How Much Does It Cost To Run A Gas Fireplace? (Find Out Now!)

Gaslight fireplaces are a very nice feature to have in the home. They can provide an ambiance that sometimes can not be achieved with an electric fireplace. They also have benefits for those that might live in areas that are at risk for power outages.

However, gaslight fireplaces are not without worry. Some people worry about the cost of running a gaslight fireplace in their home. So, how much does it cost to run a gas fireplace?

The average cost to run a gas fireplace is $0.70 per hour, and propane fireplaces cost $2.30 per hour. It costs $125 to annually maintain a gas fireplace and another $225 to install an electrical outlet for the fireplace. The average gas fireplace costs $2,000 to build between labor, materials, and add-ons.

Gaslight fireplaces use natural gas instead of wood to heat a room. It looks like a traditional wood fireplace, but instead of wood, it ignites with the push of a spark button. This saves effort and the costs of burning and cutting wood.

It does mean that you will need a natural gas line in your home fireplace. These can be installed into a previously traditional fireplace and is generally cheaper this way. Cost breakdowns are essential to consider in the different variations of gaslight fireplaces.

Vent-free technology allows you to use catalytic converter technology to clean the heated oxygen as it leaves the chamber. Again, this technology won’t require a chimney or any sort of venting.

Keep in mind that vent-free fireplaces can be illegal in some parts of the United States, so research before purchasing one. Be sure to check your local state/city code to make sure.

Building codes are designed to prevent damage or danger to the home. Therefore, it is vital to make sure that you are in compliance with your area codes.

The energy consumption of a gaslight fireplace is usually stated in British Thermal Units. One BTU is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

The cost of gas is commonly given in a unit called a therm, which is the equivalent of 100,000 BTUs. This helps to understand better and estimate the cost of heating your home or running a gaslight fireplace.

This unit of measurement is short for the British Thermal Unit. It is used to rate how much energy it takes to produce a certain amount of heat. Often, it is used in determining the efficiency of appliances that cool or heat.

Depending on where you live, you will need different BTU levels to heat your home by running a gaslight fireplace properly.

To calculate the cost per hour of operating a gas fireplace, you’ll need to know the local price of gas per therm. You will also need to know the fireplace’s fuel consumption in BTUs per hour. This information should be specified in the unit’s owner manual and on a label on the box or the unit itself.

Then, multiply the fireplace’s BTU rating by the per-therm cost of gas and divide the result by 100,000 to get the per-hour cost of running the fireplace. This and the building costs should help you to estimate the cost of your gaslight fireplace.

Gaslight fireplaces can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,500. This is regardless of the vent type of general type that is selected. It does not include the cost of the professional installation, which can cost $75 to $150 per hour.

If you already have a fireplace, whether or not it is in use, the installation process will be cheaper. The installation cost can range from an additional $500 to $3,000 on top of the cost of the gaslight system. It adds up to a total possible cost of $4,500 to $7,000.

Some sources say that it can be as low as $1,000, but it is crucial to value safety into the equation. It would also leave questions to the quality because cheaper is not always better.

A chimney inspection will be mandatory before a gas fireplace can be installed and can cost $100 to $200. A professional will be able to clean your chimney and let you know if your chimney can accommodate a gas fireplace.

Routine maintenance will be essential to keep your fireplace safe and the capability to heat cleaned gas. Experts recommend having your fireplace serviced every year.

A qualified contractor will inspect the fans, burner, vents, thermostat, and pilot light during this inspection. An annual check will cost about $100 to $150. A gas fireplace cleaning could cost $80 to $150, depending on the job

The gaslight fireplace may need logs to keep an authentic look. Artificial logs can cost $100 to $1,000, depending on the quality and range. These logs will be made from ceramic or a refractory cement mixture designed to withstand high heat.

Most gas fireplaces may already come with logs, while others do not. Adding these logs often adds an authentic look, and the coal bed beneath can add a fireplace glow. It delivers the features of a real fireplace without the ashes, cleaning, and other frustrations that come with a real fireplace.

If a gas line needs to be extended to the fireplace, this will be an additional cost to keep in mind. It can cost up to $200 or more than $1,500, depending on how complicated the connection will be. But, again, a professional can estimate this cost in the inspection.

Similarly to the gas line, an electrical outlet or cable line will need to be installed if power is required. It can cost $100 to $350.

A clear-view or two-window fireplace can cost $300 to $700 more. These fireplaces are designed to be placed in the middle of the room, and the cost will be dependent on the style.

Those building a fireplace will need to consider the finishing options such as the masonry trim, mantel, and hearth. Depending on the job, it can cost more than $1,000 when the framing, trim, and drywall are involved.