Many homeowners enjoy cozying up by the fireplace on chilly winter nights, but find hauling the wood and waiting for it to catch fire taxing and time-consuming.
One of the simplest ways to resolve this issue is to install a gas fireplace insert.
We’ll discuss the cost of installing a gas fireplace insert, cover the benefits and potential drawbacks of such an investment to help you determine whether a fireplace insert is the best option for your property.
What Is a Gas Fireplace Insert?
This metal box fits over an existing fireplace and uses gas to produce warmth, and the heat enters the home through the firebox.
How Much Does A Gas Fireplace Insert Cost?
Since a professional can install an insert directly over an existing wood-burning fireplace, the project’s overall cost is relatively affordable.
Unlike other heating options, there’s no need to replace a faulty unit or install an entirely new system.
Homeowners can expect to pay approximately $1,180 for the gas fireplace insert itself, while labor costs typically range from $540 to $5,800, depending on the project’s complexity.
Before upgrading your fireplace, there are several things to consider. First, since the job involves handling gas lines, you’ll need to ensure the job complies with your area’s local building codes.
Additionally, the fireplace system should be checked to ensure all components are in good condition. Should some elements require repair, these charges will also affect installation costs.
While some assume these are unnecessary precautions, that’s far from the truth. Even if you haven’t been using the fireplace, the flue and the chimney could have problems with soot, small animals, and weather damage. You may have to pay an extra $180 to $1,950 to handle these complications.
Gas Fireplace Cost Break Down
Let’s look at a detailed cost breakdown of what goes into installing a gas fireplace insert.
| Gas Fireplace Insert Installation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Material | $550-$3,300 |
| Labor | $540-$1,400 |
| Permits | $80-$380 |
Material Prices
Gas inserts usually arrive with all the components you’ll need to complete the installation, including gas line connections.
If the job involves modifying the gas line in the home, you may need to purchase additional materials to convert the system to gas. Material costs range from $550 to $3,300.
Most homeowners pay around $1,850. Of course, adding a vent or a chimney raises the expenses further
Labor Costs
Most gas insert installation projects have labor costs between $540 and $1,400. At times, the charges may be as high as $5,800.
The job’s intricacy accounts for the price variations. For example, you’ll
spend between $280 and $580 on installing a prefab fireplace in an area that’s already prepped.
A project involving remedial work, adding a surround and new gas lines, may cost as much as $4,800.
Cost Of Permits
Depending on the kind and number of permits required to start the project, you may spend between $80 and $380.
Although some states have lenient regulations regarding gas fireplace inserts, many are much more strict, especially when the project involves working with gas lines. Talk to your fireplace installer or visit the local building code office for more information.
Factors That Increase The Cost Of A Gas Fireplace Insert
Several factors can affect the overall cost of installing the fireplace insert. Before committing to the project, you should consider the following aspects.
| Factors in Calculating Gas Fireplace Insert Cost | |
|---|---|
| Metal Fireplace Surround | Starts at $28 per Square Foot |
| Chimney | Approx. $11,000 |
| Vent | Approx. $2,800 |
| Mantel Shelf | $480-$1,150 |
| Fireplace Door | $550-$780 |
| Fireplace Blower | $90-$1,450 |
Installing A Fireplace Surround
If you want to install a surround for the fireplace, this investment significantly raises the final price tag. You can lower the costs by going for more affordable materials.
For example, a metal surround starts at roughly $28 per square foot, while a marble option costs around $150 per square foot on average.
Vents vs. Chimneys
A new chimney can cost as much as $11,000, while you’ll spend around $2,800 on constructing a venting system.
When it comes to labor, the expenses range between $480 and $3,800. This estimate varies depending on which contractor you work with and their experience level.
Keep in mind that a chimney isn’t always necessary for installing a gas fireplace insert. Most homeowners choose to add a vent-style chimney to create a cozy aesthetic.
Adding A Mantel Shelf
If you want to add a mantel shelf, you’ll spend between $480 and $1,150. Depending on the material and style you choose, the cost can increase by a few thousand dollars. The size and complexity of the project significantly impact pricing.
Installing A Fireplace Door
Most people spend between $550 and $780 on a fireplace door, but some models can be as expensive as $1,800.
Although simple, this element allows you to refresh the unit’s appearance without investing in a replacement. But fireplace doors are more than just design elements.
They help with heat regulation and ensure that hot air doesn’t escape through the vents or chimney when you’re not using the fireplace.
Pro Tip: If you already have a gas fireplace insert but want to spruce up its appearance, a stylish fireplace door is the way to go.
Fireplace Blower
Fireplace blowers help transfer hot air from the fireplace into other home areas. Depending on their size, efficiency, and performance, most models average between $90 and $1,450.
