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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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Hardwood tends to produce a pleasant aroma when burned, adding to the ambiance of a fireplace or wood stove. On the other hand, softwood burns more quickly and is easier to ignite. This makes it a popular choice for kindling or quick fires. Both types have their advantages and are utilized according to specific needs and preferences. Hardwood Hardwood firewood includes species like oak, maple, and cherry, known for their rich aroma and long-lasting burn when used in fireplaces or stoves. These popular hardwood species are favored for their dense nature, which allows them to burn efficiently and provide long-lasting warmth. Oak, maple, and cherry firewood are also known for producing aromatic scents that fill the room with a pleasant fragrance while burning. Compared to softer woods, such as pine or poplar, hardwood firewood tends to burn hotter and longer. This makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a consistent and steady heat source during the colder months. Softwood Softwood firewood varieties such as pine, cedar, and birch are favored for their quick ignition and aromatic scent. This makes them ideal choices for outdoor fires and kindling. Pine, cedar, and birch are known for their efficiency in catching fire easily and producing a pleasant fragrance when burned. Their quick-burning nature makes them popular options for those looking to quickly warm up outdoor spaces or start a cozy fire in the fireplace. In comparison to other softwood varieties, like fir or spruce, pine, cedar, and birch are often preferred for their ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere without producing excessive smoke or residue. What Are The Factors That Affect The Smell Of Firewood? Several factors influence the smell of firewood when burned, including the type of wood, moisture content, age of the wood, and the location of the tree it was harvested from. The type of wood used can significantly alter the aroma produced when burning. 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