How much does it cost to repair a gas fireplace?
On average, the cost to repair a gas fireplace can range from as little as $40 to $60, and as high as $2,000 or more. How much you'll pay to repair a gas fireplace will vary depending on where you live, the complexity of the damage, and the type of material or stone that needs fixing.
In many homes, gas fireplaces have replaced wood-burning fireplaces because they’re generally a safer and equally beautiful way to heat the house. However, even though gas fireplaces pose a lower risk of fire than wood-burning ones, they can create health hazards if not maintained regularly. Signs of problems include strange noises, unpleasant odors and burners that don’t light.
What's in this Cost Guide?
- Hourly Cost of Repairing a Gas Fireplace
- Cost of Fireplace Inspections and Permits
- Cost of Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Annual Maintenance Costs
- Chimney Cleaning Costs
- Chimney Repair Costs
Hourly Cost of Repairing a Gas Fireplace
Many services charge $100 to $150 per hour. Common fixes include lighting the pilot light (about $100), replacing fogged glass windows ($200-$300) and switching out a remote ($50-$100).
Replacing wires or other components can add several hundred dollars to a service call. From the wires to the faux logs, almost every part in a gas fireplace can be replaced or fixed, allowing the homeowner to maintain the unit for many years.
Cost of Fireplace Inspections and Permits
If a gas fireplace needs extensive work, the homeowner should expect both to pay for building permits and to arrange for a city inspector to sign off on the project, which can cost between $500 and $900.
Like any project that influences the structural integrity of the home, fireplace and chimney repairs should be planned carefully and executed by an experienced professional.
Cost of Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Every gas fireplace should have a working carbon monoxide alarm to ensure safety. In fact, California law requires one in every home, which is enforced through building permits. Carbon monoxide alarms cost about $50.
Annual Maintenance Costs
Gas fireplace specialists, such as Highpoint Gas Service in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, recommend an annual fall maintenance visit, which will make sure the gas fireplace functions safely throughout the winter season. This includes an extensive check of the heating system as well as a routine cleaning.
Specialists like Hearth N’ Soul in Bethesda, Maryland, or Flame Dynamics in Rancho Cordova, California, also check for gas leaks and damage to any parts, clean the pilot, and replace the ember. The maintenance fee is usually about $150.
Chimney Cleaning Costs
Regardless of the type of fireplace, the chimney should also be cleaned yearly. Most fireplace specialists, including Rock River Chimney & Foundation in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, also offer cleaning services:
- $200 to clean a fireplace
- $220 to clean a fireplace with an insert
- $200 to clean a wood stove
You can get more on chimney cleaning costs here.
Chimney Repair Costs
The average cost of chimney repairs range from $300 to $4,000. Sometimes, chimneys become so damaged they lean, risking significant damage to the house and its inhabitants. In these cases, chimneys need to be completely removed and replaced, which can cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