If you live in a residential area, you should expect to pay between $380 and $680 for a professional installation. Consider purchasing a blower if you suspect your fireplace is struggling to distribute heat.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Since installing a gas fireplace insert is a significant investment, homeowners should keep a few other things in mind.
Heating Costs
Households that use a gas system from October to March shouldn’t spend more than $480 on heating expenses per month.
If you were to switch to propane for the same period, your heating costs would be significantly higher, averaging around $1,150.
Although gas prices have risen recently, this method has remained the most budget-friendly heating option.
Maintenance Costs
Gas models are less susceptible to damage than wood and electric fireplaces and require less upkeep. But accidents happen, and homeowners should be prepared to tackle the potential repairs.
Repair costs average between $180 and $850. Besides the occasional repair, ensure the system remains in good condition by wiping it down to eliminate soot buildup.
Inspection Costs
Homeowners with a gas fireplace spend between $60 and $110 on annual inspections. During the checkup, a technician will examine the firebox, venting system, chimney, and dampers.
While some believe it’s okay to skip an inspection, this is ill-advised. The yearly checkups are a great way to identify underlying issues early on and resolve potential problems before they lead to costly repairs.
Energy Efficiency
Ventless systems are more energy efficient than their direct-vent counterparts, converting as much as 90% of fuel into heat. The higher the conversion rate, the more you’ll have to pay upfront.
However, as a gas fireplace is a long-term investment, it will pay for itself within the first few years. The system’s energy efficiency lowers the household’s carbon footprint, making it perfect for people who want to live more sustainably.
Tax Credits
While tax credits aren’t available for installing gas fireplace inserts, you may be eligible for a biomass tax credit with pellet and wood inserts. Note that with these units, you’ll need to add a chimney.
Cost Of Installing A Gas Fireplace Insert DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Even if you’ve dabbled in light construction work before, you shouldn’t attempt to install a gas inset without professional assistance. Some states and counties have even passed laws prohibiting residents from taking the DIY route.
Since the project involves connecting an insert to a gas line, you should always research local building codes and make sure you adhere to all regulations. Some areas will only greenlight the project after you’ve hired a licensed installer.
Depending on where you live, a professional may charge between $450 and $3,400 to install a gas fireplace insert. If you’re confident you can complete the job on your own, you’ll still need to invest around $450 in supplies.
Benefits of Choosing a Gas Fireplace Insert
If you’re still on the fence about installing a gas fireplace insert, perhaps the following benefits will help make up your mind.
Repurposes an Existing Fireplace
People with a wood-burning fireplace can add a gas insert to boost efficiency and ensure it complies with local building codes. The insert is compact, and a professional can vent it using the existing chimney.
Cost Efficiency
Gas fireplace inserts are more affordable than gas fireplaces. While a fireplace costs between $2,500 and $5,700, an insert runs from $450 to $3,400.
Additionally, running a gas insert is more affordable than running a propane or wood-burning fireplace.
Homeowners who live in rural areas without access to natural gas lines typically use propane to power their gas fireplace insert.
Another thing that attracts people to gas inserts is that they’re sealed systems, which, unlike wood-burning options, prevent hot air from escaping through the chimney.
As a result, household members don’t have to worry about a drafty fireplace that could negatively impact their utility bill.
Convenience
What people who have installed a gas fireplace insert appreciate the most is that they don’t have to build a fire and wait until the flames warm the home.
A flick of a switch is all it takes with a gas insert. Household members can enjoy the flickering flames without smelling the odor of burning wood. Many inserts have a built-in thermostat you can use to tweak the temperature with great precision.
Visual Appeal
In addition to the practical advantages, gas fireplace inserts boast a sleek and sophisticated look. They create a cozy ambiance and allow you to upgrade the home’s interior without renovating.
Good For the Environment
A traditional wood-burning fireplace has a significantly higher emissions rate than a gas insert. Gas-powered inserts also don’t produce creosote, soot, or ash.
Low Maintenance
Gas fireplace inserts are incredibly low-maintenance systems since you don’t have to remove ashes and other waste.
The only maintenance task you’ll have is scheduling annual inspections with a reputable technician. They’ll inspect the pilot light, burner, fan, venting, glass, and thermostat.
Pro Tip: We recommend going for AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rated gas fireplace inserts because they deliver unmatched heat output.
No Creosote or Ash
If your family members are sensitive to poor air quality or struggle with respiratory diseases and allergies, installing a gas insert is a good solution.
Wood-burning fireplaces release countless particles into breathable air, degrading its quality and contributing to respiratory issues. Gas burning doesn’t create fine particles, which minimizes indoor air pollution.
Bolsters Safety
Gas inserts are among the safest heating options because you can vent them outside. The insert will arrive with a safety valve and an oxygen depletion sensor if you choose an unvented model.
These mechanisms are designed to cut off the gas supply in case of a carbon monoxide leak.
