Gas inserts typically come with a thermostat so you can enjoy the heat with precision control. Excellent choice for new home construction and renovations. A professional will have the experience and knowledge base to install the gas insert correctly and safely. In addition, for every 1/8 inch that a trim or molding piece on your mantel juts out, another 1 inch of clearance is needed. But if youre tired of the messiness and inefficiency of a wood fireplace, it might be time to consider a switch. Find trusted local pros for any home project. 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. Using vented units will likely make the most amount of sense where an existing chimney system can be used for ventilation. A fireplace installer can verify that you have a connector and chimney system to fit the wood-burning insert. So, the amount of gas used largely depends on your usage and fireplace size. How much does a gas lamp post cost per year? As the weather gets cold, you may want a cheerful fire crackling in your fireplace to cozy up to on those long winter nights. Lastly, dont forget to fit the propane hose to the exhaust pipe bottom with the help of a metal band or rubber clamp. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. Gas fireplace inserts are quite efficient, meaning capable of heating your house with only minimal heat loss. An 18-inch fireplace insert that can heat an area of 100 square feet or less costs $500, while a 36-inch insert that can heat up to 2,000 square feet costs up to $2,000. The cost to run a gas fireplace will vary depending on the features of the fireplace. This is a very common question how much will my gas fireplace or gas insert cost to run in one year? Choosing between a B vent and a direct vent gas fireplace can be difficult. Its not easy and should only be done by someone who knows what theyre doing. Use a new paintbrush to scare up dust buried deep in the logs so you can get it with the vacuum. If your gas fireplace insert uses a chimney for venting purposes, youll have to get a yearly chimney inspection that can range in price from $85 to $5,000. The bigger the size of the insert, the more it costs. Installation averages around $500 and $3,500, depending on the job's complexity. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Note that some states do not allow unvented gas units. Many homeowners enjoy the look of real flames without the hassle of moving and stacking firewood or cleaning out a fireplace full of ash. Do I need to have additional gas line work or extensions done? 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. If youre shopping for a fireplace, yes: gas fireplace inserts are, more often than not, more than worth it. I would guess it weighs around 200lb. How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost? How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gas Fireplace In Basement? With an average cost of around $700, electric fireplaces are affordable and can add ambiance to your home. Ask them for advice regarding qualified professionals to handle your installation and venting needs. One of the benefits to a gas fireplace is the ability to purchase an unvented modelthat is, a model that does not require an existing chimney or flue. These are less efficient than unvented gas logs, since some heat is escaping through the chimney. Expect these additional costs to add an extra $200 to $1,000 to your final bill. How much does a Gatorade water bottle hold? All Rights Reserved. Gas fireplace inserts are available as vented or unvented options. How Much Does A Gas Fireplace Insert Cost? All Rights Reserved. Another good advantage of gas burning is that you can control the amount of heat you want to be produced. Unvented gas inserts release moisture back into the home, which can raise the humidity levels. The exhaust is vented outside through the inner pipe when you start the gas fireplace. Check with your municipality.). Fire Characteristics: Gas fires are consistent and controllable by design. The Langley 36 Direct Vent Linear Gas Fireplace. How much does a gas hot water heater cost? Venting your gas They are generalizations based on the small, medium, or large classifications. Vented inserts generally have a realistic fireplace aesthetic because the temperature is controlled. The final costs are dependent on several factors, including the size, condition and age of your fireplace; the area you live in; any parts that need to be replaced; season and major weather; and how quickly you need the repairs done. I love my gas propane fireplace because it is an affordable heating option and it is easy to use and maintain. As the weather turns cold, its time to turn up the heatand nothing beats the coziness of a fireplace. How much does a gas valve for a furnace cost? Direct vent units are considered the safest choice. Remember, you can always shop around and ask contractors for the best estimate on your repair project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB2cDq8y18I, Tech Video: Direct Vent Fireplace Installation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB2cDq8y18I), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKCwg8jwHd8, B Vent vs Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces and Furnaces (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKCwg8jwHd8), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD3kUW4gRXI, Power