On the other hand, they are more flexible with running the vent pipe and are cheaper to install. As you continue to use the fireplace, you will be able to know when to reduce or increase your fuel consumption, and with time it will be effortless for you to determine trends, and that way, you will be in a better position to cut down on your propane consumptions. If something goes wrong, carbon monoxide put the homes occupants at risk. Fireplace inserts have different installation protocols depending on the type. Costs to convert wood fireplace to gas Installing a gas line and either vented or vent-free gas logs will cost from $500 to $2,500. According to Redfin, fireplace inserts can increase the value of your home up to 13%. Before the gas fireplace insert can be installed, the chimney will need to be cleaned at a cost of around $200. But you might find its not so convenientit can get messy dragging wood logs into your home, not to mention that a lot of the heat is going straight up the chimney. How and Should You Install a Chimney Antenna Mount? THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Opt for a vent-free fireplace to avoid all the hassle of finding a venting option for your gas fireplace. How much does a gas lamp post cost per year? While the principle of a ventless gas fireplace operates much like that of operating a gas stove, the safety of gas fireplace inserts is still an open debate. You may use 1 gallon of gasoline per hour, or more, depending on the A propane gas fireplace insert uses approximately 1 gallon of propane per 100,000 BTUs (British thermal unit). Measure the WidthMeasure the width of the front opening at both the top and the bottom.Measure across the back wall of the firebox at both the top and the bottom.If your firebox is angled, make additional measurements as needed. Natural gaspowered fireplaces are more cost-effective to run than a propane-powered one, depending on geographic location and fuel costs in your area. The effective way of ensuring you get the best out of your fireplace is to get it tuned up at least once a year. If you want a thorough cleaning at the same time the cost could be closer to $150-$175. Inserts are a great way to produce more heat and reuse a pre-existing fireplace. If the gas line needs to be modified or changed to meet current building codes, that can cost between $200 and $1,200. It works differently from traditional fireplaces that burn wood as it doesnt necessarily require a chimney to eliminate the fumes. That means it will cost about $0.49 per hour to run your Call in a pro. For some models, no venting is required meaning you do not need a chimney or fluemaking them relatively hassle-free. The biggest sticking point is that natural gas is kept at a lower pressure, and some appliances can't handle the higher pressure of propane even with adjustments. There is no building a fire and waiting for the fire to build to heat a room. Jul 3, 2015. Direct vent fireplaces are usually lined with glass panes at the front, so they are safe, efficient, and versatile options for supplementary heat and can be placed almost anywhere. Shop Wayfair for the best indoor fireplace natural gas insert. The fireplace inserts come in different sizes depending on the size of the area you need to heat up. In rare cases, some gas fireplaces dont have access to chimneys and must be vented through another route. A gas fireplace insert is a safe choice since it can be directly vented outside. The exhaust is vented outside through the inner pipe when you start the gas fireplace. Unvented models are also more energy-efficient, since no heat is being lost up a chimney. 2021 tagDiv. In the US, homeowners with propane fireplaces spend approximately $42 on propane every month (. Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Unvented gas logs might appear less realistic, but theyre also more efficient and less expensive. If youre trying to save money on heating bills, it is important to check with a professional for advice on the best practices of using a gas fireplace. The question of how much gas propane does a fireplace uses cannot be answered in a one-sentence answer. These are less efficient than unvented gas logs, since some heat is escaping through the chimney. A gas fireplace insert is a straightforward, cost-saving installation to increase the overall heat efficiency of your home without losing out on any of the coziness. This results in a flame pattern and color that mimics a wood-burning fire. Is the vent powerful enough to release exhaust. Completely demolishing your fireplace and chimney would cost $4,000 to $10,000. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. In the US, homeowners use approximately $42 on propane every month, but it helps cut their electricity bills. In fact, ventless fireplaces generally are just for aesthetics and supplemental space heating. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. Note that some states do not allow unvented gas units. Repair costs for gas fireplace inserts are relatively cheap and typically run from $100 to $200. Warm air can be pulled up the chimney, resulting in heat lost within the room your fireplace is located in, as well as additional rooms. As a result, only 15% of the wood in your fireplaces energy is actually converted into heat. In comparison, a gas insert can get up to 80% heat efficiency and properly heat your home. A fireplace insert gets installed directly inside of an existing masonry chimney. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. A post shared by NYC Fireplaces Outdoor Kitchen (@nycfireplaces_outdoor_kitchens). These include registering your wood burning unit, using best practices for wood burning and ensuring your appliance produces fewer than 4.5 grams/hour in particulate matter emissions. It's that easy. Another important thing to consider is that the exhaust pipe running through the outside wall should be a minimum of three feet distance from any doors or windows, so it doesnt cause any air draft issues inside the home. If you find hauling wood logs messy and exhausting, a gas fireplace insert is an alternative to consider. A gas-powered insert has a high energy rating and does not create waste in the form of ash, soot, and creosoteand thats good for the environment. Gas fireplaces are not extremely efficient in producing heat when vented, so overheating should be of concern. Fireplace Inserts Explained | Typical Sizing, Functionality & More! A gas fireplace insert can cost between $580 and $900 for the unit, not including installation and labor fees. Having a gas insert involves an annual checkup to inspect the venting, fan, burner, thermostat, pilot light, and glass. An insert is also a cleaner option since there is no ash or soot to clean out of the fireplace. I would get someone to help you. How much does a Gatorade water bottle hold? It has been a faithful workhorse. Some can also produce heat in the event of a power outage. They each can be built of different materials, but it is gas that has the widest range of choices. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. Some of the most common materials are brick, tile, and stone, which can create a modern, rustic, or eclectic appearance in the room. It provides a safe gas fireplace with the best flames. A gas fireplace uses 10,000-70,000 BTUs of gasoline per hour, and wood-burning gas fireplaces use up to 90,000 BTUs. If you want to determine how much propane does a fireplace use, first, you need to consider the size of your fireplace. The advantage of inspections is that you will be able to spot any damage that will affect the effectiveness of your fireplace and fix it before it worsens. How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. Prices can differ from the national average due to labor and installation fees, the price of the gas fireplace insert, and whether the insert is vented or unvented. Whether you burn wood in a fireplace, stove or insert, properly loading your unit and using good quality firewood is the key to convenience, efficiency and safety. Type The high-temperature glass panel of the fireplace is completely sealed off to keep combustible byproducts and flames from entering the homes clean breathing air. Learn about how emissions are measured and how Regency minimizes our environmental impact. The fireplace burn rate will differ from one fireplace to another; many use approximately one gallon of propane per hour. With an unvented gas fireplace, the exhaust is released back into the room. Venting your gas fireplace may seem like a simple process, but there are several options available to you that have their advantages and disadvantages. The key to getting the best out of your fireplace is to ensure it is in good condition and works perfectly. The weather is another factor that will influence the amount of fuel you can use. R Value Gas fireplaces can be turned on and off with a simple flip of a switch. A properly vented gas fireplace will show eye-catching orange and yellow flames that are big and straight up at the edges of ceramic logs. Propane gas is a beneficial source of fuels that, without any doubt, will help you a great deal, but if not used well, it might turn out to be costly. Since you are working with gas lines, you will need to make sure everything you do will meet the local building codes for your area. When budgeting for gas fireplace insert costs, its helpful to know any additional price factors and considerations that can affect the total cost. The key consideration in venting through the wall is deciding where to place the termination cap and the height of the termination vent. Gas fireplace inserts burn more efficiently than their wood-burning counterparts. In fact, a faint gas smell is an unavoidable consequence of using gas fireplace logs. As the weather turns cold, its time to turn up the heatand nothing beats the coziness of a fireplace. Labor and materials to install a gas fireplace insert can run from $300 to $1,800. Unvented units have a higher efficiency rating since a large percentage of the heat goes into the room and not up the chimney. A professional will be familiar with the standards that you have to meet, and can help make the headache-inducing process of navigating building ordinances hassle-free. The insert itself will cost around $1,200, with labor costs running between $500 and $3,500 depending on the complexity of the job. Its important to remember that hot air rises, so most of it escapes through the vent. You can also control the temperature and flame height. Fire Characteristics: Gas fires are consistent and controllable by design. One of the benefits to a gas fireplace is the ability to purchase an unvented modelthat is, a model that does not require an existing chimney or flue. Direct-vent gas fireplaces are recommended for their efficiency; 70 percent of the heat they generate remains in the house. