Want a safer, cleaner alternative to your traditional fireplace? Use this guide to determine the cost to convert a fireplace to gas in your home.
Ventless vs. Vented Gas Fireplaces: Which Should You Choose to Heat Your Home?
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Ventless gas fireplaces pull in indoor air and exhaust heat back into your living space, while vented models draw outdoor air and push combustion byproducts through a chimney.
Ventless gas fireplaces cost $800 to $2,600, while vented fireplaces cost $1,700 to $12,500, making ventless models the more budget-friendly option for your home.
Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient because they keep all the heat inside your home, but vented models produce larger, more realistic-looking flames you'll enjoy.
Hiring a local gas fireplace service professional provides clear guidance on installation requirements and local regulations, helping you choose the right fireplace for your space.
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They might not have the cozy charm of a wood-burning fireplace, but gas fireplaces are a more convenient (and less messy) alternative. If you pick this type of fireplace, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer a vented or ventless model. Not sure what the difference is? Read on to discover the basics of each type and figure out when it’s best to install a ventless versus a vented gas fireplace.
Most Common Gas Fireplace Projects in Homes
The majority of residential fireplace projects involve hiring a pro to replace or alter an existing fireplace. The second most popular project is the installation of a new fireplace. The choice between a vented and ventless fireplace could affect whether you want to remodel your fireplace or install a new one. For example, you’ll need a chimney to run a vented fireplace, while ventless fireplaces are more efficient and fit into more spaces—but they’re prohibited in some areas.
A gas fireplace professional can advise on the best option for your home and safely install it.
Ventless vs. Vented Gas Fireplaces: Key Differences
When it comes to vented versus ventless fireplaces, one of the biggest differences is how they pull in air. Vented gas fireplaces draw in air from the outside of your home, then exhaust the smoke and fumes through a chimney or vent. Ventless gas fireplaces connect to a gas line rather than a chimney. To warm your home, they pull in indoor air and exhaust it back out as heat.
| Ventless Gas Fireplaces | Vented Gas Fireplaces |
|---|---|
| Combustion byproducts are minimal and stay in your home | Combustion byproducts are vented outside |
| Heat radiates into your living space | Lose some heat through the chimney |
| More affordable | More expensive to install and run |
| Not legal in all areas | Produce more lively fires |
What Is a Vented Gas Fireplace?
Photo: Ilija Erceg / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A vented gas fireplace requires a chimney or vent to bring in outdoor air for combustion and then expel gas, smoke, and excess heat from your home. This setup ensures that the byproducts of combustion don’t get into your home or impact your indoor air quality. Unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, vented gas fireplaces don’t use firewood. They often have ceramic logs or glass beads instead.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Considered safer than ventless fireplaces | More expensive to run and maintain |
| Don’t affect indoor air quality | Require a chimney or vent |
| Flames look more realistic | Less energy-efficient |
Best for:
Homes with existing chimneys or venting systems
People who want the look of a wood-burning fireplace without the mess
Individuals with allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions
Pros of Vented Gas Fireplaces
With a vented gas fireplace, all of the potentially harmful byproducts of combustion—including carbon monoxide and particulate matter—escape through the chimney. This is safer for your health and doesn’t impact the air quality inside your home, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
From an aesthetic perspective, vented gas fireplaces tend to produce larger fires than ventless models. These fires also appear more natural, creating the type of flickering flames you’d get from a traditional wood-burning fire.
Cons of Vented Gas Fireplaces
One of the main downsides of vented gas fireplaces is that you need a chimney or vent to install one. On top of that, they’re less efficient than their ventless counterparts. Vented fireplaces burn through more fuel and allow heat to escape through the chimney, which can increase your gas fireplace operating expenses.
Similarly, vented gas fireplaces cost more to install than ventless versions—especially if your chimney needs work. Speaking of chimneys, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of chimney inspections and maintenance, which can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
What Is a Ventless Gas Fireplace?
Photo: PC Photography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A ventless or vent-free gas fireplace hooks up to a gas line to provide heating for your home without using a chimney or vent. It combusts air from inside your home, then pushes the heat out into the room it’s in. With no external venting, these fireplaces release the residual byproducts from combustion into your home, which can create safety hazards and air quality issues. As a result, the installation of ventless gas fireplaces is not permitted in some parts of the country.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Don’t need a chimney or vent | Banned in certain areas |
| Can be installed in more parts of your home | May increase condensation in your home |
| Heat remains in your house | Can’t run for long periods |
Best for:
Homes or apartments without chimneys
Anyone who wants a highly efficient gas fireplace
People looking for a more affordable alternative to traditional vented gas fireplaces
Pros of Ventless Gas Fireplaces
Because ventless gas fireplaces don’t require venting, you can install this fireplace without a chimney. This is useful if your home doesn’t have a chimney or you’d like to add a fireplace in a room without a chimney. It also simplifies the installation process.
Another benefit of ventless gas fireplaces is that they’re energy efficient. The warmth they generate stays inside your home, and there’s no heat loss through your chimney.
Cons of Ventless Gas Fireplaces
Don’t get your heart set on a ventless gas fireplace until you check the laws in your area. According to the International Association of Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), these fireplaces are outlawed in some cities and states, including California, because they emit combustion byproducts into the home. Even though the emission levels are minimal, they can trigger health problems in people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions.
Safety Warning
If you have a gas appliance, install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, in central locations, and outside bedrooms. Check all of your carbon monoxide detectors every month, and replace the batteries on a set schedule according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Vent-free gas fireplaces also produce water vapor as they run. Without proper ventilation, this moisture can collect inside your home, potentially leading to issues with mold and mildew. You may be able to prevent this by limiting how often you run the fireplace and opening a window while the fire is burning.
Ventless vs. Vented Gas Fireplaces
Photo: Yana Dzubiankova / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Here’s how vented versus ventless gas fireplaces compare in key categories like price and safety.
Price: Ventless
Vented gas fireplaces are pricier to install than ventless fireplaces, largely because they require a chimney or vent connection. On average, a ventless gas fireplace costs $800 to $2,600, while a vented fireplace costs between $1,700 and $12,500.
Safety: Vented
Vented gas fireplaces are safer because all of their emissions leave your home. In contrast, the safety of ventless fireplaces is hotly debated since they exhaust directly into living spaces.
Options and Customizations: Tie
Each type of fireplace offers some type of flexibility. For example, vented models can be vented through a chimney or exterior wall, while ventless versions can be installed in many places, including the middle of a room. Both kinds come in numerous sizes, shapes, and finishes and can be paired with different logs and decorative elements.
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...
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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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