Venting Technology (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD3kUW4gRXI). A fireplace insert installer near you can help you decide which brand and size fit your home. A traditional wood-burning fireplace is typically drafty and allows a lot of heated air to escape up the chimney. Even better, it means theres no need to get rid of your beautiful old hearth, especially if you find it aesthetically appealing or historically significant for your home. Gas combustion produces exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide, so proper ventilation is necessary for a gas fireplace. Prices can differ from the national average due to labor and installation fees, the price of the gas fireplace insert, and whether the insert is vented or unvented. Since gas fireplace inserts are made to fit into a pre-existing, wood-burning fireplace space, there is theoretically no need for any extensive remodelwhich saves both time and money. However, because of the vent, you will need an annual inspection which costs around $75-$100. This compensation comes from two main sources. Fireplace inserts offer multiple benefits over a traditional fireplace with proper installationa fireplace contractor and installer near you can help you get the job done. A gas fireplace insert is a good option if youre interested in zone heating your home and assisting the HVAC system so it doesnt run as much during the colder winter months. Heres what to know to help you choose between the different types of fireplace inserts. Fireplace insert installation costs $700$6,500. Because electric fireplace inserts don't have a real open flame, they produce flames that mimic a real fire surrounded by artificial logs with LED light. If you decide on an unvented insert option, these models come with an oxygen depletion sensor and a safety valve that will turn off the gas before carbon monoxide levels become dangerous in the room. Measure the WidthMeasure the width of the front opening at both the top and the bottom.Measure across the back wall of the firebox at both the top and the bottom.If your firebox is angled, make additional measurements as needed. The Fix. It is perfectly acceptable in most situations to vent downwards, use many elbows, and even vent over 100 feet horizontally. Its not recommended to install a gas fireplace insert as a DIY project. 2. Learn about the convenience, flexibility, and customization offered by a zero-clearance gas fireplace. Understand that older homes may not have standard-sized fireplaces, so getting a perfect fit may not happen. The fireplace draws in air and throws out fumes through the direct-vent pipe. Gas fireplace installation: 30 width fireplace to heat a 250 sq.ft. How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. A wood-burning fireplace releases fine particulates into the air that can create health issues and respiratory problems. Yes, but, Can You Paint A Marble Fireplace? A gas insert offers all the comfort, warmth, and ambiance of a fire without the need to chop, store, and haul wood. As long as you are willing to spend the money and your local building codes allow the installation of an appropriate fireplace system, adding a cozy fireplace to your house is possible. Usually, there is an inspection conducted toward the end of the summer by experienced propane repair technicians. This is ideal if you have a narrow room or if you also want to install a mantel. Always consult product specifications for accurate dimensions. Keep it clean and dont bash it with a sledgehammer and it should continue working for quite some time. These can include extra gas plumbing, electrical wiring, surround material, maintenance, and unit repair. The average costs associated with installing a gas fireplace include $600 for the firebox installation, $750 for the vent pipe, $2,750 for the full installation and finishing work, and The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. However, if you want to use less propane, use the lowest settings but if you are using it as the primary source of heat and your fireplace size is big, expect to use more. How to vent a gas fireplace without a chimney? Depending on what kind of fireplace you choose, if youre building your home or remodeling, its relatively easy to run venting through the wall, through the roof, or even directly into the chimney. Poor Quality of the Bulb While the principle of a ventless gas fireplace operates much like that of operating a gas stove, the safety of gas fireplace inserts is still an open debate. Though they can be expensive upfront, gas fireplace inserts are certainly a long-term money saving investment. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. These units are designed and constructed similarly to gas inserts and come in vented vs. unvented models. It is cheaper than a wood burning foreplace installation. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit to be aware of. They exhaust all the gases and water vapor produced from burning gas and vent it to the outside. These flues are fitted into each other using a common axis. It enhances the performance of a direct vent fireplace if the existing venting system is not moving adequate airflow to the fire, or it can also be used to vent down a fireplace. To learn more about the benefits of Fireplace Inserts: Nothing beats the crackling sound and dancing flame provided by a real wood fire.