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here's an example to help illustrate this, with a fireplace with a Btu rating of 30,000: (30,000 x 1.63) / 100,000 = 0.49. Power venting. They do not require a chimney system, so any gases are released into your home. (Some locations may require contractors to be licensed and insured, while others may not. Gas fireplace inserts can be used in an existing wood-burning fireplace to make it more efficient or bring it into compliance with current building codes. The following is a list of average cost ranges for each fireplace insert type: The labor cost to install a fireplace insert depends on what its powered by: wood, propane, pellets, or electricity. What happens if I dont vent my gas fireplace? Today, you can find electric fireplaces, gel fuel fireplaces, and more traditional wood or gas, and each has its pros and cons. 2023 FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd. All rights reserved. But if youre tired of the messiness and inefficiency of a wood fireplace, it might be time to consider a switch. Gas inserts cost $2,000 to $5,500. Understand that older homes may not have standard-sized fireplaces, so getting a perfect fit may not happen. Beside above, how do I convert my fireplace to gas? The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Photo: chandlerphoto / iStock / Getty Images. cellulose How Much Does a Gas Furnace Cost to Install? Usually, there is an inspection conducted toward the end of the summer by experienced propane repair technicians. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Therefore, carbon monoxide detectors are a critical part of gas fireplace safety, even if you dont use the fireplace often. Specifications such as standing pilot versus non-standing pilot (IPI), BTU output, hours of use and fuel type will Vented gas fireplace inserts pull in the outside air to keep the flames alight. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Horizontal venting is the easiest option in such a case because you only have to insert a pipe from the back of the fireplace through the wall to the exterior and install a termination cap on it. Learn about the convenience, flexibility, and customization offered by a zero-clearance gas fireplace. All legitimate unvented models also come with oxygen sensors to turn off the fireplace automatically if any danger exists from carbon monoxide. Fire Starting: Flip a switch or grab your remote. Some states have outlawed unvented gas fireplace inserts, so be sure to check with your fireplace insert professional. In general, hiring a professional will cost around $500 to $3,500 depending on the scope and difficulty of the installation. I would guess it weighs around 200lb. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines are for the protection and safety of you and the people living near you, so follow them completely to get the best out of your gas fireplace. Plus, most models come with sensors to automatically turn off the fireplace if carbon monoxide is detected. Though they can be expensive upfront, gas fireplace inserts are certainly a long-term money saving investment. Gas fireplace insert costs can be high, and the additional costs associated with the project can quickly add up. Our extensive line of faceplates and surrounds are designed to cover any remaining gaps or openings. Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts The EPA has issued new regulations for all wood burning units that requires particulate emissions to be below 2.0 grams/hour of particulate emissions. A pro will correctly install the insert, make any necessary structural adjustments to your home, hook up your fireplace to the gas and electricity lines, and ensure everythings code-compliant. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Homeowners in rural areas do not have access to a natural gas line and rely on propane to power a gas fireplace insert. How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Gas Fireplace? MagikFlame has this covered with a 5,200 BTU heater that is built right inside. Other benefits include: Convenience: An insert can make your fireplace turn on and off with a simple flip of a switch and will continue running until it's turned off. Regency fireplace inserts are designed to fit inside up to 95% of existing masonry fireplaces. Because if there are clogs and debris, the functionality or effectiveness of the gas will be affected. Its worth noting that these costs could vary depending on your part of the country. However, because of the vent, you will need an annual inspection which costs around $75-$100. The chimney should always be cleaned once a year, no matter the type of stove or insert. Manage Settings Theyre easy to install, but they lower the amount of oxygen in the space since there isnt any outside air coming in to feed the flames. Ceiling fan wire 4. A fireplace installer can verify that you have a connector and chimney system to fit the wood-burning insert. To learn more about the benefits of Fireplace Inserts: Nothing beats the crackling sound and dancing flame provided by a real wood fire. The material you use around the fireplace can add to or detract from the rooms overall character. