In this guide

What Is a Gas Fireplace?

Gas fireplaces burn either natural gas or liquid propane to produce flames and heat. They come in many different types, sizes, and styles and may be used for ambiance or as a primary method of heating a room in your home. They are contained units that require a gas line to operate. The unit itself can be stand-alone, mounted inside a wall, or used as an insert in an existing wood-burning model.

Because they are burning fuel, they give off some exhaust. Most of them have some type of vent to release the exhaust into the air outside your home. This can be via direct vent through a wall or by utilizing your home’s chimney.

A few types are also “ventless,” meaning they do not vent exhaust outside. They are considered more efficient than vented options. However, because some exhaust enters your home, there are restrictions on their use. They are banned in both California and Massachusetts and cannot be used in small spaces such as bathrooms. When using them, they must conform to ratios for the size of the room and the size of the unit to ensure there is adequate airflow in the space.

Custom vs Prefab Gas Fireplace Installation

Gas fireplaces are technically self-contained units. They can be installed inside an existing model, placed inside of an exterior wall, or built into any wall of your home. The units themselves are prefabricated, and most are designed to be installed as they are without modification.

However, suppose you want a more custom installation that makes it part of a larger unit, such as a traditional “masonry appearance” fireplace, a cabinet, or part of a wall unit or entertainment center. In that case, you need a custom installation. Custom installations make it appear to be part of your home, rather than an add on. This raises the price of the project because it requires additional materials and labor to install. They can also be installed in more places because they have more potential for adding vents and other accessories.

Prefab Gas Fireplace Cost

To purchase and install a prefab or factory-built unit, you can expect to pay $2,000 to $6,000 with labor and materials including a gas line. If there is a usable gas line, the price will be lower because this is an expensive chore that averages $500 to $2,000. A prefab model is assembled at the factory and just needs to be installed. Its inside is usually made of metal with refractory panels that look like bricks on the inside of the firebox. A chimney made of siding or simulated brick needs to go through the roof. Most experts can install a prefab unit in a day.

Custom Gas Fireplace Cost

The cost to install a custom unit is $4,000 to $8,000, including the gas line, inspections, labor, and materials. This type may be built using masonry. In other words, a mason builds it with bricks, stone, or concrete blocks and uses mortar to secure the materials together. You can also use a readymade insert in a custom installation using carpentry to make things like a new wall or entertainment center surround. If you want this model in an area that is currently wide open, a wall can be constructed to hold a prefab unit for a custom installation. The homeowner can choose the size, material, and what the hearth and mantel will look like with this type of installation.

Gas Fireplace Cost by Type

Gas fireplaces are designed for energy savings on heating, ambiance, and affordability. If you want to install a new one or replace an existing one, you can choose between different types such as inserts, logs, wall mounted, or an island model. The price depends on the design’s size and technology.

Tabletop Gas Fireplace

The cost for a tabletop model is $560 to $3,000. These handy little prefab devices provide warmth without creating smoke. Available in various styles, colors, and sizes, a tabletop model matches any decor. These are mostly designed for outdoor patio use. They still require a gas line, but most can make do with a small branch line, which costs considerably less than a full line due to their size. They are designed to sit permanently on a table, pillar, or other surface.

Gas Log Fireplace Cost

Homeowners typically pay around $550 to $1,050 for a gas log unit, including installation fees. It is composed of realistic ceramic logs inside an existing unit. It is the most budget-savvy and cost-effective type. There are two types of venting options that use a burner to heat the logs. Vented gas logs are similar to traditional wood-burning options, sending heat through an existing chimney. Vent-free logs emit low heat into the house without the need for a flue or chimney. When choosing this type, consider whether you need to heat the room or simply enjoy its aesthetics.

Gas Fireplace Insert Cost

Expect to pay between $1,200 to $4,000, including installation charges for an insert. If you have an existing wood-burning model, you can convert it to gas by installing a gas-burning insert. The insert consists of two boxes with a space to separate the boxes. The air in that space is heated and released from the firebox into the room. The entire unit is inserted in the existing fireplace and uses the original chimney like a traditional wood-burning unit. It is comparably less expensive to install than a built-in model. While it is more expensive than logs up front, they use less gas and cost far less to operate over time.

