How Much to Convert a Fireplace to Gas?
Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value or simply want to add more appeal to your living space, converting your fireplace to gas is one of the best options for homeowners who are tired of their wood-burning fireplaces. Converting to gas can make it easier to get a fire started, save you money on fuel costs, and help you avoid the hassle of finding and transporting wood, cleaning up ash and soot, and getting your chimney cleaned out every year.
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Costs to Convert a Fireplace by Type
The most common type of gas fireplace is an insert, which allows for more customization and can be installed directly into your existing fireplace or a new one. A vented gas log fireplace insert costs between $500 and $2,500, depending on the size and style of the insert. Ventless gas logs are a cheaper option, but they don’t offer much heat and can be restricted in some areas.
A professional chimney sweep can help you determine if your current wood-burning fireplace is suitable for a gas conversion. He or she can also help you identify whether or not you need a gas line, which can add to the costs of a fireplace conversion.
Customizations: Many homeowners opt to add additional features to their fireplace, such as a decorative mantel or a tiled accent wall around the opening of the fireplace. These types of customizations aren’t cheap, but they can give your fireplace a fresh look that will keep it at the center of the room and make it stand out from its competitors.
Fireplace grates and surrounds can also be customized, and these projects can vary in cost. A steel bar grate can be as little as $50, while a solid pine mantel can be as high as $1,500.
Adding a brick or cobblestone veneer face to your fireplace can range in price from $96 per square foot to $34 per square foot. A marble face can cost an average of $90 per square foot.
Installing a new gas line is an important step to a successful fireplace conversion. Most fireplace companies have the proper licensing to perform this work, but community HVAC techs and plumbers can often do it as well.
If your home doesn’t already have a gas line, expect to pay $200 to $1,000 for an installation, according to ClimateCare. This includes the labor to run and connect the line, as well as any necessary plumbing work to ensure it’s compatible with your new gas fireplace.
The cost of a fireplace conversion is a very variable project, so it’s important to consider the amount of time and effort that goes into the project before determining the final pricing. Ideally, it’s best to hire a professional contractor who can complete the job in a timely and efficient manner.
Having the right contractor is essential to a successful fireplace conversion. Hiring a professional who knows exactly what he or she is doing will help you avoid costly mistakes that could draw out the project and leave you over budget. It’s also worth comparing multiple quotes from qualified professionals to get the most competitive rate possible.