Are Gas Fireplaces Worth the Cost?

are gas fireplaces worth the cost

While only about 41% of single-family homes contain fireplaces, they’re an incredibly desirable feature. A well-placed hearth can make a house cozy and comfortable. Luckily, it’s possible to custom-install a fireplace in your luxury home and reap these benefits.

Gas fireplaces are the most popular option. But are gas fireplaces worth the cost? Read on for an in-depth answer to this question.

The Basics of Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are an alternative to traditional wood fireplaces. Rather than running on logs of lumber set on fire by matches, they’re powered by gas. This makes them easier to operate because you don’t constantly need to add wood and stoke flames.

They still maintain the crackle of a traditional fireplace and showcase a real flame. This is unlike electric fireplaces that do not contain a real fire. If you’re looking to get that traditional fireplace feel that’s so cozy and warm, a gas fireplace is a great choice.

There are only two downsides to installing gas fireplaces. The first is that it lacks that wooden oak smell that traditionalists love. While all other facets of a wood fireplace aesthetic remain in place, this is one that you lose.

The second is cost.

Gas fireplaces cost around the same price to maintain as wood-burning ones since you need to pay for either lumber or a gas bill. However, they cost less during installation. Additionally, they’re significantly more expensive than electric fireplaces.

Are Gas Fireplaces Worth the Cost?

Electric plug-in fireplaces cost between $600 and $1,750 to install. Wood-burning options cost between $8,500 and $22,000. Clearly, different types of fireplaces cost incomparable sums.

Gas fireplace costs are a happy medium between those of electric and wood alternatives. The average cost of a gas fireplace is between $3,650 and $17,800.

For high-end homeowners, this installation fee is usually not that significant. It certainly will put less of a dent in your wallet than a wood-burning option!

Additionally, gas fireplaces can boost your property value significantly. 70% of experts believe this to be true. 77% of buyers state that they would pay extra money for a home with a fireplace.

The National Association of Realtors also estimates that this value boost would average about $12,000. It’s not an insignificant sum that you should ignore. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home in the future, this is an important consideration for high-end homeowners that want a top-notch comfortable space.

When you consider these figures, a gas fireplace basically pays for itself. This is especially true if you ever plan to sell your home.

What About Maintenance Fees?

Electric fireplaces do not contain a real flame and do not warm a room. Because of this, they cost very little money to run. There’s no maintenance required and you don’t need to pay for fuel beyond a small boost to your electric bill.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, wood-burning fireplaces are extremely expensive to maintain. You need to buy lumber frequently, especially if you use the hearth a lot. Firewood costs about $600 per thousand feet.

You also will likely need to get wood fireplaces cleaned professionally, which can get expensive. DIY maintenance is generally a no-go because ashes can be dangerous if you don’t have the right cleaning equipment. This also isn’t a cost that you can skimp out on since fireplace ashes can cause coughing and other more serious respiratory issues.

Gas fireplaces are once again a happy medium. You may need to pay higher gas bills than normal, but you aren’t going to need to constantly shell out for wood. This is much cheaper than other traditional alternatives.

Since they emit warmth, you won’t need to pay as much on your electric bill. If your heater runs on gas, some of the money that you would otherwise spend on heat will go towards the fireplace. This is another way that the costs of a fireplace balance themselves out.

Why Are They a Good Choice for High-End Homes?

Gas fireplaces are the moderately-priced fireplace option. They’re not the cheapest. At this point, you may be wondering why you shouldn’t simply go with an electric fireplace.

While electric fireplaces are portable and easy to move from room to room, they are almost completely different from gas and wood alternatives. They don’t contain a real flame, which means that you can’t hear a real-life crackle or experience an authentic flame dance. You also can’t roast marshmallows on cozy nights.

Electric fireplaces are good for ambiance and visual appeal, but they’re not a substitute for a wood or gas fireplace in your home. They’re a different thing.

Gas fireplaces have a real flame that cracks, fizzles, and brightens up a room. Unlike an electric fireplace, it emits a warmth that keeps you toasty on cool nights. It also has a realistic feel that electric alternatives can’t provide.

Gas fireplaces are also low-maintenance and more energy efficient than wood-burning alternatives. They’re worth the cost because they save both time and money (while still being less expensive than wood fireplaces). You’re getting a great value when you choose to go with gas.

Start Installing a Fireplace Today

Are gas fireplaces worth the cost? For most people, the answer to this question is a resounding “yes.” They’re aesthetically pleasing, safe, and give off a cozy and traditional vibe that electric alternatives simply can’t match.

Now that you know the reasons to invest in a gas fireplace, it’s time to get started. Contact our experts for help with choosing a fireplace and to learn more about costs and installation.

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