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If you’re looking for a way to enhance the warmth, beauty, and value of your home, why not install a gas fireplace? Gas fireplaces create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. They’re also easy to use and maintain.
If we’ve piqued your interest, one question we’d like to help you answer is, “How much does it cost?”
The cost of installing a gas fireplace can vary widely. In this guide, we’ll cover the various factors that drive cost. Take a minute to explore the different things that go into pricing fireplace installation.
Gas Fireplace Styles
The style of gas fireplace you choose plays a significant role in determining the cost of installation. There are three main styles of gas fireplaces:
Traditional
Your installer will build your traditional gas fireplace into a wall or fireplace surround. They usually have a decorative facing and hearth. You can choose from a variety of styles and sizes.
These fireplaces require a venting system to direct combustion gases to the outdoors.
Linear
A linear fireplace features a long, narrow rectangular shape and a linear flame. It is often referred to as a “ribbon fireplace” because the flame looks like a long ribbon of fire.
Free-standing
As their name suggests, free-standing gas fireplaces don’t require a wall or surround for installation. Instead, you can place them anywhere in your home that has a gas line.
They come in a variety of styles and sizes. You can use a free-standing unit to heat a room or as a decorative accent.
Each fireplace style requires a unique installation process. Next, we’ll discuss how different installation methods affect cost.
Inserts
Gas fireplace inserts fit into an existing wood-burning fireplace. A glass front seals the fireplace opening. The existing chimney acts as a vent.
A fireplace insert is an excellent option for folks who want to convert a wood-burning fireplace to gas without the expense of building a fireplace from scratch.
Installation Methods and Cost of Installing a Gas Fireplace
There are two main installation methods associated with gas fireplaces: vented and vent-free.
Vented gas fireplaces require a chimney or venting system to remove combustion gasses. They’re usually more expensive to install due to the cost of materials and labor.
Vent-free gas fireplaces do not require a chimney or venting system. Because of this, they don’t cost as much to install as a vented system.
Beyond the cost of installation, vent-free fireplaces usually don’t cost as much to operate because they don’t lose heat through a chimney or vent.
Materials Used
The materials used to build your gas fireplace can also impact installation costs.
If you’re considering the traditional style gas fireplace, you’ll choose between a prefabricated surround and one that needs mason work. Custom mason work may increase your installation costs.
Materials used to create the facing and hearth include the following:
- Simple brick
- Stone
- Marble
- Granite
If you choose a gas fireplace insert, the cost of materials will depend on the type of insert and the materials used to finish the surround. For a free-standing gas fireplace, the style and size of the unit determine installation cost.
Where Do You Live?
Your zip code also impacts the cost of installing your new gas fireplace.
You may pay higher installation costs if you live in an area with a higher cost of living. People who live in remote areas often pay more because of the difficulty in locating a qualified installer.
Additional Costs Associated with Installation
There are a few other costs to consider when determining the cost to install a gas fireplace. You’ll want to discuss the following factors with your installer.
Gas Line Installation
Does your home have an existing gas line? If not, you’ll likely need to have a new gas line installed. As with any additional services, the specific work you need and the difficulty of completing the job will drive the cost.
Here are a few costs associated with installing a gas line for a fireplace:
• Gas Line Distance
• Gas Line Type
Also, if you need to run a gas line through finished spaces, such as ceilings or walls, it requires additional labor, which will usually increase your costs.
Electrical work
Sometimes, a new gas fireplace requires electrical work, which can add to installation costs. Costs vary depending on specific circumstances.
Here are some factors that impact your costs:
• Electrical Wiring
• Outlet Installation
• Circuit Breaker Upgrade
Don’t forget about permits and inspections. Depending on the rules and regulations set by your local building codes, you may need them. The cost for these things varies depending on your location.
The National Fire Protection Association provides information on safety requirements for gas fireplaces that your installer must follow.
