A direct vent fireplace (DVF) is the most common type found in homes today. These units use an oxygen gas to heat up the room and are often fueled with propane or natural gas. They are easy to operate and provide uniform heat with very little or no noise. Direct vent gas fireplace installation cost can vary depending on the brand, model and year that you purchased the unit.
It generally costs between three to five thousand dollars to install a direct vent gas fireplace. There are many considerations to make before choosing the right one. Brand. There are several brands to choose from such as Whirlpool, Deltametor and Hunter. Other considerations include appliance cost, chimney clearance, gas log replacement costs and gas fireplace installation cost.
Chimney Clearance The amount of space needed for a new or existing fireplace will have an effect on the cost of the product and the installation. For direct vent gas fireplace inserts, it is important that you make sure there is adequate space in your chimney to be able to accommodate the product before purchasing it. You should also check with your local building department for the amount of clearance that is required for your chimney. They can give you a recommended clearance value for your area.
Installing the Chimney The cost of installing a vented gas log system will depend on the brand, size and year that you purchase. There are kits that are available, which are less expensive than buying the items individually. You should check with your local building department for the suggested cost of the venting system.
Cost of the Venting System A built-in system may be more expensive than those that are installed separately. If you are replacing an existing venting system, you should consider the installation cost as well. Most manufacturers suggest that the total cost of the gas fireplace installation is between three hundred and five hundred dollars. This varies depending on the size and type of system that you are selecting. The cost of the gas fireplace installation, as well as the gas logs and venting, may be covered by your home owner’s insurance, if it is a new construction.
BTU’s and More The BTU or British Thermal Units is the standard measurement for fireplace heat. This is based on the amount of heat required for the average room. You can purchase a fireplace kit that has a BTU rating. If you have a ready-made gas fireplace, you will probably have already purchased a BTU rating for it. If not, you should measure your existing fireplace to determine the amount of BTU’s it can safely have.
Gas Inserts The gas insert is the main part of the fireplace installation cost. It is what heats the room and it is important that you get one of the highest BTU’s possible. These inserts come in various sizes. The most common sizes are those that are six inches in diameter. They are most effective when placed directly underneath the gas logs or below the flue.
Installing the Ventless Gas Fireplace The direct vent gas fireplace insert, as mentioned above, is the most direct way to vent the combustion gases from your woodstoves. You can use either the direct vent gas insert or the vented inserts if you have a vented chimney. There are advantages and disadvantages with either method. You must discuss which would be best for your specific situation.
Direct vent gas fireplace installation costs will be significantly more than vented gas logs. The reason is that the direct vent gas fireplace inserts are larger and heavier than vented inserts. This creates a larger installation and adds complexity to the installation process.
You can reduce your direct vent gas fireplace installation costs by choosing a natural gas solution. Prices are much lower then the prices associated with the direct vent gas fireplace inserts. These products also provide significant savings on your electric bills because the natural gas provides a much cleaner flame with less ash and soot. These types of products are now offered at many different retailers throughout the country. Some of the most popular stores are Home Depot, Lowes and Albertsons and you can find these products online at eBay.
If you choose the direct vent gas fireplace insert but you live in an area where there is a lot of smog or if you have concerns about how the gas may affect your home, you can also choose a portable unit. These units are built in gas cabinets that sit outside your home and contain the insert that is required for the installation process. These portable units are very easy to use and there are several brands to choose from. Natural gas prices have been going up substantially and the prices of these units have also fluctuated, so it is possible that you could save money by choosing a portable model over a built-in one.