Freestanding Gas Fireplace

The price for a freestanding unit is $1,500 to $2,200. These unique models can be installed anywhere because no existing fireplace is needed, and they are not built-in to the wall. They do not require surrounding framing or a mantle (although they may come with one). They are available in many styles and colors. One of the most common types of freestanding models looks much like an old pot belly stove. You need to have a gas line run which adds to the price of the installation.

Corner Gas Fireplace

A corner model will run you $1,900 to $4,400 for a prefab unit and $2,700 to $10,900 for a custom one, including installation. These are made especially to fit into a corner area and save space. You can buy them in a myriad of colors and styles to fit into any home. The commonality is that they still provide warmth and a comforting feeling to the room. Corner models most likely will not require an existing fireplace as long as you can get the gas line and venting run.

Island Gas Fireplace

Island units cost $2,700 to $5,800 for prefab and $6,900 to $12,500 for custom. This includes installation. The wide berth in pricing is due to the size; the larger it is, the more expensive. This type is a nice choice for dividing a room or uniting two areas. It is four-sided and allows for the flame to be viewed from all areas. You also get to heat two rooms at the same time.

Wall-Mounted Gas Fireplace

For a wall-mounted unit, homeowners will pay $2,900 to $3,400 with installation. They are sleek and modern-looking. Most wall-mounted options are set into the wall and have only the simplest surrounding wall area with little to no framing. They are great space savers and perfect for tiny homes or minimalists. While the unit itself can be installed easily for a minimalist effect, you can add a surround if you choose. This is done after the unit is installed and can increase the price of the installation.

Built-In Gas Fireplace Cost

The cost of built-in model ranges from $3,250 to $5,250 for prefab and $5,250 to $9,200 for custom, including installation. They are designed like an insert with one difference. They do not need an existing fireplace or chimney to operate, making them a good option for homes built without one. They also have a higher BTU, a measure of heat output, than inserts or logs. This keeps more heat in the room, reducing energy costs.

Peninsula Gas Fireplace

To purchase and install a peninsula unit, you can expect to pay $4,700 to $6,800 for prefab and $7,000 to $12,000 for custom. The purpose of this type is usually to divide a room and have the fireplace on both sides without taking up as much room. It is butted against the wall between the two rooms, perhaps a living room and dining room. The base, top, and surrounding area that encase it can be drywall, brick, tile, wood, stucco, or any other wall material.

Gas Fireplace Prices by Type of Ventilation

There are two types of ventilation for gas fireplaces, direct-vent and ventless. Direct ventilation works with a venting system, including a chimney and duct tubes, that draws in fresh air, heats it, and sends it out to the room. Ventless options draw air from the room, heat it, and release the warmed air back into the room. Direct or ventless prices vary based on the model, home's environment, and other factors.

Ventless Gas Fireplace Cost

The average cost of a ventless gas fireplace and gas line falls between $600 and $1,600, not including installation or finish work. Ventless models do not need vents and can be easily installed anywhere. However, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, this type is controversial. It has strong regulations in certain states, so check with the local authorities before installing one. They produce more heat but lower the amount of oxygen in the space, becoming a risk and limiting its lifetime.

Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace Cost

The unit cost starts at $1,200 for a gas firebox insert and $3,400 for a built-in firebox, not including installation or gas line charges. A direct-vent fireplace should be located on an outside wall so that a pipe or chimney can release the fumes with little risk of carbon monoxide concerns while also bringing in fresh air. The fact that they need to vent restricts its placement because it requires a venting system, which adds difficulty to the installation.

Cost to Install a Gas Fireplace

The cost to install a gas fireplace ranges from $500 to $3,000 for most basic, prefab installations. Material and labor costs associated with the type, existing conditions, and design selections influence these fees. For example, specific requirements apply to secure the gas line to the unit or running an extended gas line, which ranges between $10 and $20 per linear foot. The finish work and custom installs require you to build the unit into a wall, erect a new wall, or build the unit into a larger entertainment center like masonry, tiles, or painting the surrounding exterior, adds another $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the material, brands, and site preparation. This makes the average range for a custom install between $2,000 and $8,000.

