The average cost to install a gas fireplace insert is $3,700, with most people paying between $2,300 and $8,000.
On average, installing a gas fireplace insert costs $3,700, but the total project price commonly ranges from $2,300 to $8,000. There are many factors that impact how much you’ll spend, including the type of gas fireplace insert, the amount of prep work required to install your insert, and local permitting and labor costs.
The overall cost of a gas fireplace insert depends on factors like the insert’s type and size, as well as your current fireplace setup and labor rates in your area. Here’s what to consider when putting together a budget for your insert installation.
Gas fireplaces are either vented or ventless—and the type you choose will influence your cost. Vented gas fireplaces, including direct-vent models, send combustion gases outside of your home through a chimney, exterior wall, or ceiling. Ventless gas fireplaces don’t require venting, so they’re more affordable.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Direct-vent | $4,300–$11,200 |
| Ventless | $1,500–$4,600 |
The current setup of your fireplace (or lack thereof) will also impact the price of this project. For example, if you’re converting a wood-burning fireplace to a gas-powered one, you may need to run a new gas line. Similarly, the cost to replace a gas fireplace insert is less than the cost of installing a new one from scratch.
Here are some common tasks you may need to cross off your to-do list before installing a gas fireplace insert.
| Work Required | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| New gas line | $200–$1,000 |
| Chimney cleaning | $100–$150 |
| Chimney repair | $160–$750 |
| Chimney rebuild | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Fireplace insert removal | $600–$2,500 |
| Fireplace removal | $4,000–$10,000 |
Gas inserts come in a range of sizes, with larger inserts costing more than smaller ones. The correct size will depend on a few factors, including the square footage of the space you’re trying to heat and the size of the opening where you’ll install the insert. If you don’t know which size to choose, reach out to a local gas fireplace installer.
The “surround” is the area around your fireplace, which is commonly made from wood, tile, stone, or metal. If you need to install a new gas fireplace surround, the cost will depend on the material, as you can see in the following chart.
| Material | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $9–$75 |
| Metal | $10–$50 |
| Tile | $10–$125 |
| Stone | $10–$300 |
| Marble | $20–$300 |
| Brick | $30–$50 |
Depending on your location and the scope of your project, you may need permits to install a gas fireplace insert. On average, these permits cost between $100 and $400.
Labor accounts for a significant chunk of the cost to install a gas fireplace insert. If your project is relatively straightforward, you’ll likely spend $500 to $1,500 on labor. However, if you need new venting or chimney work, you may have to budget an additional $1,000 to $6,000.
In addition to the up-front expense of installing an insert, there are ongoing costs to consider. So, how much does a gas fireplace insert cost to run and maintain? Let’s break it down.
Fuel is the main ongoing expense you’ll face when using a gas fireplace insert. On average, running a gas fireplace costs between $400 and $640 per heating season.
The exact price you’ll pay depends on your fireplace’s fuel type (either natural gas or propane) and heat output, as well as how often you run your fireplace. Your location also factors into these gas insert fireplace costs since the price of fuel varies across the country.
You need to hire a pro to conduct an annual fireplace inspection so that they can identify potential safety issues and ensure your insert is running efficiently. The cost of a gas fireplace inspection ranges from $75 to $200 per year.
In addition to the price of gas fireplace maintenance, you may also need to budget for occasional repairs, which cost between $200 and $1,000.
By installing your own gas fireplace insert, you’ll save at least $500 to $1,500 on labor. However, there are several safety risks involved in installing a gas fireplace insert, which is why we recommend hiring a pro who installs fireplace inserts. In fact, depending on where you live, you may be required by law to hire a licensed professional for gas fireplace insert installation.
Pros know how to work with gas lines, make necessary structural modifications to your home and fireplace, and access your roof. They also understand local building codes and permitting requirements, so when you hire a pro, you can feel confident that your new fireplace insert is above board.
Installing a gas fireplace insert is less expensive than installing a built-in gas fireplace, but if you’re looking to save even more money, these tips can help:
Pick a basic model: One way to cut costs is by choosing a simple fireplace insert without any fancy lighting, crackling sounds, or other optional bells and whistles.
Handle the prep work yourself: Clear it with your fireplace installer beforehand, but you may be able to save money by removing your old fireplace insert or cleaning the fireplace opening before the pros arrive.
Compare quotes: It’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple contractors to see which companies offer the best prices. But beware of any suspiciously low estimates, which may equate to poor-quality work.
For many people, the primary disadvantage of a gas fireplace insert is that it doesn’t look or smell like a classic wood-burning fire. Additionally, the labor costs of installing a gas insert are higher than some other types of fireplace inserts, including electric and pellet inserts. There are also limitations on where you can install ventless gas fireplaces because they’re banned in certain places (including California).
Yes. Gas fireplaces need to be cleaned once every six months or so—or more often if you use yours regularly. Fortunately, this is a simple DIY job that only takes about an hour. The main tasks involved in cleaning a gas fireplace include wiping the glass, brushing and inspecting the logs, and vacuuming the firebox.
