom Line
Your gas fireplace installation process will have several factors that come into play when you try to budget for it. We outlined the biggest ones for you, and you can take this guide and see which ones apply to your situation. Chances are, you’ll be able to get a rough estimate for this project that you can build a budget around and get the gas fireplace you want to boost your home’s value.