Hire a certified professional installer because piping and electrical permits are required in some locations. Keep in mind, installation in this specific project involves industry compliance, trade certifications, and local building regulations. Expect hourly contractor rates to range from $90 to $200, varying from region to region and on the work’s complexity.

Price to Install a Gas Fireplace by Type of Ventilation

There are basically two types of ventilation, ventless and direct-vent. Direct-vent installations require some way for the exhaust to be vented outdoors. This can be done through an existing chimney or a new chimney pipe installation. In some installations, the back of the insert may vent right out the back of an exterior wall.

In a ventless installation, the unit will continuously take air from indoors, warm it, and return it indoors. This means that some amount of exhaust will also circulate indoors. These units tend to be more efficient but have strict regulations on how and where they can be used. They are banned in some states. If you choose to use one, it must be sized precisely to the room where you intend to use it. This ensures that you have enough air circulating to make the unit safe to use.

Cost to Install a Ventless Gas Fireplace

The cost to install a ventless unit into a wall or wall-mounted structure ranges from $200 to $1,000, which makes the total costs range from $800 to $2,600, including the materials. Although this type is ventless, ventilation is essential to remove potentially harmful smoke and fumes from the area. With additional charges for gas or propane lines, permits, and structural modifications, expect to pay $1,000 to $3,500. Vent-free models with modifications ranging from none to slight can be installed in less than 24 to 48 hours.

Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace Installation Cost

A direct-vent unit installation costs $500 to $5,000 for labor only and $1,700 to $8,400 with the materials cost included. If the chimney needs repair or replacement, expect an additional charge of $400 to $6,000. Modifications or repairs to ductwork systems range from $500 to $1,500. Good ventilation is critical because it allows the flow of residue or toxins to be released from the home. An existing chimney or duct system in good condition can be fully installed and working within 48 to 72 hours.

Gas Fireplace Replacement Cost

The cost to replace a gas fireplace depends on several factors. Suppose the surrounding area is in good condition and doesn’t require much repair work or new liners. In that case, the average cost to replace the firebox unit is $600 to $3,500, including the removal and disposal of the old unit. Additional fees run from $200 to $5,000, depending on whether you are installing logs, an insert, and vented or ventless options. With all these variations, the overall replacement price ranges between $800 and $5,400 for prefab and from $3,400 to $10,400 for custom options.

If hidden problems are discovered during the pre-work inspection, updating the system with a new firebox and gas lines can average $4,000 to $7,000, including installation. The most common issues with older models or inserts are low heat output associated with outdated venting causing heat loss. The consequences include using more fuel to heat the room.

Cost to Build a Fireplace Surround by Material

The surround is the area directly around your firebox. They are usually necessary for wood-burning units to protect the surround walls from ash, soot, and sparks or embers. They aren’t always necessary, but they can be added to make them have a more traditional appearance.

Fireplace surrounds come in many different styles and materials. They can surround just the immediate area of the firebox or extend to fill the entire wall where the unit is installed. They may have a built-in mantel, or the mantel may be added afterward above or on top of the surround.

Some prefab models come with a surround as part of the unit. However, if you want to create your own surround for a more customized appearance, you can use a range of different materials. The prices below are for various materials installed. Prices are by the square foot, making it easier to calculate the cost of your surround based on the size of the project.

Gas Fireplace Wood Surround

A wood surround ranges from $9 to $75 a sq.ft. Prices vary depending on the type and species of wood and the style of the surround. Surrounds can be made of large pieces of carved wood or pieced together from smaller, reclaimed wood pieces. Wood, depending on the type, can lend a rustic, modern, classic, or boho feel to the room. It should be treated so that the heat or condensation doesn’t warp the material. Staining or painting is an option as well when using wood. Homeowners can choose from various wood materials, including pine, redwood, cherry, mahogany, birch, ash, cedar, oak, and more. Each wood has a different look and color. Staining hides or highlights the wood’s natural knotting, depending on preferences.