Fuel Supply
Wood and electricity aren’t as reliable of an energy source as gas. A gas fire maintains comfortable temperatures even when the power goes out. And you won’t have to waste time and money on purchasing firewood.
Easy to Use
Gas fireplace inserts are user-friendly, and even those who struggle to build a fire can turn up the heat with a flick of a switch.
If you tend to forget to keep the fire going by adding more firewood, the gas fireplace will do all the legwork. Modern solutions have advanced features and come with automatic shutoffs and timers.
As we mentioned, all unvented options should have oxygen sensors to protect the household from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Unvented Models
Users appreciate gas fireplaces because an unvented model can be installed without constructing a chimney. Not only does this save money and time, but it also guarantees that the chimney doesn’t suck any heat out of the house.
Cost to Install Other Gas Fireplace Types
So you’ve decided to convert your wood-burning fireplace to gas but are still unsure about the fireplace type. Now that you’re familiar with inserts, let’s discuss several other options you may find appealing.
| Cost to Install Other Gas Fireplace Types | |
|---|---|
| Tabletop | Approx. $240 |
| Gas Log | $1,700-$7,100 |
| Freestanding | $1,600-$6,700 |
| Wall-Mounted | $1,200-$4,000 |
| Corner | $1,900-$5,400 |
| Island | Approx. $6,300 |
Tabletop Fireplace
Tabletop fireplaces have an average price of around $240. The installation process is relatively straightforward and only requires hooking the system to a gas line. Since they’re not inserts in the traditional sense, most homeowners use them to replace an outside firepit.
Gas Log Fireplace
Installation costs for gas log fireplaces range from $1,700 to $7,100. Simply adding on to an already installed setup is around $750. A gas log design is compatible with any fireplace entry mentioned in this list.
Ceramic logs go on top of an unvented or vented burner. After you activate the burner, it will produce heat, and the heated ceramic elements will bring warmth into the home. Some models have flames, but you may prefer a steam model that simulates smoke.
Although their primary function is to heat the home, you can use these fireplaces to mimic the look of a blazing fire.
Freestanding Fireplace
A freestanding gas fireplace ranges from $1,600 to $6,700. It will fit in any home area and doesn’t require an existing cavity or custom construction. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you might be interested in a freestanding wood stove.
Freestanding gas fireplaces are available in multiple colors, styles, and sizes, catering to the needs of countless customers.
The most sought-after models look like traditional pot-bellied or wood-burning stoves. Should you choose this option, you’ll need to connect it to a gas line and set the unit in a surround.
Wall-Mounted Fireplace
Expect to pay between $1,200 and $4,000 for installing a wall-mounted fireplace. You can install these modern units inside or on a wall without setting up intricate framing.
Based on your preference, you could add a surround. If you’re looking for a solution that doesn’t take up much floor space, wall-mounted fireplaces have you covered.
Corner Fireplace
On average, corner gas fireplaces cost approximately $6,300, with prefab models ranging from $1,900 to $5,400. You should be prepared to pay between $2,900 and $10,900 for a custom unit.
Although you don’t need an existing cavity to install these solutions, you’ll have to connect them to a gas line. And if you’ve chosen a vented option, you’ll need to find a suitable vent.
Island Fireplace
Island gas fireplaces cost roughly $6,300 on average. A prefab option is more budget-friendly, ranging from $2,600 to $6,700. Custom solutions are pricier and cost between $6,800 and $13,000 to install.
You may be surprised by these price ranges, but remember that factors like style, size, and customization options all impact the overall costs.
Although one of the more expensive models, island gas fireplaces are an excellent way to connect two rooms or add a decorative element in ample spaces.
Pro Tip: If clean air is a top priority for your household, choose an insert with a sealed combustion system.
How Can I Save Money on a Gas Fireplace Insert?
Although gas fireplace inserts have steep upfront costs, they help homeowners save money in the long run. Thanks to their energy-efficient nature, you’ll spend less money to keep the home’s occupants warm.
And you won’t even have to change the layout of your home to get a more efficient heating system.
Do Fireplace Inserts Increase Home Value?
The unit’s style, location, and home decor trends determine whether and how much an insert affects home value.
Are Gas Fireplace Inserts Worth the Money?
Gas inserts are a good investment if you’re in the market for a durable, visually appealing, and environmentally friendly fireplace.
Gas fireplace inserts have numerous advantages, from lowering utility bills to enhancing the home’s interior.
As we mentioned, there are many design options, and you may feel overwhelmed picking the one that suits your property the most.
Work with a reputable contractor who will ensure a stress-free installation and take great strides to complete the job without a hitch.
What do you recommend in the situation where the chimney was removed from the house and a “dog house” built out from the back of the fireplace? A huge draft now exists. Thank you.