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB2cDq8y18I, Tech Video: Direct Vent Fireplace Installation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB2cDq8y18I), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKCwg8jwHd8, B Vent vs Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces and Furnaces (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKCwg8jwHd8), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD3kUW4gRXI, Power Venting Technology (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD3kUW4gRXI). Transform a wood-burning fireplace into gas by installing a gas-burning insert. Some models have timers or automatic shutoffs. How can I tell if my gas fireplace is vented? Always consult product specifications for accurate dimensions. 7 Reasons Why Light Bulbs Keep Burning Out In Ceiling Fans. Vent-free fireplaces run on propane or gas, so youll need to hire a professional plumber to install a gas or propane line, and youll be set. Fiberglass Insulation Fireplace Inserts Explained | Typical Sizing, Functionality Each option requires a type of vent pipe, which you can find at most hardware stores or fireplace supply centers. Some areas of the country require a permit when installing a gas fireplace insert and adding or extending gas lines. If you have a vent-free gas fireplace, it is extremely important to check for leaks around your home regularly. While it is possible to install a gas fireplace insert yourself when well-equipped, it will still cost you around $500 or more for supplies. We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Well, the answer to this question depends on several factors that influence its consumptions. It is perfect for people who want a clean and affordable way to heat their home without the hassle of hauling around logs for a wood burning stove. Direct vent units are considered the safest choice. I hope this article has provided valuable information that will help you choose a suitable venting option for your gas fireplace. The glass panel in front of the gas fireplace makes it safe by preventing access to the fire. Aesthetically appealing: Fireplace inserts come in different designs to fit all styles, from modern to rustic. A gas fireplace insert is less expensive to install than a gas fireplace. How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gas Fireplace In Basement? It is also advised to contact your gas-providing company to ensure that you are doing everything right. Turn off the fireplace, let it cool down, and then remove the front cover if there is one and vacuum thoroughly around the log set and any exposed parts of the gas burner. In addition, for every 1/8 inch that a trim or molding piece on your mantel juts out, another 1 inch of clearance is needed. They have an airtight combustion chamber for fire and a direct vent that gets rid of unhealthy combustion products directly through the back wall or the roof. Over time, a gas insert may stop working efficiently. Many electric fireplace inserts produce heat from glowing elements while only using electricity. Is a gas fireplace worth it? A gas fireplace can be vented through the chimney, directly through the wall (horizontally), or through the roof (vertically). A gas fireplace needs to be vented unless it is a ventless fireplace. If you dont have an existing fireplace and chimney, a gas fireplace can be installed so it vents out through a wall, or you can choose an unvented gas fireplace. Since ventless gas fireplaces burn with an invisible flame, they dont require any special ventilation, making them an ideal choice if you cannot be bothered to vent your fireplace. Be sure to check the local requirements to know if you need to figure permit fees into your budget. Need professional help with your project? Do you need ventilation for a gas fireplace? Modern gas fireplaces will, and should, always meet or exceed EPA clean burn standards. In most places, building codes are quite strict when it comes to the regulation of fire and gas. Cost of installation: The average Best Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace: Empire Tahoe Deluxe Millivolt Fireplace. "A direct-vent fireplace which runs on natural gas and boasts of realistic ceramic fiber logs." Best Compact Gas Fireplace: Pleasant Hearth VFS2-PH20DT. "A dual-fueled freestanding unit that is great for small and middle-sized areas." If left unchecked, the higher humidity levels can cause condensation and generate mold and mildew as well as issues with wooden furniture and flooring. Since any repairs are likely to involve your homes gas lines (whether directly or peripherally) we recommend you call a service professional if you are at all unsure or inexperienced with gas and gas line installation.