How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas?

Average Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas

What Is a Fireplace Conversion?

In general terms, a fireplace conversion makes an old wood-burning fireplace safe for a gas fireplace. At a minimum, this process involves removing the fireplace damper, running electrical and gas fuel lines, and replacing or converting the firebox. You may also need to install a new vent system. 

Fireplace Conversion Cost by Type

The cost of your fireplace conversion will depend heavily on the type of gas fireplace you want to convert it to. Using gas logs in an existing fireplace is the most affordable option but provides the least heat output. Converting a fireplace to a gas insert is the most costly but offers the best heat output.

Vented Gas Log Fireplace Conversion

Vented log fireplace conversions cost between $500 and $2,500, or an average of $1,500, including parts and labor. This is the most affordable option and is the simplest type of conversion. But it also offers the lowest heat output. 

You run a gas line to the fireplace, remove the damper or weld it to be permanently open to prevent asphyxiation and carbon monoxide poisoning, and add a grate to hold the logs. Then, you add the gas logs, sand, and other substrates—like fire glass or lava rock—and possibly an electrical line. 

Ventless Gas Log Fireplace Conversion

Ventless gas log fireplace conversion costs between $1,000 and $3,000, with most people spending around $2,000. Ventless models cost slightly more than vented ones, but they're more energy efficient and produce more heat. While the installation is similar, the damper remains permanently closed, which prevents heat from escaping along with the exhaust, which improves heat output and energy efficiency. 

However, it's important to note that ventless gas fireplaces aren't permitted in every location due to safety concerns over the potential buildup of dangerous gases inside the home. So if you want to go the ventless route, you must check the regulations in your municipality. 

Gas Fireplace Inserts

Converting a fireplace to a gas fireplace insert costs between $2,000 and $5,500. Most homeowners spend around $3,750 for this conversion. Whether you have an existing masonry fireplace or an electric fireplace insert, converting to a gas fireplace insert is the most costly option, but it provides the most heat. Read more about electric fireplaces versus gas fireplaces here.

Depending on the existing setup, you may need to add a direct vent so the outside air can be drawn in for combustion and the exhaust is easily removable without entering your home. This is optional if you already have a chimney or natural or direct vent.

Fireplace Conversion Cost Breakdown

The cost of labor and materials is fairly evenly split on standard conversions. However, labor costs will increase significantly if you need a lot of work done to make the conversion safe. 

Materials

Gas fireplace materials start from just $150 if you're going for a simple gas log installation. But if you're going for a fancy gas fireplace insert with a large viewing area, LED flames, Wi-Fi, or smart home compatibility with a remote control, you can pay $5,000 or more. 

Labor

The labor costs for fireplace conversions vary significantly. You can pay as little as $200 for adding vented gas logs to a fireplace with a vent and a gas line already in place. However, if your fireplace needs significant repairs or construction—such as paying for chimney repair costs or adding a direct vent—or you want a lot of custom work to make a real feature of your fireplace, you could pay up to $10,000.

Other Fireplace Conversion Cost Factors

Aside from the type of fireplace you're converting to, a range of other factors can impact the cost of installing a fireplace. Whether you need a natural gas line, direct vent, or any repairs to the existing vent or chimney, this will add to the project total.

Natural Gas Line Installation

Installing a natural gas line costs between $200 and $1,000, depending on how far the line has to travel. It costs approximately $15 to $25 per linear foot, including parts and labor. You'll need a natural gas line if you're converting a wood or electric fireplace into a gas fireplace, as you'll need a way to transport the fuel from the gas main to your fireplace. 

Chimney

Before you change the fireplace, you should have the chimney cleaned and inspected. Hiring a chimney sweep costs between $130 and $370, while a chimney inspection costs between $300 and $600. This removes any potentially harmful buildup, such as soot and creosote. 

An inspection also checks for damage or any potential issues that'll require repair. Chimney repair costs approximately $160 to $750, depending on the issue. If the chimney is in severe disrepair, you can have it removed. Removing a chimney costs around $500 to $7,500.

Adding a Vent

If you're going for a ventless gas fireplace, you won't need to worry about vents. But if you're converting a fireplace that doesn't already have a chimney in good repair and you're going for a vented option, you'll need to have a direct vent installed. Installing a direct vent costs up to $3,000, depending on how far the vent system has to travel. 

Customizations

Many customization options can cost as little as $100 to $5,000 or more. For example, painting an existing surround starts at about $100, while a stone veneer fireplace costs around $2,500 to $10,000. 

Take a look at some of the most common fireplace customizations:

• Fireplace blower: costs around $100–$1,500 and pushes out hot air to improve efficiency 

• Fireplace mantle: costs around $500–$1,200 and adds practicality and style to the fireplace 

• Fireplace surround: costs around $500–$1,000 and enhances the appearance of the fireplace and adds character

DIY Fireplace Conversion vs. Hiring a Pro

Converting a fireplace to gas isn't a DIY job. You'll need to hire a local gas fireplace installer. Most states require any work involving natural gas to be undertaken only by a certified and licensed professional. 

Don’t attempt this job on your own. Installing a fireplace incorrectly is dangerous, and the fireplace, vent, and fuel line all require proper, professional installation.