How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas? [2026 Data]

The average cost to convert a fireplace to gas is $3,000, but there are a few different factors to consider—like the type of fireplace you want and whether or not you already have natural gas lines running to your home—that can leave your total anywhere between $500 and $5,500.

There are many reasons to prefer a gas fireplace over other types of fireplaces—the convenience of starting a roaring fire with just a knob and an igniter, for one. Gas fireplaces are also more efficient and easier to maintain because you don’t need to stock up and store wood or clean up ash and soot. And gas fireplaces can also provide more heat and warmth than most other types. In this guide, we’ll explain the cost to convert a fireplace to gas and all of the factors you’ll need to consider along the way.

Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas by Type

The type of gas fireplace you want has the greatest impact on cost. There are two main kinds of gas fireplaces: vented and ventless gas fireplaces. You can equip either of these types of gas fireplaces with gas fireplace inserts, which look like logs to improve the aesthetic of your fireplace. Fireplace inserts costs on average $3,600, with vented gas fireplaces being more expensive than ventless.

To understand more about the decision between vented and ventless gas fireplaces, explore the tables and comparisons below.

Vented Gas Fireplaces

A vented gas fireplace costs an average of around $5,000, making it the most expensive type to install.

Vented gas fireplaces, unsurprisingly, include a vent to the exterior of your home. The vent collects materials left over after combustion, which can be hazardous to your health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. To continue feeding the flame the oxygen it needs to burn, the venting system also pulls air from your living space.

Vented gas fireplaces are less efficient both in how the gas burns and in how they heat your home. You’re essentially paying to heat air that gets pumped outside, so they provide far less heat to your home’s interior than ventless fireplaces.

As you can probably imagine, installing a vented gas fireplace where you don’t already have a traditional fireplace and chimney can be expensive and time-consuming.

Ventless Gas Fireplaces

A ventless gas fireplace doesn’t have any vent to the exterior of your home, so the average cost is much lower, usually around $1,500.

Ventless gas fireplaces don’t require vents because they burn the natural gas more efficiently. The leftover pollutants from combustion are released into your living space. Although they aren’t plentiful, some people have concerns about the effect on indoor air quality. Due to the safety concerns of ventless fireplaces, some building departments outlaw them.

Ventless gas fireplaces burn more efficiently, but they also heat your home better because the heated air isn’t lost to the outside. You should weigh the pros and cons of ventless gas fireplaces carefully before deciding.

Cost Breakdown of Converting a Wood Fireplace to Gas

The final price of converting a fireplace to gas includes more than the unit alone. Though the total cost will be different depending on your needs, other factors play a part as well.

Running a Natural Gas Line

Depending on your floor plan, installing a natural gas line to your fireplace can be relatively simple … or not. For instance, putting in a long gas line on an interior wall is more challenging than adding a gas line through an exterior wall.

If you don’t already have a natural gas line near the area, the cost to install one will be around $200 to $1,000 on top of the labor and material costs, and the work will need to be performed by a local licensed professional.

A plumber typically charges around $75 to $100 per hour, so if you don’t already have a gas line installed near the fireplace or need one connected, factor this into the total costs of your fireplace conversion. Running gas lines can run an average of $15 to $25 per linear foot in addition to labor costs.

Chimney Cleaning

Having your chimney professionally cleaned before installing a new gas fireplace is also a good idea. You’ll pay $100 to $150 for a local professional chimney cleaner. Your gas plumber or contractor may be able to connect you with someone or roll this cost into their total estimate.

Cleaning your chimney might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can help prevent house fires, so it’s always a good idea if you’re having work done anyway.

Installing Gas Inserts or Logs

Most homeowners pay $2,000 to $5,000 to convert to a gas fireplace using an insert or gas logs (rather than installing an all-new gas line). Of course, prices will change based on the brand you choose, the project’s complexity, and labor costs in your area. A local fireplace professional can give you more information on the time and parts required.

Why You Should Hire a Fireplace Installation Pro

Converting a fireplace to gas isn’t a project you should attempt to DIY. Many areas require a licensed professional to do any work with gas lines, and even if it isn’t legally required, it’s still not safe for homeowners to tackle this project. Hire a gas fireplace service near you to safely convert your fireplace so it’s compliant with local codes.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a fireplace installation pro

Code requirements aside, hiring a pro for this job is still the way to go—here’s why:

• A gas fireplace pro can safely connect your gas line and regulate it properly for the new fireplace.

• Professionals can ensure your fireplace is properly vented to keep fumes out of your home. 

• A pro can help you select the right fireplace insert for your fireplace size and home heating needs.

• Gas fireplace professionals can safely adapt an existing chimney to vent a gas fireplace.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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