What Does a New Gas Fireplace Installation Cost in 2024?

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Vented – Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Insert

• Pros:
  • Combustion behind glass.
  • No odor.
  • No known health risks. 
  • Safe to use with pets & kids.
  • No sooting or ash.
  • Produces net positive heat.
  • Service is available from quality fireplace and stove service providers.

• Cons:
  • Requires ventilation access.
  • Higher installation cost.

Fireplace Buying Tip: We and most fireplace experts recommend vented hearth appliances like a direct vent gas fireplace insert as opposed to vent free gas logs in 2024. 

See a gas insert up close. Yes, that fire is really behind nearly invisible glass!

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Vented – Direct Vent Gas Fireplace

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Unvented – Vent Free Gas Logs  

• Pros:
  
  • Does not require venting installation.
  • Lower installation and product cost.
  • Widely available at Home Depot, Lowes & online.
  • Produces heat with an attractive open flame.

• Cons:
  
  • Difficult to repair.
  • Hard to find reputable service.
  • Gas odor in home. Health risks.
  • No ventilation for combustion.
  • Potential for sooting on walls and ceiling.
  • Moisture & humidity buildup.
  • Burns pet hair, dust and dirt.

Example of gas log set with an open flame, no glass.

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What is the difference between a fireplace insert, gas logs & a fireplace?

Not sure if you need a gas fireplace or a gas fireplace insert? Videos of gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts can be very helpful in understanding the difference. We are hard at work on new posts, but until then, Ember’s Fireplaces does an excellent job at educating folks learning about fireplaces. To learn more about the differences between gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts, check out “Gas Insert or Gas Fireplace (Which one do I need?)“

By comparison, gas fireplaces only have the unit and the front, no surround is required since gas fireplaces are built into a wall and meet up with the exterior. Unlike gas fireplace inserts, gas fireplaces do not require a metal surround to fit perfectly into the space. Average cost of a gas fireplace unit and front without labor, venting or surround is between $3,500 – $5,500.

Our favorite gas fireplace insert for 2024 is the Heat & Glo Escape. Learn more here!

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Now that you know what you want, let’s figure out how you will fuel your fireplace.

 

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2) Do you have the necessary utilities?

In order to install a gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert you need access to fuel. Gas fireplaces utilize either natural gas or propane (LP) gas.

Natural gas is on average, the most efficient fuel source available to residents of Chester County Pennsylvania. The cost to gain access to natural gas in Pennsylvania can be quite high if you do not have a line near your home. Click here, if you would like to apply for natural gas from PECO. PECO makes a map available with where the natural gas line runs. If you can not get access to natural gas, your other option is propane (LP) gas.

Propane (LP) gas is still a great option if you live in a more remote location without availability to natural gas. At The Stove Shop in Phoenixville, PA 19460 we recommend X-Press Energy or County Propane. Both companies are excellent propane fuel providers in Chester County, Pennsylvania. (We most often see folks with either a 120lb or 250lb propane tank for home heating.)

If you have access to gas, the next step is to run the gas line to the location of your new gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert. Running gas line can be expensive. It is a fascinating science, at definitely takes some time to plan correctly for longer runs. When gas line is run correctly, all of your gas appliances must have equal access to gas pressure. Running a long gas line could potentially be one of the most expensive parts of your gas fireplace project. Average cost of gas line $600 – $4,000, depending on what is required.

Electricity is necessary for your gas fireplace to operate efficiently. After the gas line, we need to get electric installed in the location of your gas fireplace. Electricity enables your fireplace to turn on and run its fan. Standard electric should cost about $440, but is highly dependent on access and can vary. (At The Stove Shop, an in-person site visit is required to determine these details.)

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Next step, consider your budget and commit. Remember, you are investing in your home’s long term value for over 20 years.

 

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3) Do you want a high quality gas fireplace insert & safe installation?

The quality of a gas fireplace insert will impact your price. Lower priced gas fireplaces provide less heat and will have fewer visual options. A higher priced gas fireplace has much higher levels of heat and are typically easier to repair & service. In our opinion, the highest quality gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts are provided by Heat & Glo.