Gas Fireplace Metal Surround

A custom metal surround costs from $10 to $50 a sq.ft. Many models come with a small built-in metal surround. These prefab units do not have any additional costs for this surround. These are most commonly used for minimalist wall installations. However, if you want to create a larger metal surround, you need a custom installation. Using sheet metal or metal tiles, you can create a range of different modern surrounds. Prices depend on the thickness of the material and the type of metal you choose. Copper and bronze will have higher costs than iron or stainless steel. Do not use aluminum around a fireplace, as its low melting point could cause it to warp.

Tile Around Gas Fireplace

The cost of a tile surround ranges from $10 to $125 a sq.ft. Tile comes in an incredible range of different sizes, shapes, materials, and styles. You can opt for classic ceramic tiles, contemporary glass tiles, or unique, handmade tiles in a range of colors. Tile can give you some of the most customized looks for your surround. You can mix and match colors and sizes to create a focal point in the room or go for something more understated. Prices can vary depending on the material, size, shape, and finish of the tiles you choose.

Stone Surround Gas Fireplace

The cost of a stone surround ranges from $10 to $300 a sq.ft. Stone surrounds come in a very wide range of different styles and materials. Stone surrounds can be made out of solid slabs or blocks of stone. They can also be made using stone tiles, fieldstones, stone veneers, and stone claddings. Natural stone comes in many different colors and types. This includes granite, travertine, limestone, marble, and slate. Each stone can have its own style and range of color.

Gas Fireplace Marble Surround

The cost of a marble surround ranges from $20 to $300 a sq.ft. installed. Marble surrounds can give your unit the most traditional appearance. They can also add a formal look and elegant appearance to any room. There are many different types of marble and several different ways to create a marble surround. Marble surrounds can be created in a few different ways. They can be carved out of larger pieces of stone and may include a mantel. They may also be made out of tiles in a variety of sizes.

Brick Gas Fireplace

The cost of a brick surround is $25 to $50 a sq.ft. Brick surrounds have a lot of traditional appeal. There are essentially two ways to create a brick surround. You can construct a wall from bricks using mortar. You can also use thinner brick veneers, which can be installed similarly to tile over an existing wall. This latter method is much less expensive but gives you the look and feel of a true brick wall. All types of bricks come in several different sizes and colors. You can install them in different patterns to help customize the area.

Outdoor Gas Fireplace Cost

For an outdoor unit, expect to pay $1,000 to $8,000 and an additional $15 to $25 a linear foot for the gas line to be run to the area. Installing an outdoor unit will give a beautiful, romantic, warm feel to your backyard area. Imagine nights with s’mores and hot chocolate around the fire. You need to consider a few things, such as how you plan to use the space. If you are looking for something to entertain large groups, you may consider a multi-sided unit to make sure everyone stays warm. Also, think about seating and what type of furniture you want. These items should coordinate with the type of unit you decide to buy. The style of your home should be a consideration as well. More traditional homes require a more traditional brick or stone model, while modern homes look perfect with a stucco or metal choice. They are a favorite outdoors because they don’t produce ash or embers.

Smart Gas Fireplace

The age of smart appliances has been going on for some time. Manufacturers are catching on, and there are several smart devices that you can purchase to retrofit your existing fireplace to make it a smart one. However, many of these devices only work with electric models. One app that works for gas and electric fireplaces is the Intellifire app. Keep in mind, however, that it only works with certain models. The app is free, but you must purchase the Wi-Fi module for $189 to $227. Intellifire works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. With the app, you can control the temperature, on/off, flame height, lights, fan speed, and a burn timer. Also available is the Durablow SH3001 for $60 to $70. This device is only for gas fireplaces and can only turn the unit on and off with a remote control. Smart units average $1,500 to $4,000 without installation.

Cost to Run a Gas Fireplace

Natural gas fireplaces are more efficient cost-wise than propane. The type of heating fuel and location influences the price because fuel prices vary. Other factors that affect the price are the model, room size, and frequency of use. Most of these units run anywhere from 8,000 to 60,000 BTUs compared to wood-burning models that range from 20,000 to 40,000 BTUs.

According to the American Gas Association (AGA), household averages fall between 20,000 and 60,000 BTUs per hour to keep a room consistently warm. The U.S. Energy Information Administration cited the average household BTUs were estimated to cost slightly more than $500 for natural gas than propane at slightly under $1,500 during the 2020 - 2021 three-month winter season.

