How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Fireplace Insert? [2026 Data]

Removing the fireplace insert—either for cleaning, upgrades, or renovations—will cost between $600 and $2,500. When the weather outside is truly frightful, you'll want to make sure your fireplace is burning as efficiently as possible. Fireplace inserts were invented to upgrade wood-burning stoves, making it easier to replace them with gas or electric models. You may be able to save some money if the system is easy to remove on your own.

Fireplace Insert Removal Cost by Fireplace Type

There are three main types of fireplace inserts: wood or pellet, gas, and electric. Wood-burning fireplace inserts are an excellent solution to creating a cleaner system without giving up the magic of tossing another log on the fire. Gas fireplace inserts—which run on natural gas or propane—switch on with a button, much like an electric unit.

You might choose to replace or remove a fireplace insert for a variety of reasons. In some places, your area may require an EPA-qualified insert, especially when it comes to wood-burning designs. Each state has its own ordinances around inserts that meet efficiency and pollution standards.

The cost to remove an insert significantly varies depending on its design. Wood and gas fireplace inserts attach to other parts of a more complex ventilation system, typically designed for your insert model. Electric fireplace inserts don't require ventilation, but they do attach to your home’s electrical wiring. These are important details to note when considering the cost to remove the insert.

Cost to Remove Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert

Removing a wood-burning insert should only cost between $500 and $1,000 with the help of a professional. You may want to call a fireplace pro simply due to the insert's size—more on this below—but it's not always necessary unless you're removing more of the fireplace or chimney structural support.

If you're getting rid of your old fireplace insert entirely, add an extra $130 to $360 for junk removal services.

Cost to Remove a Gas Fireplace Insert

Removing a gas fireplace insert comes with the highest related costs, adding up to as much as $1,200. When a professional takes out the insert, expect to pay between $250 and $600. However, you'll need a plumber, who is qualified to work with gas lines, or an electrician to disconnect the insert from its fuel source. This will run an additional $100 to $300. Removing the related chimney breast, vents, pipes, and flue could increase the project total by $300 more.

Cost to Remove an Electric Fireplace Insert

Removing an electric insert is substantially less involved than removing a wood-burning or gas insert. This is because electric fireplaces don’t require venting or any particular exhaust systems—if they require any at all. This makes removing an electric fireplace insert about as complicated as removing the heating element in your oven. Expect to pay a professional $250 to $400 to remove an electric insert.  

Cost to Remove a Fireplace Insert by Location 

The primary price factor here is the cost of labor. Unless you're adding a new fireplace to your home, the cost of materials won’t factor into the total price of the project.

In other words, if you live in an area with generally pricier overhead and hourly costs for contractors, expect higher prices for fireplace removal. On the same note, also remember that high seasonal demand can increase labor prices. 

You can get a sense of the price differences by looking at common fireplace repair costs. For example, you'll pay an average of $200 more in New York City than if you live in Florida—where the demand for fireplaces is much lower.

Why You Should Hire a Fireplace Insert Removal Pro

Removing a fireplace insert takes more than a bit of muscle. Gas lines, complex wiring, filthy fireboxes, and heavy components can turn a DIY attempt into a risky, expensive project. It is particularly true when disconnecting gas-burning inserts. This work requires hiring a local fireplace installer for safety and code compliance. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a fireplace insert removal pro

Fireplace inserts connect to ventilation, wiring, and sometimes gas lines, which makes removal more involved than most homeowners expect. A professional can safely:

• Disconnect gas or electrical lines without damaging surrounding components

• Lift and remove heavy inserts without injury or harming the hearth

• Handle the disposal or recycling of old inserts according to local regulations

• Spot structural issues or fire hazards that may need attention before reinstalling

• Prevent accidental damage that can lead to costly chimney or wall repairs

If you want to DIY a fireplace insert removal

While removing a fireplace insert is best left to the professionals, homeowners can prep the space before a professional arrives:

• Clear furniture and décor from the hearth and surrounding area

• Unplug an electric insert if it has a simple wall connection

• Check warranty paperwork and installation manuals for helpful details

Fireplace Insert Removal Cost Factors

When removing an insert, there are some key differences that separate the costs for each type of insert.

• Wood-burning insert: Replacing with another wood-burning insert negates this additional cost, but if the fireplace itself will be closed off, or another insert will be used that requires different venting, the chimney will need to be sealed. 

• Gas insert: Gas inserts are the only inserts that require fuel to be fed to them through a direct line, so removing a gas insert will require removing the gas line. 

• Electric insert: Any electrical that was routed to the insert will need to be shut off or repurposed. A live line to an unused outlet should be removed if it can’t be used.

If gas lines are buried underground or require more involved removal, expect the cost of the project to rise significantly. The good news is that since most fireplace inserts are replaced with electric ones, the installation cost is usually significantly less than removal. However, this can become more complicated if there isn’t electricity running to the fireplace (when installing an electric insert). 

Ways to Save Money On Fireplace Insert Removal

There aren’t many areas to cut costs on fireplace insert removal. However, you can save money by doing the following:

• Call at least three local fireplace professionals to compare quotes and get the best rate. 

• Hire in the slow season, which for this type of work tends to be summer. 

• Remove the fireplace insert yourself to save on professional labor costs. However, this option only works for homeowners with prior experience and deep knowledge of their fireplace’s functionality.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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