Gas Fireplace Costs at a Glance

• Typical range with installation: $400-$4,000
• High end: $2,300-$10,000
• Gas-line extension: $10-$20 per linear foot
• Additional cost for tiles, paint, masonry work: $3,500-$7,500
• Wood-to-vented fireplace conversion: $200-$1,000
• Electrical connection added to fireplace: $200-$500
• Installation of gas logs: $250-$300
• Upgraded ventilation: $400-$2,000
• Ventless inserts: $2,000-$3,500 plus $200-$1,000 for installation
• Propane line installed/structural modifications to house: $1,000-$3,500
• Hourly rate for gas-fireplace installation: $90-$200
• Wood-burning fireplace: $1,500-$30,000; $800-$3,500 for installation
• Brick fireplace: $8,500-$22,000
• Wood-stove installation: $1,200-$4,500
• Electric fireplace: $750-$2,500 (including installation)
• Direct-vent fireplace: $1,200-$3,400; $500-$5,000 for installation
• Gas fireplace insert: $1,200; $500-$3,500 for installation, plus $200 for chimney cleaning

When winter arrives and the mercury dips, your home can go from where you chill to where you’re chilled in a matter of hours. While it's relaxing to get cozy in the ambient warmth of a wood-burning fireplace, traditional fireplaces can be difficult to maintain, which is why many homeowners opt for a gas fireplace instead.

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The installation process for a gas fireplace is simple and straightforward, removing much of the hassle that comes with swapping out a wood-burning one. Trying to make the ideal choice for your home? Read on for everything you should know about the cost of installing a gas fireplace.

Cost to Install Gas Fireplace

Once you’ve purchased your preferred gas fireplace, you'll still have to consider the cost of installation. The three primary categories of gas fireplaces include gas-log fireplaces, insert fireplaces and built-in fireplaces.

Most units fall between $400 and $4,000 when including basic installation prices — though costs can run much higher. Depending on the type of fireplace you choose, the total cost of installation can reach anywhere from $2,300-$10,000 at the high end. While nothing to sneeze at, installation costs for gas-burning units are typically much lower than the cost of installing a wood-burning one. Along with materials, these cost estimates take labor — typically the biggest expense of fireplace installation — into account.

The exact price you pay for installation can vary based on the design of the fireplace, current conditions in your home and the type of gas fireplace that you select. An example of how the price can differ for installation is when the gas line needs to be secured directly to the fireplace. If an extended gas line needs to be installed on the property, doing so can cost anywhere from $10-$20 per linear foot.

It's also wise to consider any changes you might like to make to the area surrounding the new gas fireplace. The placement of tiles, paint or masonry around the fireplace can add $3,500-$7,500 to the project, depending on site preparation and materials chosen.

Gas Fireplace Prices

The type of gas fireplace that you purchase will be the biggest factor in the total price you pay for the project. The main types of fireplaces generally available for homes include vented and ventless fireplaces. However, direct-vent and gas-insert options also exist. Before you make your decision on the type of fireplace, you should be aware of the costs associated with each type.

Vented Vs. Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Two distinct types of gas fireplaces include vented and ventless fireplaces. These options are priced differently due to the varied components they use. Vented fireplaces typically result from the conversion of an existing fireplace into a gas unit. If you currently have a wood fireplace in your home, it can be transformed into a vented gas unit by installing gas logs, which can cost around $200-$1,000. Once these logs are installed, the gases from the fire will travel up the chimney and out of the house.

The heat emitted from a vented fireplace can be controlled directly with an electrical switch, which means that you might want to have electricity connected to the fireplace. Doing so can cost $200-$500. Installation costs for gas logs can range from $250-$300. If the ventilation in your home isn't sufficient for this type of fireplace, it may need to be upgraded, which could cost you anywhere from $400-$2,000.

