Cost To Convert Fireplace To Gas

$3,000 is the average cost to convert a fireplace to gas in the U.S. However, there are several factors that can impact the total cost of the conversion. Depending on things like fireplace type and natural gas lines running to your home, costs can range anywhere from $500-$5,000.

How Much Does It Cost To Convert Fireplace To Gas?

The are many reasons people prefer a gas fireplace over other popular types. For starters, many enjoy the convenience of starting the fire with simply a knob and igniter. Gas fireplaces are far more efficient and easier to maintain since you do not need to stock up and store wood.

Gas fireplaces also provide more warmth than the majority of other fireplace types. Here is a look at average costs homeowners can expect to pay when converting to a gas fireplace:

• Lowest Cost: $500.
• Average Cost: $3,000.
• Highest Cost: $5,000.

*These are cost estimates according to Angi. Contact the team at Diversified Builder Supply for more pricing information. 

Cost To Convert A Fireplace To Gas By Type

Undoubtedly, the greatest impact on cost will come from the specific type of fireplace you’d like to convert. There are two main types of gas fireplaces, including vented and ventless gas fireplaces. You can equip either kind with gas fireplace inserts that look like logs. This will enhance the aesthetic of your fireplace.

Fireplace inserts will cost an average of $3,600, with vented gas fireplaces being more expensive than ventless options. Let’s look at the difference between the fireplace types:

Vented Gas Fireplaces	Ventless Gas Fireplaces
Burn less efficiently	Burn more efficiently
Most expensive gas fireplace	Less expensive gas fireplace
Requires chimney or vent	No ventilation required
Always up to building code	Not legal in all areas

Vented Gas Fireplaces

Most vented gas fireplaces will cost around $5,000. It is the most expensive gas type to install today. These fireplaces include a vent to the exterior of your home. The vent will collect materials that remain after combustion, which can be hazardous to your health. To continue feeding the flame the oxygen it needs to burn, your venting system also pulls air from your living space.

Vented gas fireplaces are less efficient in how the gas burns and in how they ultimately heat your home. This type provides much less heat to the home’s interior compared to ventless fireplaces. Installing a vented fireplace where you don’t already have a traditional fireplace can be quite time-consuming and expensive.

Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Ventless gas fireplaces don’t have any vents to the home’s exterior, so your average cost will be closer to $1,500. These fireplaces do not require vents because they burn the natural gas much more efficiently. The leftover pollutants from combustion will be released into your living space.

Some people do have safety concerns about ventless fireplaces. In fact, some building departments do outlaw them. While these fireplaces burn more efficiently, they also heat your home better since the heated air will not be lost outdoors. Homeowners should weigh the pros and cons of ventless gas fireplaces carefully before choosing which to install.

Converting A Wood Fireplace To Gas Cost Breakdown

The final cost of the conversion will include more than the fireplace unit itself. The total price ultimately depends on your specific needs. There are a few other factors that can impact your budget. All three of these factors are outlined below.

Running A Natural Gas Line

Installing a natural gas line to your fireplace can be quite simple. For example, putting in a long gas line on an interior wall is more challenging than adding a gas line through the exterior wall. If you do not already have a natural gas line in the area, it will cost between $200-$1,000 to install one.

Labor charges will be added on as well, with plumbers charging between $75-$100 per hour. Running gas lines can cost between $15-$25 per linear foot on top of the labor charges.

Installing Logs Or Gas Inserts

Homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000-$5,000 to convert a gas fireplace with the use of an insert or gas logs. Prices will change based on the brand, labor costs, and the complexity of the project.

Contact the fireplace installation professionals in your area for more information.

Chimney Cleaning

It’s always a good idea to have your chimney professionally cleaned prior to installing a new gas fireplace. Most professional chimney cleaners will charge a total of $100-$150.

While this may seem like an unnecessary expense, it can help prevent house fires.

DIY Vs Professional Fireplace Conversion

Even if you are quite confident in the DIY skills you possess, this is not a task you should take on by yourself. Switching between gas and wood fireplaces will involve work with gas lines and other jobs that not only should be performed by certified professionals, but must be, according to the local laws and regulations.

It’s strongly recommended to hire the professionals for this difficult job. If any mistakes are made during the venting process with vented fireplaces, it can lead to dangerous and deadly chemicals entering your indoor air. This can also lead to increased risks of house fires.