The cost of removing a fireplace insert depends on the type of insert that’s installed. Read on to learn why electric is cheaper than a gas or wood insert.
How to Remove a Fireplace Insert in 9 Simple Steps
Reimagine your cozy living space
Get quotes from fireplace pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from fireplace pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
COMPLETION TIME
3 hours
COST
$100–$500
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Crowbar or pry bar
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Vacuum cleaner
SUPPLIES
- Drop cloth
- Duct tape
A home's fireplace stands as an iconic centerpiece, offering warmth and charm. But, as styles shift and preferences evolve, you may find yourself yearning to bid farewell to your once-cozy fireplace insert. Removing a fireplace insert can be a great project for a handy homeowner looking to revamp their living space. Follow these nine steps, and you'll be on your way to bringing your vision to life.
Don’t Put Yourself in Danger: Let a Pro Take This On
Complex, high-risk projects demand more than typical DIY projects. They require time, specialized tools, and trained expertise to make sure the job is done safely and correctly. We made it easy for you to find a local pro—with our skilled network, you'll get the job done without the stress of doing it yourself or significant safety risks.
Prepping to Remove a Fireplace Insert
Taking out a fireplace insert should be approached with caution. The most important safety tip is ensuring the fireplace is not currently in use and that all gas or electrical connections have been turned off. It's also recommended that you review the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fireplace insert, as the removal requirements for different models could vary. If you encounter any challenges, or are uncertain about the process, seek assistance from a local fireplace remodeler.
Protect the Area
Photo: vladans / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesRemoving a fireplace insert can cause dust and debris to enter the area. To keep the space as clean as possible, lay down drop cloths to protect the flooring. To prevent debris from entering other areas in your home, tape off vents and open doorways. Protective gloves and safety glasses must be worn, due to the risk of debris in the air. If you choose, you can also wear a mask to prevent debris inhalation.
Turn Off Utilities
Photo: Evgen_Prozhyrko / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesTo ensure your safety and that of others around you, turn off any gas, electricity, or other utilities that are connected to the fireplace.
Remove Front Panel
For fireplace inserts with a decorative front panel or doors, look for any screws or brackets securing them in place. Remove these components.
Disconnect Gas or Electric Connections
Photo: karenfoleyphotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesFor a gas-powered fireplace, turn off the supply and disconnect it from the line. For an electric fireplace, unplug it from the power source.
Remove the Insert Surround and Trim
If your fireplace insert has a surround or trim that covers the gap between the insert and the fireplace opening, remove any screws or fasteners securing it and remove.
Detach the Insert
Photo: Sinenkiy / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUsing a screwdriver or wrench, remove any screws or brackets securing the fireplace insert. Then, use a crowbar or pry bar to carefully loosen the insert from the fireplace opening. This step should be done at a gradual speed to prevent damage while looking out for any other connections.
Disconnect Venting
For a vented fireplace, disconnect the vent pipe from the insert. Loosen the clamps or screws using a wrench or pliers.
Extract the Insert
Photo: Sinenkiy / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesConfirm that all connections are detached. Then, carefully slide or lift the fireplace insert out of the fireplace opening. Take the insert outside of the room and place it in a garage or outdoors. Depending on the type of fireplace insert, it may be quite heavy, so you may need assistance moving it. Then, use a vacuum to remove any debris or soot that is in the fireplace opening and its surrounding area.
Properly Dispose of The Insert
Before disposing of your fireplace insert, check local regulations to ensure that you follow the appropriate disposal method. Recycling options may be available for certain materials, while others may require a specific disposal method.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
When dealing with a straightforward electric fireplace insert, homeowners with experience in the removal or similar tasks may be able to undertake the task themselves. However, gas fireplace inserts or more complex installations require hiring a professional fireplace remodeler for a safer and more efficient handling.
Trained fireplace technicians possess the know-how to deal with potential complications, ensure the appropriate disconnection of gas or electrical lines, and ensure a smooth removal process. Safety is of utmost importance when working with fireplaces, and the likelihood of errors or mishandling of components is diminished when relying on experienced remodelers. Additionally, hiring a professional could save time and effort while ensuring that the job is completed correctly and in accordance with safety regulations.
The cost to remove a fireplace insert averages $1,500. If you're planning to do away with your fireplace entirely, the cost to remove a fireplace ranges between $500 and $4000. If this is your end-goal, hiring a professional is your best bet so they can complete the job from top to bottom.
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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The homeowners guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The average cost to remove a fireplace is $4,500, but your overall cost will depend on the type of fireplace, its condition, and other factors.
Many homeowners upgrade their old fireplace with inserts to get more heat and save energy and money. Learn more about the cost of installing a fireplace insert.
What is a fireplace insert? It’s like a traditional fire in a box—which helps keep the heat it generates in your house, rather than draining out the chimney.
Learning how to remove a fireplace can be a long and difficult job, but you can do it with a bit of experience, and the right tools.
From crackling wood-burning to electric, homeowners have several types of fireplace inserts to choose from. But how do you decide which is right for you?