One of the popular options homeowners choose to add warmth to their homes is the installation of a gas fireplace. And for good reasons.
One, the flame from the fireplace will start burning at just the flip of a switch or the touch of a remote control. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about feeding additional logs to the fireplace to keep your room warm. A gas fireplace also requires little maintenance so you won’t spend too much time cleaning.
Most importantly, installing a gas fireplace costs less than the wood-burning one. With that said, just how much money can you save?
Average Cost to Install Gas Fireplace
According to Home Advisor, the average cost to install a gas fireplace is US$1,951, with most homeowners spending between US$838 to US$3,102. The said prices include both the units and installation. Costhelper.com further details the prices for each type of gas fireplace.
- Vent-free: US$400 to US$1,500 + installation
- Top Vented: US$1,200 to US$2,900 + installation costing US$600 to US$1,000
- Direct-vent: US$1,200 to US$3,200 + installation costing US$600 to US$5,000
Aside from the mentioned prices, the cost to install gas fireplace varies depending on some factors. The said factors include the gas line installation which costs US$500 to US$2,000, assembly and customization which costs around US$600 and up, and ventilation which costs US$200 to US$3,000.
A Closer Look at Installation Expenses
If you’re installing a new gas fireplace in your home, chances are that you need to install a new gas line to accommodate the unit. The costs for a gas line installation include:
- Gas line installation (minimum): US$200
- Propane tank installation: US$100
- Connecting gas line to the street line/main supply: US$500 to US$2,000
After that, you should next install the fireplace unit itself. Upon delivery, a professional has to assemble the unit first before proceeding to the installation. Furthermore, the installer may also charge a fee if you want to customize your fireplace. The typical cost is US$600, but the more you customize, the higher the price will be.
If you opt for a vented gas fireplace unit, ventilation installation is a must. A basic installation would cost you US$200.
Gas Fireplace vs. Wood Fireplace
We earlier said that installing a gas fireplace will be less costly than its wooden counterpart. After all, installing a wood-burning fireplace may cost you up to US$10,000. After the installation, though, you could save up money on utilities as wood comes at a cheaper price than other types of fuel. According to House Logic, a half cord of wood that is enough for winter weekends will only cost about US$75 to US$150.
However, a wood-burning fireplace requires high maintenance. For instance, you should frequently clean both the fireplace and the chimney to remove soot, debris, and creosote to prevent health hazards. Also, unlike the instant ignition featured in a gas fireplace, the wood-burning type needs kindling and lighting before it can produce heat.
If anything, the reason why some homeowners stick to a wood-burning type may be because of the nostalgia and classic look this fireplace exudes.
If you already have a wood-burning fireplace but wanted to convert to gas, you won’t necessarily have to destroy your previous fireplace altogether. In fact, you can still use your chimney for a gas fireplace. You just have to order for a gas insert and install it. The cost, according to Angie’s List, will run about US$2,000 to US$5,000 for the insert while installation ranges from US$500 to US$2,500.
Costs of Gas Fireplace Units
Your total gas fireplace installation cost would not be accurate if you do not know the prices of the units. There are many companies out there that sell all sorts of fireplace products. So, to give you an idea, we would take a look at how much do manufacturers like Heatilator charge for a gas fireplace unit.
Heatilator has 18 available gas fireplace units available, with the prices going up to US$6,000. One of their products is the Novus, a direct-vent type that the company claims to fit into almost any lifestyle and space.
Now on to the price. Wood Heat, a company that sells Novus fireplace units, has prices for the said product ranging from more than US$1,500 to more than US$2,500. Specific Novus products and their price tags include:
- Novus nXt 33 (33”, brick interior): Starts at US$2,179
- Novus nXt 36 (36”, brick interior, with blower): Starts at US$2,639
- Novus NDV3630 (30”, various installation possibilities): Starts at US$1,509
- Novus NDV3933 (33”, various installation possibilities): Starts at US$1,659
- Novus NDV4236 (36”, various installation possibilities): Starts at US$1,879
- Novus NDV4842 (42”, various installation possibilities): Starts at US$2,049
To get your total gas fireplace installation cost from Wood Heat with the Novus as your unit of choice, you would first choose which model you want. Next, you have to fill out a quote request form, specifying the gas type, front, control, and additional options you might want for your fireplace. You will then send the information to the company and wait for their estimated quote.
Things to Consider Before the Installation
As we now know how much does gas fireplace installation cost, we should also be aware of some considerations we need to remember before starting the project.
One thing to consider is the type of gas fireplace you want to install. Direct-vent and top-vent types generally have no issues, but a vent-free fireplace may not be allowed by your local authorities. So, before choosing, make sure you’re not breaking any regulations imposed in your area.
To narrow down your choices, you should also decide whether you’re buying a fireplace unit for heat efficiency, aesthetics, or both. This way, your retailer can recommend what best fits your purpose.
Lastly, consider your budget. How much you’re willing to spend for a unit and its installation will further trim down your options, making it easier for you to choose.
As for the benefits of having a fireplace in your house, it’s not only about the warmth or the decoration. The return of investment is quite attractive, too. According to the Residential Cost handbook, a gas fireplace could potentially add about US$5,900 worth of value to your home.
Whatever your choices are, it is important to keep yourself and your family safely warm whenever the cold season comes. Good luck on picking your new fireplace!