Closed, they keep the drafts out of the room once the fire dies down. In addition to making sure that you are installing the firebox correctly, safely and making any necessary structural modifications to your hearth, you will also have to hook up your fireplace to your gas line. Door frames are typically enhancements made from steel or aluminum that can be polished or painted. Added the section on Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas. A gas insert produces fewer emissions and releases fewer fine particulates into the air, which is helpful for those who suffer from allergies and respiratory illnesses. There are some key system differences that are important to know in order to make the best choice for your heating needs. Gas fireplaces are built into a wall of a home during construction or a major renovation. Transform a wood-burning fireplace into gas by installing a gas-burning insert. Unvented gas logs might appear less realistic, but theyre also more efficient and less expensive. How much experience do you have installing this type of gas fireplace insert? Corner models often require some customization to fit your space exactly and vent properly out the wall behind. And with a propane fireplace insert or, Here are some links to some information on. Though how green or efficient gas fireplaces are vary by type, but in general, natural gas fireplaces release only half to two-thirds as much CO2 per unit of heat (BTU) as burning wood. Compare the estimates and hire the contractor who best fits your needs. A gas fireplace could cause minor health issues if you do not have a unit that vents outdoors, including respiratory distress and headaches. The best inserts have efficiency ratings reaching 99% while even the lowest will rate around 65%significantly more than an open hearth or wood-burning fireplace. The units themselves are prefabricated, and most are designed to be installed as they are without modification. The process requires major renovations, as opposed to wood fireplaces. There are two types of ventilation, ventless and direct-vent. These are most commonly used for minimalist wall installations. This means you must have natural gas running to your home or liquid propane tanks installed to run the unit. Yes, you can add a fireplace to an existing home. Added the Gas Fireplace vs Gas Fire Pit section. The wide berth in pricing is due to the size; the larger it is, the more expensive. Can 36,000 BTU vent-free propane logs be installed, where 20,000 BTU natural gas logs were taken out? A wood-burning fireplace releases fine particulates into the air that can create health issues and respiratory problems. Our team of experts make every effort to create instructive content that helps homeowners make the best decisions about their homes. These inserts are more cost-effective than a wood-burning fireplace, and many homeowners choose gas fireplace inserts to update and modernize their existing fireplace. As of early 2022, the cost of natural gas per therm is $1.413, so the average gas fireplace costs roughly $0.71 per hour to run. This makes them less expensive to install, even though gas may be more costly to run than wood, depending on your location and how you can gather or purchase the wood. Easy to control and maintain, gas fireplace inserts do not need extra fuel and quickly heat up a space. You can have a gas line professionally installed; just know itll be an extra cost to budget for. This is highly dependent on the type of fireplace, your location, the year and what home decorating trends are in season. A gas fireplace does not require a pre-existing fireplace system. Select a fireplace with this option at the time of installation to ensure you can use it how you intend. If you dont have an existing fireplace and chimney, a gas fireplace can be installed so it vents out through a wall, or you can choose an unvented gas fireplace. You can purchase a fully loaded prefab unit with mantel and surround to install inside a wall, and you can also build a simple custom fireplace that lets you walk around it on three sides. The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Fireplace doors prevent embers and sparks from escaping since they can ignite nearby objects or injure people. Smart fireplaces are controlled by apps that let you turn the heat up or down or get the unit running from anywhere. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. You also need to ensure you have a full chimney installed. These are less efficient than unvented gas logs, since some heat is escaping through the chimney. The exhaust gas and moisture from the burning gas stay in the room, which can cause concern for some homeowners. Since installing a gas fireplace insert involves working with gas lines, electrical wiring, vent pipes, and potentially the roof, hiring a professional is recommended. The insert is smaller than the fireplace opening, and it can be vented using the chimney thats already in place. Your gas fireplace should be inspected annually to ensure it is operating properly and does not require repairs or other maintenance. Natural gaspowered fireplaces are more cost-effective to run than a propane-powered one, depending on geographic location and fuel costs in your area. This is the time to call in a professional to make sure the insert works correctly. They can also be made using stone tiles, fieldstones, stone veneers8, and stone claddings. The cost of a brick surround is $25 to $50 a sq.ft. They do not require a chimney system, so any gases are released into your home. A traditional wood-burning fireplace is typically drafty and allows a lot of heated air to escape up the chimney. However, that only works with certain models set up for smart features. Katie Flannery, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, Considering a Ventless Gas Fireplace? Prices vary depending on the type and species of wood and the style of the surround. A gas fireplace insert will eliminate those issues since there is no ash or creosote formed by gas burning. This latter method is much less expensive but gives you the look and feel of a true brick wall. Updated the Cost to Run a Gas Fireplace section with new costs and information. Sensors on the unit should let you know if there is any danger, and most fireplaces like these will also automatically turn off. Modern propane fireplace inserts have efficiencies of roughly 80 percent. For a wall-mounted unit, homeowners pay $2,000 to $5,500 with installation. Though they can be expensive upfront, gas fireplace inserts are certainly a long-term money saving investment. (Some locations may require contractors to be licensed and insured, while others may not. He remains most at home on a tractor, but has learned that opportunity is where he finds it and discomfort is more interesting than complacency. Updated the Cost to Install a Gas Fireplace section. The most common issues with older models or inserts are low heat output associated with outdated venting causing heat loss. The cost of a tile surround ranges from $7 to $200 a sq.ft. Using vented units will likely make