Before installing a gas fireplace insert, it’s important to understand the various cost factors. Here’s how much an average gas fireplace insert costs.
How Much Does a Fireplace Insert Cost? [2026 Data]
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Cost Insights:
Fireplace insert installation runs between $700 and $6,500, and your insert type and labor needs set the total.
Your room’s square footage and desired heat output decide the insert power and efficiency you need.
You should budget $200 to $1,000 to connect gas or electric lines and repair your firebox.
Hiring a local fireplace installation professional helps install your insert safely and meet building and electrical code requirements.
In 2026, the national average cost for a fireplace insert is $3,600, depending on the type of insert you choose. Most homeowners pay between $700 and $6,500, with the spread driven by insert type, fuel source, and labor requirements. If you're ready to get started, learning how to install a fireplace insert or hiring a pro can help you do it safely and to code.
Fireplace Insert Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?
The cost to install a fireplace insert depends on your home layout, current fireplace setup, and insert preferences, and a fireplace installer near you can help you navigate every decision. The breakdown below shows how each key factor affects the final price.
Size
Fireplace insert size is one of the most direct cost drivers, with prices ranging from $500 for an 18-inch unit suited to spaces of 100 square feet or less up to $2,000 for a 36-inch insert capable of heating up to 2,000 square feet. The table below breaks down the average cost of a fireplace insert by size:
| Insert Size in Inches | Average Cost* in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 18 | $500 |
| 21 | $1,200 |
| 30 | $1,700 |
| 36 | $2,000 |
| 42 | $2,300 |
*Materials only
Type
The type of fireplace insert you choose plays a major role in the final price, with each fuel source carrying its own installation requirements. The overall cost of a fireplace insert can vary widely based on the type you choose, as shown in the chart below:
| Type of Fireplace Insert | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Gas | $700–$1,000 |
| Electric | $500–$2,000 |
| Wood | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Pellet | $2,000–$3,000 |
Labor
Labor costs for fireplace insert installation depend on the fuel type, ranging from $200 for electric inserts up to $2,200 for wood-burning models. Wood-burning and gas inserts require connections to the chimney or utility lines, which drives their labor costs higher than pellet or electric options. Labor costs for installing a fireplace insert vary by type, as the table below shows:
| Type of Fireplace Insert | Labor Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Wood-burning | $2,200 |
| Gas | $1,500 |
| Pallets | $500 |
| Electric | $200 |
Gas or Electric Lines Added
Connecting gas or electric lines and completing any necessary repairs to your existing firebox can add $200 to $1,000 to your project budget. Because this work must meet local building codes, you will need to work with a licensed professional rather than attempting it yourself.
Angi Tip
Homeowners should steer clear of DIY electrical repairs or installations, as the risk of injury is shockingly high! Instead, hire a local electrician who has the expertise to complete electrical jobs safely.
Heating Needs
Bigger spaces require more powerful inserts, which typically cost more, so understanding your heating needs before you shop helps you avoid overspending. Inserts are rated in British thermal units (BTUs) or kilowatts (kWs), and manufacturers publish both output and efficiency ratings in their product specifications. If your fireplace sits in an open-concept home, you may only need to heat the immediate surrounding area rather than the entire floor, which can allow you to choose a smaller, less expensive unit.
Special Features
Electric and gas fireplace inserts often include technology designed to replicate the look and feel of a wood-burning fire, such as adjustable flame colors, faux logs and rocks, and simulated crackling sounds. Many models also come with safety controls including dimmers, automatic shutoffs, timers, and oxygen detection, so factor these add-ons into your budget when comparing options.
Fireplace Insert Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For
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Every fireplace insert type comes with recurring expenses beyond the initial installation that you should factor into your total budget.
Fuel source: If you have a wood-burning insert, make sure you have a reliable place to source wood from. If you don't fancy yourself a lumberjack, you'll have to pay someone for wood. One cord of wood costs $300 on average, which should last you eight to 12 weeks.
Utility costs: If you have a gas or electric insert, you'll be paying money each month to keep the flames alight. Research utility costs in your area to calculate how much you'll spend in electricity or gas bills. The average cost for natural gas across the country is around $13 per month , and electric costs around $137 per month .
Maintenance: Though not as intensive as a standard fireplace, maintenance needs still exist for inserts. Wood-burning inserts require the most maintenance. Plan to buy a dry wire brush and ash scoop and keep baking soda in the house.
Why You Should Hire a Fireplace Insert Installation Pro
Andreas von Einsiedel / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images
When it comes to installing a fireplace, it’s always better to work with a professional. Hiring a fireplace installer ensures a better-looking end result, safer operation of the fireplace, higher energy efficiency, and much more. When you consider the benefits of working with an expert on this project, the labor cost of $200 to $2,200 is more than worth the investment.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a fireplace insert pro
Working with an expert on your fireplace installation has a number of benefits, such as:
Ensuring a seamless look between the insert and the surrounding wall
Higher energy or fuel efficiency when using the fireplace
Ensure safety during the installation and use of the fireplace
Compliance with building codes
Ensure compatibility with your current electrical and gas systems
Ways to Save Money While Installing a Fireplace Insert
Installing an insert is the most cost effective way to upgrade your fireplace as you’re using your existing fireplace system. But if you’re looking for shave off some dollars, here are some cost saving corners you can cut:
Think small: Go with a smaller insert, both in size and heating capacity, which will overall lower your costs on the insert itself.
Stick with the same heat source: You’ll save money if you’re not converting your fireplace to a new heat source (like electric to gas, or the reverse).
Minimize special features: Opt for more standard accessories or features that some pre-fabricated.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Talk to your pro about the size of the fireplace to see what works best for your home and budget
See what type of fireplace your pro recommends based on your heating needs and budget
Get an evaluation of your current electric and gas lines to determine what type of fireplace will be most suitable
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fireplace services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.8★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Alexander W.
Supreme Brick & Chimney did a great job with a cleaning and inspection of the fireplace! He was efficient, on time, and very pleasant. The space was kept very clean, and the fireplace was spotless when he was done. He also performed a thorough inspection, and did a great job talking us...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Chanda L.
Custom Paint Jobs LLCs custom murals brought life to our childrens rooms. They love it!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Hannah T.
Storms Mobile Welding was great to work with. They were prompt, professional and did an overall excellent job on the project. I highly recommend.
- Heather M.
On time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Tiffany V.
The team is awesome!! I can generally pick up and clean throughout the week, but they CLEAN! Windows, stair rails, microwave. All the things I can’t ever seem to get to regularly. The house looks and smells great after they leave.
- Steven K.
Bought a half a cord of firewood from Pitzer with stacking last month. I waited to report so I could see how the wood burned. <br /> <br /> I have three pet peeves regarding landscapers, but Pitzer scored "A"s regarding all three. First, rather than having customers "leave a message" and...
Pitzer Landscaping - M T.
We decided to update our partially finished basement, with a budget. Gerald worked with me on the lighting and chair rail selections, and produced an end product that was everything we wanted and within our budget. The work was done quickly, and he and his crew were always prompt and...
- Amy T.
Outstanding! The granite and the installation went so well that we had the remaining slabs of the granite put into our new house. The 2ND kitchen/wet bar installation went as well as the 1ST, so we had them put granite on our master bath counter top, shower seat, ledge and kick plate for...
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