The price of natural gas is priced in units per therm, equating one therm to 100,000 BTUs. As of January 2020, the average cost per hour for running a gas unit on natural gas using a 40,000 BTU industry cost calculation was estimated at $0.36 per hour. In October 2020, residential propane prices were $1.76 to $2.50 per gallon. Although propane is generally more expensive than natural gas, rural locations without access to natural gas do not have the option to choose heating fuel types.

Pros and Cons

The most notable advantage to this type of unit is the running cost. In today’s market, the cost per hour is at least 50 percent lower than the price of wood or propane fuels. Maintenance is much lower without the ongoing removal of ashes and soot that would accumulate from a wood-burning unit. Installation is easier since most of them are prefabricated and made to fit inside an existing fireplace instead of a wood-burning unit requiring extensive masonry work. A distinguishing feature is the cost of gas lines, which are comparably lower than maintaining an inventory of wood.

Maintenance

Gas fireplaces have significantly lower maintenance than wood-burning ones, but mechanically, they require routine maintenance. The chimney size, design, damage, and the number of flues determine the final inspection cost. Some homes have up to four flues, all sharing the same chimney even though each flue is designated to a separate appliance, such as a fireplace, wood stove, or HVAC system.

Gas Fireplace Inspection Cost

Inspections are required to ensure the home’s safety. Inspectors check the firebox for damages and make sure the venting system works. Broken dampers and uncleaned chimneys can block the removal of smoke, soot, and heat, creating an unhealthy and dangerous environment. According to the national average data, annual gas fireplace inspections range between $85 and $250 for the most common types of inspection (level 1 and 2).

Gas Fireplace Repair Cost

Repair cost variables include the repair level needed to keep the unit safe and capable of heating a room. Costs to repair these units range from $100 to $2,000, with an average price of between $200 and $1,000. Minor gas line repairs typically cost under $100, mostly due to pilot light malfunctions. Replacing damaged gas lines or wires can easily reach the maximum range of $2,000. Other minor costs related to chimney repairs include filling in worn mortar joints, cracks, or holes that can be patched temporarily to prevent the escape of hazardous emissions.

Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas

Existing conditions and the type of conversion chosen influences the price. Three options that work well for conversions are inserts, vented and vent-free logs. Not including the unit cost, the cost to install a gas fireplace in an existing unit will run you $2,200 to $8,000. This includes setting up the logs, which range from $200 to $3,000, while insert setups cost $2,000 to $5,000.

All conversion prices are contingent on fuel accessibility to reach the fireplace and whether the existing one can safely support a gas-burning unit. If the gas lines are not in place, the price can easily increase, requiring a certified professional to do the work.

Most conversions involve an existing wood-burning fireplace. Gas lines may need to be extended to the unit's location, costing $10 to $20 a linear foot. The chimney needs to be cleaned and fully functional for a successful conversion. The purpose is to verify that the fireplace is suitable for a gas fireplace. The average cost for this type of inspection, including cleaning, is $175 for a level-1 inspection for one flue and around $450 for a level-2 inspection for two flues.

Cost to Convert a Gas Fireplace to Wood-Burning

Converting a gas fireplace to wood costs $100 to $1,000 for a chimney in good working condition with one to four flues. If the current unit was inserted within an existing wood-burning fireplace, the inspector must verify it was built as a wood-burning fireplace. Chimneys equipped with a gas-venting system need to be modified to support wood-burning models using a wood-burning chimney liner. Finally, the chimney caps need to be inspected to ensure they can minimize the escape of embers.

Propane vs Natural Gas Fireplace

Most natural gas fireplaces are also capable of burning liquid propane. If you live in an area without access to a natural gas line, you very likely have access to propane. Unlike gas, which is fed to your home via a main gas line, propane is delivered and stored on your property in tanks. A fuel line runs from the tanks to your various appliances, including your fireplace.

Some units are already designed to burn propane. Others are made to burn gas but can be converted to burn propane. To be converted, you need to purchase a conversion kit, which costs between $50 and $100. The unit is converted at the time of installation. All other costs are the same. This means that the propane unit cost will be slightly more expensive than a natural gas one.

