What's the cost to convert a wood fireplace to gas?

[Alfred]

How much can I expect to pay to have my wood fireplace converted to gas?

Our house is about 30 years old.

The bottom of the fireplace looks like it's easily accessed through the basement.

The conversion would involve running 30 to 50 feet of gas line.

[home improvement guy]

I imagine winter's chill has you warming to the idea of a fireplace that's easy to use and maintain. That's why so many people seem to prefer gas fireplaces these days. However, a specific price for converting yours depends on many factors, with a possible cost range of $500 to $5,500. What you'll pay depends primarily on the type of gas fireplace you choose.

START WITH CHIMNEY INSPECTION

But first things first. It's important to be certain your chimney is clean and fully functional. A professional chimney sweep will charge about $100 to $150 for an inspection and can tell you whether your chimney will accommodate a gas unit.

You'll also need to hire someone to extend your home's existing gas line to the fireplace. Many fireplace service companies attain the proper licensing to do gas line work, and plumbers and HVAC technicians are often also qualified. If your home doesn't have a natural gas connection, and service is available where you live, expect to pay $200 to $1,000 for a connection, depending on the level of complication required.

CHOOSE A GAS FIREPLACE OPTION

Next, decide what kind of gas fireplace you want. When converting from a wood-burning unit, you have three options:

- a gas insert

- vented gas logs

- vent-free gas logs

To choose, consider how you expect to use your fireplace.

If you want to add warmth to your home, consider a gas insert or vent-free gas logs. Of these two options, vent-free gas logs produce the most heat, but they may introduce unburned combustion products into your home and aren't recommended for homeowners with allergies or asthma. Also, some municipalities have restricted or outlawed vent-free fireplaces.

Vented gags logs are your best option if you don't care about adding heat, don't plan to use the fireplace often or are mostly interested in how the fire looks. Vented gas-log fireplaces burn more gas than the other types and may draw heat up the chimney, but they cost less to install than a gas insert.

COSTS FOR GAS FIREPLACE OPTIONS

Installing a gas line and either vented or vent-free gas logs will cost $500 to $2,500. (Note 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.

Expect to pay more if installers are challenged to get the gas line to your fireplace. One example would be if your fireplace is in an interior wall.

Also, factor in yearly maintenance. While homeowners can usually just wipe soot off vented logs, vent-free logs and direct gas inserts should be inspected once a year by a reputable fireplace pro, at a cost of about $100.

PLAY IT SAFE AND HIRE RIGHT

Put your safety on the front burner by only considering chimney, fireplace and gas-line pros who have positive consumer reviews on a trusted online site and are appropriately licensed, insured and bonded.