How Much Does It Cost To Convert Wood Fireplace To Gas?

Last Updated on September 11, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Upgrading an aging or inefficient wood burning fireplace by professionally converting it to use convenient gas logs or a sealed gas insert instead offers homeowners much more controllability over their heat output and flames.

The total project price varies based on the insert system selected, how much gas line work and venting modifications are required, overall fireplace size, and local construction costs.

The multitude of benefits provided make this major upgrade worthwhile for many homeowners over time.

How Much Does It Cost To Convert Wood Fireplace To Gas?

On average, the cost for a complete convert of a full wood burning fireplace to gas or propane stands approximately between $2,500 and $5,000 or more on parts, skilled labor, permitting, and professional installation services. These major fuel source retrofits come at a significant expense ranging from $3,000 to $8,000+ in most homes requiring extensive modifications.

• Gas Fireplace Insert or Log Materials– $1,500 – $5,000 depending on combustor size, venting requirements, and features involved. Used inserts offer cost savings.
• Gas Line Branch Installation– $500 – $2,500 if residential gas piping must be extended from the main line to the fireplace location. Pipe, fittings, valves, unions and labor add up.
• Chimney or Flue Retrofitting and Modifications– $1,000 – $2,500 for adding proper venting meeting safety guidelines whether using existing flues or adding new dual pipe penetrations.
• Complete Installation Labor– $800 – $2,000 depending on the project scale and intricacies plus any construction prep or finish work involved around the converted fireplace itself.
• Necessary Building Permits and Inspections– $200 – $500 depending on municipality fee structures and number of on-site inspections required throughout the phased project.
• Total Project Investment Range– $3,500 to $8,000+ on average depending on variables above. High-end conversions with intricate stonework or custom cabinetry can easily exceed $10,000.

According to HomeGuide, the cost to convert a wood fireplace to gas logs typically ranges from $300 to $2,000. This price can vary based on whether the logs are vented or ventless, with ventless options generally being less expensive due to fewer installation requirements.

HomeAdvisor provides a similar range, stating that the average cost to convert a wood fireplace to gas is about $2,580, with a typical range from $500 to $5,000. They note that the final cost depends on the type of gas fireplace chosen and the extent of modifications needed for safe installation.

In a detailed breakdown, Angi mentions that the overall cost to convert a fireplace to gas can be between $300 and $12,000, with an average cost around $3,000. They highlight that additional expenses may arise from installing a natural gas line, which can cost between $200 and $1,000, along with chimney cleaning fees of about $100 to $150.

Bob Vila corroborates these figures, stating that the typical cost to convert a wood-burning fireplace to gas ranges from $500 to $5,500, with an average around $3,000. They emphasize that the type of gas fireplace chosen and the existing setup will significantly influence the total cost.

Lastly, Full Service Chimney notes that converting to a gas fireplace insert can start at $1,200, while the cost for gas logs can range from $150 to over $2,000 depending on quality and installation complexity. They also mention that the time required for installation can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the specifics of the conversion.

Why Convert to Gas?

Converting to gas inserts or log sets provides a number of helpful benefits:

• Much more convenient instant push button ignition than having to regularly start kindling and wood fires manually. Flames heat up homes faster.
• Ability to precisely adjust heat output levels using adjustable thermostats or remote-control apps on phones. No more guesswork trying to control wood fires intensity.
• Greatly reduced amounts of smoke, soot, and wood related odors compared with burning biomass fuels.
• Improved safety with mandatory highly sensitive gas leak detectors alerting homeowners to potentially hazardous conditions.
• Increased home resale values from renovated modern gas fireplaces – an attractive upgrade for potential buyers.
• No longer needing to constantly source, transport, chop, haul, and store unsightly firewood to keep your fireplace usable. Remote controls provide wood-free simplicity.
• Compliance with local laws restricting or banning wood burning fireplaces in some municipalities to reduce air pollution.

But first, the complex installation process must be undertaken properly by licensed technicians before enjoying the results.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a wood stove, a wood pellet stove, or a chimney cap installation.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Convert

• Overall Fireplace Physical Size and Condition– Larger firebox cavities naturally require upsized insert units and additional modification efforts further adding expenses. Requiring structural repairs adds more costs.
• Type of Gas Insert or Log Set Selected– More advanced fully enclosed gas insert fireplace systems allowing retention of decorative facades run $3,000 to $6,000 Simpler vent-free gas log sets plumbed into the existing firebox typically cost $2,000 to $4,000.
• Extent of Gas Line Installation or Retrofitting Required– Needing to newly plumb gas piping and install a branch line to the fireplace compared to merely connecting to an existing nearby gas line makes a tremendous impact on installation costs due to the labor and materials involved.
• Ventless or Vented Gas Insert Choices– Vented gas inserts or fireplaces that integrate with existing chimneys and flues require considerably more venting modifications and costs compared to ventless gas log varieties. But ventless does have indoor air quality tradeoffs.
• Associated Permits and Inspection Fees– Meeting stringent local building codes and pulling required permits before and after conversion projects adds up in both additional fees and certified contractor requirements. But the rigor ensures safety.
• Regional Construction Labor Rates– Available professional installer pricing fluctuates noticeably based on geographic area labor supply dynamics and regulatory requirements in different municipalities. Metropolitan areas cost more.

