Gas Fireplace Installation Costs at a Glance

• Average installation costs: $2,500-$7,000+ (CAD 3,125-CAD 8,750+)
• Gas line extension: $10-$20 (CAD 12-CAD 25) per linear foot
• Vented insert installation: $2,200-$8,000 (CAD 2,750-CAD 10,000)
• Ventless insert installation: $1,800-$3,500 (CAD 2,250-CAD 4,375)
• Upgrade ventilation: $200-$3,000 (CAD 250-CAD 3,750)
• Direct-vent gas fireplace: $3,500-$7,500 (CAD 4,375-CAD 9,375)
• Compare to wood-burning fireplace: $1,900-$3,300 (CAD 2,375-CAD 4,125)
• Compare to electric fireplace: $100-$2,200 (CAD 125-CAD 2,750)

When winter arrives and the mercury dips, your home can go from where you chill to where you’re chilled in a matter of hours. While it's relaxing to get cozy in the ambient warmth of a wood-burning fireplace, traditional fireplaces can be difficult to maintain, which is why many homeowners opt for a gas fireplace instead.

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The installation process for a gas fireplace is simple and straightforward, removing much of the hassle that comes with swapping out a wood-burning one. Trying to make the ideal choice for your home? Read on for everything you should know about the cost of installing a gas fireplace.

Cost to Install Gas Fireplace

Once you’ve purchased your preferred gas fireplace, you'll still have to consider the cost of installation. The three primary categories of gas fireplaces include gas-log fireplaces, insert fireplaces and built-in fireplaces.

According to Fixr, most units fall between $2,500 and $7,000 (CAD 3,125 and CAD 8,750), including basic installation prices — though costs can run much higher. Depending on the type of fireplace you choose, the total cost of installation can reach up to $10,000 (CAD 12,500) at the high end.

While nothing to sneeze at, installation costs for gas-burning units are typically much lower than the cost of installing a wood-burning one. Along with materials, these cost estimates take labor — typically the biggest expense of fireplace installation — into account.

The exact price you pay for installation can vary based on the design of the fireplace, current conditions in your home and the type of gas fireplace that you select. An example of how the price can differ for installation is when the gas line needs to be secured directly to the fireplace. If an extended gas line needs to be installed on the property, doing so can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 (CAD 12 to CAD 25) per linear foot.

It's also wise to consider any changes you might like to make to the area surrounding the new gas fireplace. The placement of tiles, paint or masonry around the fireplace can add between $7 and $300 (CAD 9 and CAD 375) per square foot, depending on site preparation and materials chosen.

Gas Fireplace Installation Costs by Type

The type of gas fireplace you purchase will be the biggest factor in the total price you pay for the project. The main types of fireplaces generally available for homes include vented and ventless fireplaces. These options are priced differently due to the varied components they use. However, direct-vent and gas-insert options also exist. Before you make your decision on the type of fireplace, you should be aware of the costs associated with each type.

Vented Gas Fireplaces

If you currently have a wood fireplace in your home, it can be transformed into a vented gas unit by installing a gas insert, which can cost between $2,200 and $8,000 (CAD 2,750 and CAD 10,000). Once this insert is installed, the gases from the fire will travel up the chimney and out of the house.

Vented fireplaces typically result from the conversion of an existing fireplace into a gas unit. The heat emitted from a vented fireplace can be controlled directly with an electrical switch, which means that you might want to have electricity connected to the fireplace. Doing so can cost $150 to $200 (CAD 190 to CAD 250), according to data from HomeGuide.

If the ventilation in your home isn't sufficient for this type of fireplace, it may need to be upgraded, which could cost you anywhere from $200 to $3,000 (CAD 250 to CAD 3,750).

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Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Ventless fireplaces can be installed in practically any room of the home. Keep in mind that the heat produced from a ventless fireplace can also be higher when compared to a vented one. Because exterior venting isn't needed, all heat remains inside. A downside to a ventless fireplace is that the flame doesn't look as natural. To make sure the air inside remains clean and free from odors, it's recommended that you keep windows open while the fireplace is turned on.

Ventless inserts for a gas fireplace can cost you between $1,800 and $3,500 (CAD 2,250 and CAD 4,375), including $500 to $1,000 (CAD 625 to CAD 1,250) for labor.

Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces

Another type of gas fireplace to consider is a direct-vent gas fireplace. The unit will be connected directly to a two-layer pipe, which is sent out to the exterior of your home. These pipes will draw in air while expelling gases at the same time.

Direct-vent fireplaces are widely considered the safest gas fireplaces available. Keep in mind that the design of a direct-vent fireplace means the unit must be installed along an exterior wall. A perk of this type of fireplace is that its appearance closely resembles that of a wood-burning fireplace.

Thumbtack says you can expect to pay between $3,500 and $7,500 (CAD 4,375 and CAD 9,375). Installation can vary widely depending on the extent of work that needs to be done, costing around $650 (CAD 815) on average. It's also possible that your chimney would need to be repaired or replaced, which would cost another $200 to $3,500 (CAD 250 to CAD 4,375). Replacing the ducts throughout your home could cost an additional $1,400 to $5,600 (CAD 1,750 to CAD 7,000) on average.

Wood-Burning and Electric Fireplaces: Comparing Prices

Wood-burning and electric fireplaces are your other options. A wood-burning fireplace offers the most natural flame but requires you to supply your own wood that must be gathered seasonally. For a wood-burning fireplace, you could pay anywhere from $1,900 to $3,300 (CAD 2,375 to CAD 4,125) for installation. Even though wood-burning inserts can be purchased for a lower price, the cost of building and installing a brick fireplace costs around $100 (CAD 120) per square foot.

Electric fireplaces are much more affordable, ranging in price from $100 to $2,200 (CAD 125 to CAD 2,750), including installation. These units can typically stand on their own, which means installation costs tend to be on the low end. These units are also cheaper to run and require very little maintenance.

Is a Gas Fireplace Worth It?

Gas fireplaces are able to produce real flames, can heat your room quickly, are more energy-efficient than electric fireplaces and require very little maintenance. These units are also less expensive than wood-burning units and can increase the value of your home. While the up-front costs can be high, gas fireplaces are more than worth it for many homeowners.