The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Can You Install a Fireplace Without a Chimney?
Not every fireplace needs to cater to Santa Claus
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Electric fireplaces, ventless gas fireplaces, and ethanol fireplaces give you options for a chimney without a fireplace, each offering different heat levels and installation needs.
Expect to pay $650 to $1,000 for electric fireplace installation, $2,000 to $4,500 for ventless gas, and $2,500 to $4,000 for ethanol models.
Your balanced flue fireplace needs a twin wall pipe through an external wall to vent fumes and bring in air, keeping your home safe and efficient.
Hiring a local building professional keeps your fireplace installation safe and code-compliant, handling electrical work, gas lines, and ventilation systems correctly.
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You’ve always dreamed of curling up in front of a roaring fire with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book on a cold winter afternoon. The only problem? Your house doesn’t have a chimney. Good news: Not all fireplaces need to be vented, such as electric and ventless gas fireplaces. Some also work with a natural ventilation system that pushes dangerous byproducts outside via a pipe system in the property's roof. Learn more about installing a fireplace without a chimney.
Fireplaces That Don’t Need a Chimney
If you don't have a chimney but still want a fireplace, you have a few options. First, you need to choose between a vented or ventless fireplace, then decide on a compatible type. Here are the most popular types of chimneyless fireplaces.
Electric Fireplaces
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Electric fireplaces don't need ventilation because they heat with electricity, not gas, wood, or coal. If you don't already have a cavity, nook, or non-functional chimney, the most affordable option is to choose an electric fireplace with a fire surround and mantel in one unit. These just need plugging into the mains and anchoring to the wall. If you want something more integrated, you may need to hire a local builder to create a cavity in a wall and install an inset electric fire.
Electric fires don't produce real flames but instead use LEDs to generate imitation flames. High-end models produce realistic-looking faux flames and provide plenty of heat, giving you the ambiance of a real fireplace and keeping you warm.
If you plan to install an electric fire at the base of an existing chimney, make sure you close the chimney flue, so the heat generated by the fire isn't pulled straight up the chimney and away from your home. The cost to install an electric fireplace is $650 to $1,000, depending on the type of fireplace and how much work is necessary.
Water Vapor Fireplaces
Water vapor fireplaces use electricity and tap water to generate a more realistic flame effect. You fill the water reservoir, then the water gets sprayed into the fireplace as a fine mist to reflect light and generate a realistic 3D imitation flame. Water vapor fires tend to look super-contemporary and are often inset in a wall.
They're more costly than a standard electric fireplace, but they're often considered safer as they stay cool to the touch, apart from the actual heater portion.
Water vapor fireplaces cost anywhere from $850 to $3,500, depending on whether the unit is freestanding, how much construction work is necessary, and whether you're plugging it into an outlet or want it hardwired.
Ethanol Fireplaces
Ethanol fireplaces are popular because they generate real flames without the need for any ventilation. These ventless fireplaces burn ethyl alcohol (ethanol), an alcohol-based fuel that's sustainable and burns cleanly with minimal emissions. However, you will need a professional fireplace installer to add one of these to your home, as they tend to be inset. Installing an ethanol fireplace costs $2,500 to $4,000.
Ventless Gas Fireplaces
Ventless gas fireplaces are an efficient option for large, well-ventilated rooms. However, they are not permitted in all areas because of fears over their safety, so it's important that your fireplace installer checks your local regulations.
Because the gas isn't vented, any byproducts remain in your home. However, these fireplaces are super-efficient and burn very little gas, producing fewer emissions than regular gas fireplaces. Many people like these ventless fireplaces because they provide real flame without extensive construction work to add vents to the property. Installing a ventless gas fireplace costs between $2,000 and $4,500.
B-Vent Fireplaces
B-vent fireplaces, also known as natural vent fireplaces, are usually natural gas fireplaces that draw dangerous combustion byproducts, like carbon monoxide, upwards through a system of pipes (B-vents) that vent out through the roof. If you don't already have a system of vent pipes, this is a costly option, up to $10,000, as it will require significant pipework installation.
As you can see, even if you don't have a chimney, there are still plenty of fireplace options that add beauty and value to your home while keeping you warm. If you're planning to install a new fireplace without a chimney, consider your budget and style, and before you know it, you’ll be watching your favorite holiday movies with a cozy fire in the background.
Balanced Flue Fireplaces
Balanced flue fireplaces are another popular choice for homes that don’t have a chimney. While a permit might still be necessary for installation, these fireplaces only require an exhaust pipe through an external wall. This pipe, sometimes known as a twin wall pipe, is installed through the wall horizontally as opposed to vertically toward the roof. The pipe has two functions: sending out fumes and bringing in air to fan the flames of the fireplace.
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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