The cost of converting a wood burning fireplace to gas will depend on the kind of gas fireplace you want the expert you hire where you live and how far away a gas line is.
How to convert wood burning fireplace to vent free gas.
If you have a standard masonry built wood burning fireplace you have three options.
A wood burning prefabricated fireplace will need a conversion kit but masonry fireplaces have several options.
Gas on the other hand is clean and nearly instant.
Have vented gas logs installed.
Options usually depend on the type of fireplace.
From a single day to over a week.
As the name implies vented logs require a vent system the chimney when converting an existing wood fireplace to gas while non vented logs operate without a vent.
Convert existing fireplace to gas.
The primary differences are that vented logs produce a more realistic fire appearance but don t supply as much heat as the non vented variety.
Gas fireplaces have come a long way and if you re ready to convert your old wood burning unit to a more convenient solution here s how to install your first gas burning fireplace.
A gas fireplace can provide unparalleled convenience and the pleasure of a warm fire on a cold day but many people believe nothing compares to the ambiance created by burning wood.
As a result heating with a conventional fireplace is estimated to be about 10 to 30 percent.
A literal flip of the switch will heat your home and simulate the sensation of a wood burning fireplace.
Before a fireplace is even converted a gas line will first.
Note that the cost of installing vent free gas logs is often about 200 more than the cost for vented gas inserts cost 2 000 to 5 500.
Have unvented gas logs or a vent free insert installed.
The good news for homeowners who have a gas fueled fireplace but who would prefer a wood burning fireplace is that converting from gas to wood fuel may be an option.
The problem is that while the fire radiates a lot of heat into the room it s also using up heated interior air for combustion and even more heated air is getting sucked up the chimney all the time.
If the gas fireplace is a direct vent design then it s best of all three options discussed.
Installing a gas line and either vented or vent free gas logs will cost from 500 to 2 500.
There are three gas fireplace options you can choose from.
These include converting the unit to use gas logs using a gas fireplace insert which also makes the fireplace much more efficient or converting the fireplace to a vent free appliance.
As low as 1 800 however the labor cost is substantially more due to the nature of the conversion.
If you are contemplating converting consider your options.
Have a direct vent gas insert installed.
Expect to pay more for fireplace installation if workers are challenged to get the gas line to your fireplace.