Installation Labor Costs
The style of fireplace you choose isn’t the only thing that drives installation costs. Where you decide to install the fireplace is another factor. The difficulty of the installation also impacts costs.
A no-frills gas log fireplace usually costs less to install than a model with a blower or remote control.
If you install your fireplace on an exterior wall and need to install a vent system, you may also need to build a chase. A chase is an insulated structure that houses the new venting.
Do you have an existing fireplace? If so, and your installer needs to move it, you may pay additional costs.
Some fireplace installations require modifications to the home’s electrical or gas systems. Any modifications can cause your costs to go up.
Partner with Dreifuss Fireplaces Today
The cost of installing a gas fireplace can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type of fireplace, installation method, materials used, region, and additional costs.
Ultimately, a gas fireplace is a worthwhile investment that adds value and warmth to any home.
Homeowners, builders, and commercial customers have partnered with Dreifuss Fireplaces since 1876. We’d love to welcome you into our family of satisfied clients. Reach out today for a free fireplace estimate.
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Are you in need of good firewood for your fireplace or wood stove? Choosing the right type of firewood can make a big difference in the efficiency and warmth of your fire. We explore the key factors that make good firewood, such as moisture content, density, BTU rating, resin content, availability, and cost. Discover the best trees for firewood, including oak, hickory, ash, maple, birch, cherry, apple, pecan, mesquite, pine, fruit trees, beech, walnut, cedar, and elm. Find out which trees make the best firewood for your needs! What Makes a Good Firewood? Selecting the best firewood involves considering various factors such as moisture content, density, weight, BTU rating, resin content, availability, and cost. The amount of moisture in firewood significantly impacts its burning efficiency. Wood with high moisture content produces more smoke and less heat. This happens because a significant portion of the fire’s energy is used to evaporate the water within the wood. 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Hardwoods typically cost more than softwoods due to their higher density and longer burn times. Considering these factors, consumers often weigh the balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability when selecting firewood for their heating needs. What Trees Make the Best Firewood? When it comes to selecting the best firewood, certain tree species like oak, hickory, ash, maple, birch, cherry, apple, pecan, mesquite, pine, and fruit trees stand out for their quality characteristics and efficient burning properties. Hardwoods like oak and maple are known for their dense composition. This results in longer burning times and higher heat output compared to softwoods like pine and cedar. Oak, with its slow-burning qualities, is excellent for long-lasting fires. It is ideal for heating larger spaces. On the other hand, pine ignites quickly and produces a pleasant aroma. This makes it suitable for quick, cozy fires. 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Adhering to specific guidelines for hearth size and material can further enhance the fireplace’s performance. Incorporating a well-designed hearth can transform the entire look of the fireplace. It creates a focal point in the room and adds a touch of elegance to the space. Safety Ensuring the safety of a fireplace involves proper installation of a hearth. This helps contain potential fire hazards and comply with relevant safety regulations and guidelines. It is crucial to consider ventilation when installing a fireplace. This ensures proper airflow and prevents the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Selecting appropriate hearth materials, such as fire-resistant stone or brick, enhances safety measures. Construction materials should be chosen carefully to withstand high temperatures and potential exposure to flames. Following regulatory requirements, like maintaining a clear area around the fireplace, is essential. Using screens or gates to prevent sparks from escaping is also important. By adhering to these safety considerations, the risk of accidents or fires can be greatly minimized. Protection of Flooring Hearths serve the crucial function of safeguarding flooring around fireplaces from heat damage and potential fire risks. This requires durable and fireproof materials for construction. Proper hearth size and clearance are important considerations. They ensure effective heat distribution and minimize the risk of overheating. Materials like firebricks, stone, or concrete are commonly used for hearth construction due to their heat-resistant properties. It’s essential to incorporate good hearth design to complement the overall aesthetics of the fireplace while enhancing safety. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning ashes and debris, is key to prolonging the longevity of the hearth. Inspecting for cracks and resealing when necessary ensures efficient performance. 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