As for ventless fireplaces, these popular systems can be installed in practically any room of the home. Keep in mind that the heat produced from a ventless fireplace can also be higher when compared to a vented one. Because exterior venting isn't needed, all heat remains inside. A downside to a ventless fireplace is that the flame doesn't look as natural. To make sure the air inside remains clean and free from odors, it's recommended that you keep windows open while the fireplace is turned on.

Ventless inserts for a gas fireplace can cost you $2,000-$3,500 for the unit itself; installation can cost an additional $200-$1,000.

Keep in mind that good ventilation is still a necessity with a ventless insert. If propane lines need to be added or modifications need to be made to the structure of your home, you can expect to pay an additional $1,000-$3,500.

Total installation costs vary widely depending on the contractor you hire. Hourly rates for expert installation professionals can range from $90-$200.

Wood-Burning Vs. Electric Fireplaces

A wood-burning or electric fireplace are further options. A wood-burning fireplace offers the most natural flame but requires you to supply your own wood that must be gathered seasonally. For a wood-burning fireplace, you could pay anywhere from $1,500-$30,000. Complete installation costs can range from $800-$3,500. While wood-burning fireplaces don't require a gas line or electricity to operate, they tend to be the most expensive fireplaces you can purchase.

Even though wood-burning inserts can be purchased for a lower price, the cost of building and installing a brick fireplace might be anywhere from $8,500-$22,000. Wood-stove installation costs are $1,200-$4,500.

As for electric fireplaces, these are much more affordable, ranging in price from $200 to more than $800. These units can typically stand on their own, which means installation costs tend to be on the low end. These units are also cheaper to run and require very little maintenance. Total costs of purchasing and installing an electric fireplace are around $750-$2,500.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces

Another type of gas fireplace to consider is a direct-vent gas fireplace. The unit will be connected directly to a two-layer pipe, which is sent out to the exterior of your home. These pipes will draw in air while expelling gases at the same time.

Direct-vent fireplaces are widely considered the safest gas fireplaces available. Keep in mind that the design of a direct-vent fireplace means the unit must be installed along an exterior wall. A perk of this type of fireplace is that its appearance closely resembles that of a wood-burning fireplace.

You can expect to pay around $1,200-$3,400. Installation can vary widely depending on the extent of work that needs to be done, raning from $500-$5,000. It's also possible that your chimney would need to be repaired or replaced, which would cost another $400-$6,000. Repairs to the ducts throughout your home could cost an additional $500-$1,500.

Gas Fireplace Insert Cost

You might also choose a gas fireplace insert, which is a unique log-and-burner fireplace that can provide your home with an upscale and stylish appearance. It's possible to convert a wood-burning fireplace into a gas insert. This insert is composed of two boxes and a space that separates the boxes. The air between the two boxes is heated before being sent out through the home. Since an insert is placed directly into a fireplace that is already installed in your home and uses the same chimney, the cost of installing a gas fireplace insert is comparably low.

Purchasing a gas fireplace insert should cost you around $1,200. Having the unit installed can cost you around $500-$3,500. Your chimney will need to be cleaned before installation can begin, which costs another $200. Keep in mind that all of the work must adhere to building codes, which may require modifications to an existing gas line. Plan to pay an additional $200-$1,200 for extra expenses during the installation process of a gas fireplace insert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about gas fireplaces:

Is a Gas Fireplace Worth It?

Gas fireplaces are able to produce real flames, can heat your room quickly, are more energy-efficient than electric fireplaces and require very little maintenance. These units are also less expensive than wood-burning units and can increase the value of your home. While the up-front costs can be high, gas fireplaces are more than worth it for many homeowners.

Can You Add a Gas Fireplace to an Existing House?

As long as natural gas is available around your home or can be added with a gas line, it's possible to add a gas fireplace to an existing property. Ventless fireplaces are easiest to install in this manner.

Do You Need a Chimney for a Gas Fireplace?

If professionally installed, a gas fireplace doesn't necessarily require a chimney or flue to effectively redirect fumes and smoke, as long as your home is outfitted with proper ventilation.

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