Steps to Convert a Fireplace

1. Initial Consultation and Project Viability Assessment – Fireplace dimensions and configuration evaluated. Chimney flue condition assessed. Venting approach decided. Gas line routing mapped. Safety considerations reviewed.
2. Permit Applications Filed and Approved – Extensive paperwork and documentation prepared based on local regulations before contractor approval to commence work.
3. Gas Line Installation or Connection – Either new branch line piping plumbed from main line to fireplace cavity or direct connection to existing nearby gas line supply completed.
4. Fireplace and Chimney Retrofitting Work – Removal of old firebox linings, shaping cavity for insert, installing new chimney venting system either direct or dual pipe.
5. Installation of Gas Fireplace Insert or Log Set – Insert safely installed in cavity. Combustor correctly aligned with ventilation. Decorative facades fitted over insert.
6. System Checkout and Safety Validation – Numerous leak checks performed on connections. Flow verified in chimney flue piping. Correct combustion operation confirmed.
7. Final Inspections and Sign Off By Authorities – Installations certified by local permit officials after on-site inspections ensure codes compliance.
8. Finish Stage – Decorative base or hearth work completed to integrate insert if needed.

A proper fireplace conversion process involves considerable skilled trade expertise across specialties. Don’t cut corners or rush any phases.

Ventless Gas Inserts vs. Vented Gas Fireplaces

Ventless Gas Log Sets

• Costs – $1,500 – $4,000 Professionally Installed
• Pros – Insert directly into existing fireplace cavities. Requires no chimney system modifications.
• Cons – Limited ventilation safety margins. Requires leaving nearby window partially cracked for airflow. Cannot damper.

Vented Gas Inserts and Fireplaces

• Costs – $3,500 – $8,000 Professionally Installed
• Pros – Utilize existing chimney systems in most cases but requires retrofitting. Enables dampering. Safer for indoor air quality.
• Cons – Inserts limit available fire viewing space. Chimney repairs may be needed to enable venting capabilities.

When viable structurally, fully vented gas fireplace installations are usually recommended whenever feasible for optimal safety and isolation of combustion exhaust gases. But costs are higher.

Should You DIY a Fireplace Conversion?

While DIY fireplace gas conversions are hypothetically physically possible for very handy homeowners, they remain extremely challenging and risky. Major considerations include:

• Highly advanced skills needed for construction, wiring, metal fabrication, piping, masonry, carpentry and more. Not for beginners.
• Meeting stringent permit requirements, inspections, and insurance risks if hiring help.
• Safely planning and executing major gas line connection modifications and installs. A hazardous prospect for amateurs.
• No professional guidance or accountability if DIY problems or operational issues emerge. You assume all liabilities.

Unless you have very specialized licensed contracting skills and knowledge yourself, hiring insured professionals is strongly advised. Attempting major gas system modifications risks potentially disastrous mistakes permanently damaging homes, safety or lives without qualifications.

Final Words

Although converting an aging wood burning fireplace over to a modern convenient gas insert or log set powered by natural gas or propane represents a significant upfront investment ranging from $2,500 to $10,000+ in most homes, the boost in household comfort, heating controllability, and upgraded efficiency makes this major renovation well worthwhile for many homeowners over the long haul.

Just be certain to use licensed, insured technicians for all work to ensure full compliance with building codes and gas safety best practices every step. Your family’s safety should be the top priority.

Answers to Common Questions

Should I convert to a gas fireplace?

If an existing wood burning fireplace is still structurally sound, converting to gas provides easier ignition, more heating control, no fire tending, and improved efficiency with thermostat or remote management. This makes the upgrade well worth considering for many homeowners seeking to enhance ambiance and usefulness.

Do gas fireplaces give off as much heat as wood?

Yes, modern sealed gas fireplace inserts are designed for maximum heating efficiency and can match or even exceed the heat output of equivalent wood burning fireplaces when sized appropriately for the space. Advanced combustion, circulating blowers, and catalytic converters optimize gas fireplace warmth.

How to prepare a fireplace for gas logs?

Proper prep work includes completely removing old firebox linings, ash, creosote buildup and cleaning the chimney flue before sealing off the damper. Gas line plumbing must be installed if needed, and the chimney may require retrofitting with new ventilation pipes. Electrical work may also be necessary in some cases for blowers or lighting.