How Much Does a Gas Fireplace Insert Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, installing a gas fireplace insert costs $3,700, with a range from $2,300 to $8,000. The installation price depends on the type of fireplace you want, the surround, whether a new vent is required, and if this is a new installation or if you're swapping an existing fireplace for a newer model. Gas fireplace inserts are more budget-friendly than a new fireplace and fit into the existing fireplace traditionally used to burn wood. Hiring a professional gas fireplace technician to install your insert ensures expert quality work and safety compliance.

Gas Fireplace Insert Cost Factors

Several factors affect the overall cost of installing a gas fireplace insert. The material and location will impact your costs, and additional features such as chimney additions, mantels, doors, and blowers can also increase the total expense.

Parts

For a gas fireplace insert, expect to pay roughly $2,300 for just the unit or $3,700 with material and labor. Installing an insert is an option for converting a fireplace to gas. High-end materials can drive up the cost to $13,500 with venting and custom surrounds.

A fireplace insert sits inside an existing fireplace and is the most likely option if you're updating an old gas fireplace for a newer model. Plus, if you've got a wood-burning stove and want to upgrade to a gas model, you can convert your existing fireplace by having the wood stove removed and the gas insert fitted with minimal disruption and remedial work.

Labor

Labor for gas fireplace installation costs between $500 and $1,500, but it can reach up to $6,000. The price varies based on the complexity of the job.

If a new vent or chimney is required, or the existing chimney needs remedial work, you’ll need to allow for an additional $1,000 to $6,000 in labor.

Permits

Permit fees vary from $100 to $400, depending on the number and type of permits you'll need. While not every state requires permits for fireplace installation, many do, particularly if the installation involves new or extended gas lines, a ventless system, or the installation of a new vent or chimney. Check with your city building control office and your local fireplace installer to find out more.

Installing a Fireplace Surround

If you need a new surround for your fireplace, the material you choose greatly influences the project price. Metal surrounds start at $30 per square foot installed, while marble averages $160 per square foot.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Gas Fireplace

Outdoor gas fireplaces cost an average of $1,500 to $9,000 to install, depending on the material you choose. You'll also need a gas line and a model rated for the outdoors, and these outdoor setups complement other outdoor living ideas.

Indoor gas fireplace inserts cost about half as much as an exterior model. Indoor fireplace setups can help with interior heating costs, but they usually require an enclosure or hood and possibly a new gas line.

Cost to Run a Gas Fireplace

Running a gas fireplace costs between $400 and $640 per heating season, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Despite rising gas prices, natural gas remains one of the most cost-effective heating methods.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

While gas fireplaces require less maintenance and are less prone to problems than wood and electric fireplaces, you still need to be aware of the potential repair costs. Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000. Besides repairs, you’ll only really need to wipe it down once or twice a year to clean the mild soot buildup.

Gas Fireplace Inspection Costs

Annual gas fireplace inspections cost between $75 and $200. Technicians perform several checks, including examining the firebox and venting system, dampers, and chimney. An annual inspection helps identify and correct potential problems before they become costly or dangerous.

Energy Efficiency

Direct-vent fireplaces convert up to 80% of the fuel into heat, while ventless models manage a conversion of 90%. The higher the fireplace's energy efficiency, the greater the initial cost but the lower the operating expenses. Additionally, better energy efficiency reduces the home's carbon footprint.

Tax Credits

There are currently no tax credits for installing a gas insert. However, you can get a U.S. biomass tax credit for qualifying wood and pellet inserts. Tax credits can help offset wood fireplace insert costs. These units can increase the home's value, but they require more space and a chimney of some type.

Gas Fireplace Installation by Vent Type

When choosing a gas fireplace, you’ll have a choice between a vented or ventless system. Always check with your installation pro to learn which one is best suited to your home and location.

Ventless Gas Fireplace

A ventless fireplace does not require a chimney or vent system and costs between $1,500 and $4,600, including labor. In these systems, the fireplace draws in indoor air, heats it, and releases it back into the room. Some exhaust also returns to the room because there is no direct vent through which it can escape. As a result, ventless fireplaces are more efficient but can be controversial due to potential air quality concerns. They are heavily regulated in many states and banned in some areas. Checking local regulations before installation is essential.

Direct-Vent Fireplace

A direct-vent fireplace costs $4,300 to $11,200 on average, including labor and a new vent configuration. The vent expels potentially harmful exhaust by-products outside, and a secondary inlet draws air from outside into the firebox, where it's heated and pushed into the room. Multiple vent configurations are available, including through a side wall or roof.

Direct-vent fireplaces are more efficient than those with a chimney, and there are fewer risks than with a ventless fireplace. If an existing vent system is in place, installation is more affordable. If one doesn’t exist, adding a new vent configuration is costly.

DIY Gas Fireplace Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing a gas fireplace insert is a complex task that involves working with gas lines and adhering to local building codes. Due to safety risks, it is generally recommended to hire a licensed professional to install your gas fireplace insert. In some areas, local regulations may require professional installation by a licensed gas fireplace installer. Licensed gas fireplace professionals ensure safe and efficient installation of gas fireplaces.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.