the most amount of sense where an existing chimney system can be used for ventilation. Most homeowners want to make the fireplace the rooms focal point. If want you to control your fireplace from anywhere, consider investing in a smart version. A gas fireplace insert is less expensive to install than a gas fireplace. Most Common Insects To Look Out For In Your New Home. It takes up more space but also provides more warmth. Some people create an entertainment center or shelving around the unit, while others simply create a custom wall surround. This means exhaust and particulates circulate through the air as well. By Katie Flannery | Updated Jul 26, 2022 2:25 PM. They can also be sleek, contemporary units you build into your wall or large peninsula3 units you can walk around as a room divider. Prefab fireplaces come in many sizes and styles. They are not designed for installation inside your home. The log set can be installed so long as a propane gas supply is available with a minimum inlet pressure that is suitable for the propane log set. Enhancements can include prefabricated factory chimneys with a traditional or customized exterior appearance and efficiency ratings. The installation of this type of fireplace is easier than many wood-burning options. Broken dampers and uncleaned chimneys can block the removal of smoke, soot, and heat, creating an unhealthy and dangerous environment. Posting a review will support this mission. All Rights Reserved. Updated the Additional Considerations and Costs section with new information. Expect to pay between $600 to $2,000, including installation charges for an insert. The chimney needs to be cleaned and fully functional for a successful conversion. Yes, you can install one without a chimney. They are great space savers and perfect for tiny homes or minimalists. They do not require you to clean them after each use like a wood-burning fireplace, and you do not need to keep wood stocked nearby. Custom units can have a wide range of costs because they can be made in any size and use a wide range of materials to finish the project. Gas fireplaces burn cleaner, so they do not require cleaning nor build up creosote on the chimney. Some homes have up to four flues, all sharing the same chimney even though each flue is designated to a separate appliance, such as a fireplace, wood stove, or HVAC system. Having an existing chimney to vent through is the least expensive way of installing. This means that some amount of exhaust will also circulate indoors. They use different fuel sources, look differently, and operate differently. However, gas fireplaces have become much more popular because they are less expensive to install, burn cleaner, and have less maintenance. If you are building a new home, or you own a home without a hearth and chimney system, a gas fireplace may be a better choice for you. Some gas fireplace inserts even have blowers that send heat out into the room. Over time, a gas insert may stop working efficiently. Available in various styles, colors, and sizes, a tabletop model matches any decor. The downside of this is low heat output. They can be installed inside an existing fireplace, inside an exterior wall, or built into any wall of your home. Some prefab models come with a surround as part of the unit. The cost for a tabletop model is $560 to $3,000. A gas fireplace insert provides the warm glow that many homeowners desire without the inconvenience and expense of burning wood. Updated the Pros and Cons section with new information. A gas fireplaces BTUs (British thermal unit) are higher than those of a gas fireplace insert, so more heat will come from the built-in gas fireplace. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. Wood, depending on the type, can lend a rustic, modern, classic, or boho feel to the room. A gas fireplace can be converted to a wood-burning one. In general, labor costs for prefab units range from $500 to $3,000, depending on how much work is involved in fitting the unit into your home. The cost to replace a gas fireplace depends on several factors. Gas fireplace inserts can be used in an existing wood-burning fireplace to make it more efficient or bring it into compliance with current building codes. There isnt a risk of your fire burning out if you forget to add more logs: a gas fireplace will continue running until it is turned off. The cost of creating a custom fireplace island is $5,000 to $10,500. For that reason, you can expect a very wide range of labor costs for the project. A wood surround ranges from $9 to $75 a sq.ft. It should be treated so that the heat or condensation doesnt warp the material. There are many different types of marble and several different ways to create a marble surround. Gas fireplace insert costs can be high, and the additional costs associated with the project can quickly add up. One app that works for gas and electric fireplaces is the Intellifire app. If you dont already have a natural gas line, the cost to install one will be around $200 to $1,000, and the work will need to be performed by a local licensed professional. The cost to customize your gas fireplace installation is between $4,000 and $10,000, including the gas line, inspections, labor, and materials. Gas inserts are, essentially, a large metal firebox inserted into a pre-existing, wood-burning fireplace. Can a free-standing Franklin stove accommodate a propane insert safely? Many models come with a small built-in metal surround. This is because they need sensors and automatic shut-off valves for safety purposes. They exhaust all the gases and water vapor produced from burning gas and vent it to the outside. Check with your municipality.). If you have an existing wood-burning fireplace, a gas fireplace insert can transform it into a gas-powered centerpiece of your home. Updated the Gas Fireplace Replacement Cost section. Labor and materials, including liner inserts, gas tubing, and new vents can run between $300 and $1,800. This produces exhaust, which must be dealt with through ventilation. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. One of the advantages of gas fireplace inserts is that they require little maintenance aside from an annual checkup that costs between $75 and $125. Most wall-mounted options are set into the wall and have only the simplest surrounding wall area with little to no framing. Traditionally, most fireplaces installed in homes were wood-burning, and many still are. Thanks to the increased energy efficiency, a gas fireplace insert will almost always save money on heating costs, particularly when taking the place of a wood-burning fireplace or expanding heating-area coverage. A professional will be familiar with the standards that you have to meet, and can help make the headache-inducing process of navigating building ordinances hassle-free. A gas insert costs between $500 and $3,500, while a gas fireplace can run from $2,650 to $5,800. You can also use stone tiles of many varieties. Some of the most common materials are brick, tile, and stone, which can create a modern, rustic, or eclectic appearance in the room.