Keep in mind, however, that the heating costs are not the same. Natural gas is much less expensive than propane. However, if you do not have a natural gas line, propane is often considered the next best thing.

Electric vs Gas Fireplace

The selection between electric and gas fireplaces varies from lifestyle preferences, budget, and enjoyment. The most significant difference is the flame’s appearance. Electric options focus on imagery rather than heat. Gas options present flames in full color with the capacity to heat the room comfortably. Electric units cost around $1,000 to $4,000, while gas models range between $2,650 and $5,800.

Electric fireplaces have BTUs between 3000 to 9000 and convert the energy to heat a 400 sq.ft. area. The cost of operating it is low. The downside to this BTU feature is low heat output. Gas fireplace inserts have BTUs that range from 40,000 to 60,000 with substantial heat output. Dollar for dollar, electric models are cheaper to operate, but homeowners have to sacrifice a few fire features, like heat output, realistic flames, and potential home value.

Wood Burning vs Gas Fireplace

Wood-burning images seem to be the universal concept of fireplaces. Starting the fire takes time for the wood to ignite. To keep that vision, a wood fire needs to be stoked and fueled with wood. Many homeowners realize that gas models offer the same ambiance with a few more benefits. It is easy to start, and you do not need a pile of wood to warm the room. Healthwise, they are the perfect solution for those with allergies to smoke or ashy smells.

A wood-burning fireplace can reach high temperatures, presenting potential flame or spark hazards. Gas units have been specifically designed to safeguard against these potential risks. They both need annual and routine inspections and incremental cleaning. Installed, a wooding-burning unit costs $8,500 to $22,000 due to the masonry (brickwork) work. A pre-built model costs $2,650 to $5,800, with lower pricing associated with existing gas lines than the higher price of needing to run a gas line.

Gas Fireplace vs Gas Fire Pit Cost

Outdoor areas are great for entertaining and family nights. A fireplace or a fire pit is a nice addition to any backyard area, but there are some differences between the two options. A fireplace is a bigger project and will have a larger, finished appearance in the yard. It takes up more space but also provides more warmth. It adds more value to your home than a firepit. It also creates a more grand backyard area. A firepit is typically smaller and used more as a focal point in a sitting area. Because a fire pit is usually less expensive at $300 to $1,400 than a fireplace at the cost of $2,650 to $5,800, many people choose a fire pit.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Cost to Install a Chimney

Some fireplace projects need venting. Adding a chimney becomes a necessary part of the project. Enhancements can include prefabricated factory chimneys with a traditional or customized exterior appearance and efficiency ratings. Expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for a masonry 30-foot tall chimney.

Mantel Shelf

Most homeowners want to make the fireplace the room’s center. Sometimes, the best installation is lost with the right enhancements. Mantels are decorative accents, and by selecting an upgraded design, they add value to the home. Functional mantels range from $200 to $3,000, based on the material, floor-to-ceiling designs, craftsman’s detailing, and finishes. Customizing the wall with a complementing mantle costs $10,000 for a unique design or non-standard size.

Fireplace Glass Door

Fireplace doors prevent embers and sparks from escaping since they can ignite nearby objects or injure people. Closed, they keep the drafts out of the room once the fire dies down. Door frames are typically enhancements made from steel or aluminum that can be polished or painted. Additional enhancements include clear or tinted glass in double-paned or bi-fold designs. Prices range from $200 to $2,000, depending on the size.

Fireplace Blower

Fireplace blowers ¹ are an added accessory designed for heat output. Sometimes, the heat from your unit dissipates unevenly, lowering room temperatures in certain areas. This accessory falls between a functional enhancement and an improvement because it increases energy efficiency as it distributes more heat and warmth into the room. The size and quality of its performance costs $30 to $1,500.

Fireplace Flex Pipe

Flex pipe can supply natural gas to fireplaces. Flex pipes help manage the heat exhaust exit from the fireplace to the chimney or vent systems as an improvement because it is flexible and works well in small areas. The pipe itself is lightweight, designed to prevent leaks, and build with accessible connection features. Depending on the size, length, and purpose, flex pipes range from $100 to $1,500.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Blowers: An accessory that makes a fireplace more efficient by circulating the warm air in the fireplace to other areas of the home